Springfield, IL  (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – After 16 years in office, Sangamon County Recorder Josh Langfelder, the incumbent in Tuesday’s election, is facing off against Springfield City Clerk Frank Lesko. The recorder’s office is the official land records office for the county, handling mortgages, deeds and liens.

Langfelder spoke with Capitol City Now about his accomplishments, vision for the future, and the importance of voter engagement. He also shared his perspective on his opponent’s proposal to merge the recorder’s office into the county clerk’s office.

Hear Langfelder’s interview with Capitol City Now

Langfelder was elected recorder in 2008 after working under former Sangamon County Recorder Mary Ann Lamm. Prior to that, he worked for 15 years in mortgage banking.

Track record while in office

Langfelder points to the implementation of several programs aimed at increasing efficiency and security. Under his leadership, electronic recording was introduced, allowing title companies, lawyers, and banks to submit documents electronically through a secure vendor. “This speeds up the process and enhances security,” Langfelder said.

His office also collaborates with Fidlar Technologies to provide a Property Fraud Alert program that, he said, has over 20,000 subscribers in Sangamon County. Subscribers receive notification of any recording activity associated with their name. Langfelder said there have been situations in the area where realtors were approached to sell property by someone who was not the lawful owner of the property.

The Veteran’s Rewards Program, which allows veterans to record their discharge documents, DD214, free of charge is also run through the recorder’s office. The program issues ID cards that veterans can use for discounts at participating businesses. “It’s a safeguard,” he said, noting that the program protects veterans’ privacy and provides next of kin access to necessary documents if needed to access benefits. It’s also a way to thank and acknowledge veterans.

The debate over merging the recorder and clerk offices

One of the key differences in this election is Lesko’s campaign promise to eliminate the recorder’s office and merge its operations into the county clerk’s office. Lesko’s platform slogan, “Hire Me…so you can Fire Me,” states the merger would save taxpayer money. Langfelder, however, argues that the recorder’s office doesn’t cost taxpayers anything. “The office generates revenue through fees for each recorded document, returning between $600,000 and $1 million annually to support other county departments,” he noted.

Pointing to other counties, such as Cook, Logan, Champaign, and Madison, where similar mergers struggled to deliver promised benefits or were merged due to other circumstances, Langfelder dismissed the idea that a merger would effective. He suggested that merging similar duties within the city and county clerk’s offices might instead offer savings by reducing duplication of services for those living in both Springfield and Sangamon County.

According to the Illinois Association of County Board Members and Commissioners, the Office of the Recorder is not a mandatory county office, the county clerk is the recorder in counties having a population of less than 60,000. In counties having a population of 60,000 or more, there is an elected recorder. As of the 202o U.S. Census, Sangamon County had a population of 196,343.

Future Plans

Looking forward, Langfelder hopes to continue to digitize historical records stored on microfiche or microfilm to prevent loss of records through decay known as “vinegar syndrome.” He also aims to expand identity protection services, enhancing safeguards against property fraud and identity theft.

Party loyalty in elections

While acknowledging that party loyalty can sway voters, Langfelder stressed his nonpartisan approach. “I don’t see myself as a Democrat or Republican recorder. I’m here to serve the residents of Sangamon County,” he said. A Democrat in a predominantly Republican county, Langfelder believes his record of service will resonate with voters across party lines. “I hope people see the work I’ve done and make their choice based on qualifications, not party lines,” he added.

Langfelder encourages voters to stay informed and vote in local races, which he believes have a greater impact on everyday life than national races. “People sometimes think their vote doesn’t matter, but local elections are crucial. They affect schools, streets, and give voters the ability to reach out to the officials they elect,” he explained. “In the recorder’s office, we handle property transfers, mortgages, and more. If it’s not run well, it could compromise getting a loan, paying for a kid’s college, remodeling a bathroom or anything like that.”

Langfelder concluded by encouraging voters to research candidates beyond campaign slogans. “These positions affect our daily lives. Vote based on qualifications and don’t be swayed by political gimmicks.”

Capitol City Now reached out to Frank Lesko but has not heard back.