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Candidates tout experience in Walworth County register of deeds race

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Sue Finster

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Donna Pruess

ELKHORN — Two Walworth County employees are vying for the register of deeds position in the Nov. 6 election.

Sue Finster is a clerk in the register of deeds office, where she has worked for 10 years.

Donna Pruess is a real property lister. That department was recently relocated in the register of deeds office.

The winner will take over for incumbent Connie Woolever, a 14-year veteran of the office who isn't seeking re-election. The new term will begin in January.

Finster said her decade of experience in the office has made her knowledgeable about procedures, programs and state statutes that guide how the office records and issues birth, death, marriage and real estate documents.

She said her experience also has helped her as the office has gone through changes.

"Over the past few years, budget cuts have been felt in our office through a reduction in staff size," she said. "That is one reason I intend to keep well informed of new computer software.

"The best programs will assist both the staff and public with easier access to our documents. At one time, we took pictures of our paper documents. Now documents can be submitted electronically. These computer programs have allowed us to do more work with fewer people and become a ‘greener' office."

Pruess said technology has become a part of every aspect of the office, and state regulations govern more of the way the vital records are handled.

She would like to increase the office's efficiency.

"I would continue the cross-training of the department staff," Pruess said. "I feel that it's very important to have all employees trained in each aspect of the office functions. I would ask for suggestions from the staff to see if they have any ideas on how to make the office more efficient."

BIOS

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 graduate; Viterbo College, Blackhawk Technical College, degree in data processing.

Community service: Not applicable

Elected positions: None

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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 graduate; Gateway Technical Institute, associate degree in accounting.

Community service: Serving a two-year term on the Matheson Memorial Library Board of Trustees

Elected positions: None