Editor’s note: We’ll be publishing candidate profiles through Saturday in advance of the general election on Tuesday.

Kate Best, Democrat, and incumbent Josephine Ferro, Republican, are running for recorder of deeds/register of wills in Monroe County. The salary is $82,167.

The Recorder of Deeds Office acts as a collection agent for realty transfer tax for the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, along with all of the municipalities and school districts in the county.

In addition, the Recorder of Deeds collects fees for the Monroe County Affordable Housing Agency, the Commonwealth Court Computer Automation and Equal Access to Justice Program. In addition, it collects archive funds for the historical preservation and archiving of all Monroe County land records.

Kate Best

Town: Stroudsburg

Background: I ran a small business in Stroudsburg from 2005 to 2014, at which point I obtained my real estate license and worked with Better Homes & Gardens. Since 2014, I’ve worked as a paralegal in Stroudsburg assisting clients with estate administration, mortgage foreclosure defense, and mortgage modifications. As a result, I’ve had the opportunity to work with both the Register of Wills office and the Recorder of Deeds office on a frequent basis.

Why are you running for office: As an estate paralegal, I’ve assisted clients whose loved ones had passed without any estate planning. It was devastating. I saw orphaned children not know who was going to be their guardian. I saw a woman in the middle of a divorce pass away only for her children to find out that the estranged spouse would be getting her assets. I know we can improve community engagement for the citizens of Monroe County.

What are your three main priorities if elected: In the Recorder’s Office, my goal would be to ensure the community has easy access to their recorded documents. I would work to improve this access by modernizing our online programs. For the Register, my goal would be to increase community engagement, forming local partnerships to bring access to low or no cost estate services so Monroe County residents do not have issues with estate administration, thereby decreasing the cost of administration for the taxpayers.

Anything else you’d like to add: There is more to this position than simply operating a minimum level of functioning. We can improve the services offered to Monroe County residents without increasing taxes. By leveraging community partnerships, we have the ability to offer improved access to the office and low or no-cost estate planning services. We also have the unique opportunity to take a page from register/recorder offices around the state and make engaging with the office easier via technology.

Josephine Ferro

Town: Middle Smithfield Township

Background: As a candidate seeking re-election, I bring a rich blend of professional expertise, leadership skills, and community service to the table. My business acumen has been honed through years of serving as a COO for a private trucking company and navigating the complex world of health care, where I managed contract negotiations, implemented billing and accounting platforms, and established specialty units within a hospital. My dedication to our community is reflected in my roles as chair of the Middle Smithfield Zoning Board and president of the Rotary Club. These experiences have deepened my understanding of public service and civic engagement.

Why are you running for office: Seeking re-election, I aim to carry forward the momentum of progress established during my previous two terms. My commitment to public service was evident even before my election when, as Deputy Register of Wills, I successfully modernized all platforms at the Register of Wills office. I have fostered valuable relationships with attorneys, title companies, realtors, and utility providers to ensure efficiency in our services. Since being elected to the Recorder’s office, I have continued to innovate and improve.

What are your three main priorities if elected: My main priorities will be public service, community education, and staff development. Firstly, I pledge to deliver efficient and accurate public service, a commitment I have upheld for the past eight years, and plan to continue with unwavering dedication. Secondly, will investigate and implement security measures that will enhance the protection of the personal information of our citizens, because we live in times where identity thieves are more devious; this is why I implemented the Record Alert System to protect the titles of Monroe county citizens.

Anything else you’d like to add: Leading two distinct county offices requires a leader who can establish and maintain relationships, manage diverse groups and agencies, both private and public, and train staff effectively. It’s a demanding role that necessitates a deep well of knowledge and experience, which can’t be fully encapsulated in a brief statement. We serve as agents for the state Revenue Department, guiding our citizens efficiently without overstepping into legal advice. As Monroe County stands on the brink of a new era with numerous challenges, it’s crucial that its leaders are experienced and knowledgeable.