By Tracy Ouellette
Staff Writer
The Walworth County Register of Deeds, Cairie Virrueta, is being challenged by Michele Jacobs in Tuesday’s election.
Gov. Tony Evers appointed Virrueta, then the Elkhorn city clerk, to the position in March after Donna Pruess resigned.
Jacobs is a legal assistant with the Walworth County Corporation Counsel and previously served in the Walworth County Clerk of Courts office.
The Register of Deeds position is largely apolitical and both candidates said they wouldn’t allow partisan politics to affect their ability to do the job.
“My service will be to everyone in the community as I believe my position does not, and should not, be politically influenced or motivated,” Virrueta said.
“Political views and/or affiliation will not affect my service as Register of Deeds. The Register of Deeds office is responsible for maintaining records for all citizens as directed by the Wisconsin state statues,” Jacobs said.
Both candidates said their previous work in local government has prepared them for the position. They cited their knowledge and experience as key factors in their decision to run for Register of Deeds.
“During my time with the Clerk of Court’s Office, I was a keeper of the court records and as Register of Deeds I will be the keeper of vital records and property deeds, among other items. My experience with secure record keeping and navigating Wisconsin State Statutes will help me transition into the role of Register of Deeds,” Jacobs said.
Jacobs said her passion and experience with customer service will greatly benefit the citizens of Walworth County.
“During my 15 years in public service I have learned that it is important to listen and ask questions while helping our citizens. I may not always be able to give the answer someone wants, but I can always make sure they feel respected and heard,” she said.
Virrueta said she began her career in government with the City of Elkhorn in an entry-level position, but it wasn’t long before she advanced.
“The mayor and aldermen recognized my determination and skills, and appointed me city clerk within eight months of my hiring,” Virrueta said. “I immediately took college courses in public administration, public budgeting and administrative law to make me a better clerk.”
After her appointment to Register of Deeds earlier this year, Virrueta said she looked to improve the office and her base of knowledge on its operations.
“I sought advice from the previous two Register of Deeds and have made several improvements in the office to make it better,” Virrueta said.
Whether it is increasing services offered in the office, the challenge of reducing expenses while maintaining or improving services – a challenge I relish – or simply the joy of meeting and helping my fellow community members, it is my determination to make things better that I have and will continue to bring to the Register of Deeds office,” she added.
Jacobs said her work with the county has given her a view from both sides – government and private sector.
“I have had the unique opportunity to work with county policy from the county side and from the public side,” Jacobs said. “I will (also) take my experience as an employee into account while serving as the department head for the Register of Deeds office.”
Virrueta, who has nearly eight months of experience in the position, said she’s made positive changes to the office and hopes she can continue the work she’s begun. Some of the changes she cited included keeping the Register of Deeds office open and safe during the pandemic to allow people to access the documents and vital records they need, improved operations by implementing digital recordings and improving services by adding notary services.
“I am also working on simplifying the process for residents to file affidavits or quit claim deeds and already have a process in place for residents needing to combine parcels. I reduced the Register of Deeds’ expenses by over $43,000 for 2021 compared to this year,” Virrueta said.
