Barb Chapman Age: 61 Address: 3268E. SR18, Flora Married to Ed Chapman; 2 children, Jeremey and Amy; and 6 grandkids Hobbies: Grandkids and landscaping

Republican Barbara Chapman, running for a second term as county recorder, said if elected she would change nothing about the office, or the manner in which it has been managed. She said everything done in the office is prescribed through state statutes. However, Chapman said if money were to become available, she would put all information in her office online for easier access by the public.

Chapman described perpetuation and didactic funds, controlled by her office but not part of the county's general fund, as necessary for her to provide the current level of service in the office. She said that level of service was outstanding.

"We practice one-day documentation," she explained. "When someone brings in a document to be recorded, we process it and return it to them by the next day."

She said the perpetuation fund, which contains approximately $40,000, pays all expenses for the office except her salary and the first deputy's salary, which are appropriated out of the county general fund by the county council. Chapman said in-office service fees collected are deposited in a treasurer's bank account. She writes a check to the auditor one time each month for the receipts. She said she does not pay expenses directly from the accounts but files claims with the auditor which are approved by the commissioners and then paid out of the appropriate line items.

Chapman said the part-time clerk works roughly 20 to 30 hours each month and serves as fill-in when she, or the first deputy, are absent. Chapman said those critical of what appears to be the number of people working in her office may be confused. She said there are many, who are "searchers," who visit the office. They sit at the computers and the microfisch machines and may look like they are working for the office, but are not.

Chapman said the revelations in the past 18 months about the county financial situation should not negatively impact her chances for re-election.

"I hope they do not," she said. "We run ourselves in our office."

Chapman said if she could change anything in county government, it would be a prevailing tension level among employees.

"In every workplace there are things you'd like to change," she said. "But you've got to get along."

Chapman said she never experienced a negative issue with the Indiana State Board of Accounts as recorder or when she was county treasurer for eight years.

Chapman said she wants voters to know she considers herself a "proven performer" because of her past experience as an elected office holder in county government. She said she believes she is the best candidate in the election for the position.