County recorder candidate Karen Richards addresses Clawson council

Karen Richards (speaker 9) introduced herself to the Clawson council as a candidate for the County Recorder's Office and outlined her nearly 10 years of county service, including work in assessor and recorder functions.

Richards described the recorder's office as busy and said past consolidation of recorder and treasurer duties had overloaded the single official. "I don't think Josie wanted it and it's just not worked out," Richards said, arguing that separating the recorder duties enables more timely and accurate recording and better customer service. She described problems she has encountered with document recording errors and delays and urged improved communications with title companies and property owners.

Council members thanked Richards for her remarks and offered to keep the candidate's information on file. Richards said she would like to ensure recorded documents are handled promptly and that owners receive timely notice if something is incorrect so problems are resolved earlier in the process.

The council did not take action on the visit; it was treated as a candidate introduction and informational presentation.