Unaffiliated clerk and recorder candidate Judy Marquez, 56, and Republican candidate Kim Percell, 54, both responded to a fi-ve-question survey by theCortez Journal. One question asked the candidates to list the busy office\u2019s top needs.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe top three needs would be cross-training, retaining experienced staff and to improve public relations,\u201d Marquez said. \u201cWhen there is heavy foot traffic in the clerk\u2019s office and not enough personnel to service those customers, it creates tension.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOne of our needs will be to keep all departments updated and trained on new regulations,\u201d Percell said. \u201cI think cross-training within departments would help alleviate long lines during especially busy days.\u201d<\/p>\n
The candidates were also questioned about their thoughts on transitioning from the traditional polling place to a mail-in ballot system.<\/p>\n
\u201cMail-in ballots get to the voters earlier, they can study the issues, take their time and not be rushed,\u201d said Marquez. \u201cThe downside to the mail-in ballot is people forget to return them before the deadline.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile some voters will be comfortable with this change, others have shown concerns,\u201d said Percell. \u201cThe new required vote polling service centers should help ease some of those concerns as voters will have access to them for several days prior to and on election day.\u201d<\/p>\n
To view each of the candidate\u2019s surveys in their entirety, visit cortezjournal.com.<\/p>\n