What to know about the Boone County recorder of deeds candidates in Nov. 8 election

In just three weeks' time, Boone County residents will select a new county recorder of deeds.

Voters will choose between Republican Shamon Jones and Democrat Bob Nolte. Jones ran unopposed in the August primary, while Nolte fended off current deputy recorder Shannon Martin and Nick Knoth.

Jones, during a women in politics forum in July, said she had received a call asking her to run. Nolte said this summer that recorder was the only elected position he considered.

Shamon Jones

Jones has kicked her campaign into third gear following the primary in preparation for the Nov. 8 general election, she wrote in an email to the Tribune.

"I have learned more about what is possible to improve the recorder of deeds office," she wrote. "Initially, I wanted to correct past records. Now it's about preserving what we have and ensuring their accuracy for future generations."

This has not changed her passion for history and the community, she added, noting people often are surprised that a Black woman is running on the Republican ticket.

People being curious as to why gives Jones a chance to share her platform and family history, she wrote.

"People that hear my story see my passion and energy about the preservation and accuracy and protection of all records recorded in our office. My approach will be to (assess) the state of the office according to its mission, values and budgets," Jones wrote, adding she would like to work toward having the office open once a month on a Saturday to increase accessibility.

Jones touted management skills across different industries in her marketing work, personal experience compiling her family history through records, and general customer service and document digitization in her first job with FedEx.

Bob Nolte

Nolte has aimed to continue engaging with voters through door-to-door canvassing since his August win.

"We have had great conversations with Boone County citizens to let them know why the recorder's office is important, what services the office provides and why my professional background makes me the best candidate for the position," he wrote in an email to the Tribune.

Over the last decade, Nolte has honed his administrative skills as director of compliance with University of Missouri athletics, he wrote.

This included "interpreting complex regulations, developing policies and procedures to ensure requirements were met, and implementing new technologies to increase efficiency," he wrote.

All of these skills, in addition to being treasurer of the City of Columbia New Century Fund, "have prepared me to serve the citizens of Boone County as recorder," he wrote.

Nolte wants to prioritize record security, while ensuring records are still accessible, he said, adding he wants to explore any needed software or technology upgrades. He said he is committed to educating the public about the office.

"One short-term goal is to increase the services that can be accessed online, such as requesting a marriage license," Nolte wrote. "Over the long term, I will also be a strong advocate for the office staff and continue the long tradition of statewide leadership from the Boone County Recorder's office."

Charles Dunlap covers local government, community stories and other general subjects for the Tribune. You can reach him at cdunlap@columbiatribune.com or @CD_CDT on Twitter. Subscribe to support vital local journalism.

This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: What to know about Boone County recorder candidates in Nov. 8 election