Hi Folks, It's been a busy few days at the Sampson house and I'm still trying to catch up on things. But in scanning through today's newspaper, I found this article (yes, truly, NEW NEWS!) and thought you, as genealogists, might be interested in it also. Please understand, I am not endorsing either of these candidates (I don't live in Eau Claire Co.), but found their ideas interesting. What do you think? +++++++++ Computerization Key to Register Of Deeds Contest Candidates for register of deeds are focused on leading the office into the technological age of the 21st century. Democratic incumbent Beverly Halvorson said one of her major accomplishments as the current register of deeds is computerizing the land records office. Other offices within the courthouse and outside businesses easily can access the land records by computer modem for a fee, Halvorson said. "I have 15 years of experience and a reputation for fast, efficient service in a friendly atmosphere," Halvorson said. However, Republican challenger Monte Lokken said the register of deeds office is not computerized, and his main concern if he is elected would be to install a computer system. "The register of deeds office needs to enter the 21st century with a high-technology system such as I propose to facilitate the most effective and efficient management system and service to the people of Eau Claire County," Lokken said. Halvorson said voters should choose her again because the office has been running well under her direction for 15 years. "The staff works as a team, and I am part of that team," Halvorson said. "You can't fix what isn't broken." Lokken said he is committed to build the register of deeds office as a "people's office." "All citizens can walk in at any time and receive the information or assistance they need, or we will help them find the right person to assist them if we cannot," Lokken said. "People will find the register of deeds office friendly and accommodating." ++++++++++++ Wouldn't it be great if the vital records became computerized and we could walk in and just enter a name and get all of their info? Wow! Am I dreaming or will this someday really be a possibility? -- Nance