Incumbent: Recorder's office now more modern, efficient

Even before his election to the office of Cole County recorder in 2014, Ralph Bray was involved in the preservation of buildings, objects and documents.

For 34 years, Bray was the state historical architect at Missouri State Parks. With that experience, Bray said it was a natural fit for him to serve in the office of Recorder of Deeds.

"I am proud of today's professional, modern and efficient recorder's office, and the new technology and services introduced over the last three plus years I've been in office," he said.

The single biggest issue Bray said the office is dealing with is to continue to stay modern and efficient.

"During my first election in 2014, I stated that I was the right choice for the office, and I feel that way again," he said. "I don't want us to reverse course and return to old office practices."

Part of the modernization Bray said that has happened is adding online search option and accepting credit cards for payment of services. He also said he was proud bring back regular office hours for the public.

"We also have a healthy reserve fund to protect against any disasters or unforeseen expenses," he said.

If re-elected to office, Bray pledges to do more projects to preserve old record books and convert more office data to digital along with a major update to the recorder's website.

"The staff and I want everyone to use the recorder's office to have friendly and positive experiences," he said.

As of April 9, Bray's campaign committee, Citizens to Elect Ralph Bray, had filed paperwork with the Missouri Ethics Commission which shows "neither the aggregate amount of contributions received nor the aggregate amount of expenditures made by the committee exceeded $500."