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Primary to narrow Walworth County register of deeds race

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Sue Finster

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Bob Kordus

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Toni Loftus

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Donna R. Pruess

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Photo by Dan Plutchak

Voters will be heading for the polls for the fifth time this year in the Aug. 14 partisan primary.

ELKHORN — Walworth County voters will choose the Republican candidate for register of deeds in the Aug. 14 primary election.

The three Republican candidates, Bob Kordus, Toni Loftus and Donna R. Pruess, are vying to advance to the November election where one will face Democrat Sue Finster in the Nov. 6 contest.

The November winner will take over for Register of Deeds Connie Woolever, who decided not to run again. The winner’s term will begin in January.

Each candidate’s biographical information and response to questions follows:

Sue Finster

Age: 49

Address: 308 N. Jackson St., Elkhorn

Party: Democrat

Job: clerk in Walworth County register of deeds office

Education: Delavan-Darien High School, graduated in 1981; Viterbo College, Blackhawk Technical College, graduated in 1984, degree in data processing

Community service: not applicable

Elected positions: none

Major campaign issue: As a member of the register of deeds office, I will be able to lead the office from day one. I know the programs, the procedures and the day-to-day processes.

Over the years, I have had the advantage of learning from the best, Connie Woolever. She has shown me that leadership means patience, knowledge and the ability to jump in when necessary. I am willing to put in the long hours, keep up with the state statutes and review the technology that will allow us to do our jobs more efficiently and provide great customer service.

Our office provides an important service to Walworth County, and I will continue to keep it running smoothly and efficiently. It is an office I have been proud to be a part of and I will be honored to lead it.

Bob Kordus

Age: 50

Address: 320 S. Boulder Ridge Drive, Lake Geneva

Party: Republican

Job: senior program manager with CCG, Catalyst Consulting Group

Education: Milwaukee Pulaski High School, graduated in 1979; Carroll College, bachelor of science in business administration in 1987

Community service: Republican Party of Walworth County; St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church; board member and financial director of Pregnancy Helpline of Walworth County; fourth degree Knights of Columbus

Elected positions: none

Major campaign issue: I am a financial industry professional with a long career in data and financial records management. I served as vice president at Talmer Bank and founded a banking consulting firm.

I will bring the skills, dedication and leadership that led to my successful business career to serving all of Walworth County.

Toni Loftus

Age: 46

Address: W4725 Pine Court, LaFayette Township

Party: Republican

Job: accounts receivable

Education: University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Extension coaching and development certificate, various management workshops and seminars

Community service: none

Elected positions: none

Major campaign issue: I have 23 years of office management and accounts receivable management experience.

In today’s economic environment, it is important to have local governments running as efficiently as possible. It is my goal to assure that Walworth County register of deeds office continues to offer the best customer service for the residents at the least amount of cost to the taxpayers.

Donna R. Pruess

Age: 56

Address: 625 S. Balsam Drive, Elkhorn

Party: Republican

Job: Walworth County real property lister. My job is to keep ownership, assessment and tax information for more than 65,000 parcels. My department is located within the register of deeds office.

Education: Elkhorn Area High School, graduated in 1974; Gateway Technical Institute, associate degree in accounting

Community service: Matheson Memorial Library board of trustees, serving a two-year term.

Elected positions: none

Major campaign issue: Having experience in the day-to-day operations of the office. Knowledge of state statutes that pertain to vital records, recording of documents and property listing functions.

Customer service is important, along with staying current on changes that occur by computer upgrades or by state mandates.