SHOTS HAVE BEEN FIRED FROM EACH SIDE
by Stacy Wiedmaier, Landmark reporter
Incumbent Chris Wright and challenger Nick Palmer will compete in Tuesday’s Republican primary for Platte County Recorder of Deeds. With no Democrat on the November ballot, the primary winner at this point has a clear path to the office.
If elected, Wright would serve a second term, while Palmer would hold elected office for the first time.
Getting to know the candidates
What is your professional background?
Wright: Before being elected, I worked in the private sector as a drug and alcohol counselor and case manager for a nonprofit. I served in the U.S. Army from 2001-2005.
Palmer: I spent more than 1,400 hours working in the recorder’s office during my summer and winter breaks while in college between 2012 and 2016. It was full-time, Monday through Friday. Retired Recorder Gloria Boyer deputized me. This provided specific privileges related to the position including indexing, issuing marriage licenses and providing certified copies.
Since then, I’ve spent 10 years in the field of pavement maintenance. In my role as a consultant, I work with customers to develop scopes and provide pricing for asphalt and concrete maintenance projects.
What inspired you to enter the race?
Wright: I was asked by my staff, supporters and my party to seek another term because of the 30% pay raise back in November. Which I am proud to have voted “no” for. Because County Collector Sheila Palmer motioned for the raise and then recruited her son to run for recorder of deeds, this did not settle well with many people or party leaders because it’s nepotism and corruption at its finest.
Palmer: The current recorder stated that he would be running for a role on the commission last April and with my history in the office, I knew I would be the best candidate. Gloria Boyer also encouraged me to run in 2022 when she retired, but the timing wasn’t right for a career change, as I was getting married.
What unique perspective would you bring to the office?
Wright: I think outside the box and do not take no for an answer. Where some elected officials fall flat is they rely too heavily on a single vendor and do not practice problem solving skills.
For example, I was told when I first took office there was nothing I could do about deed fraud. I didn’t accept that and now Platte County has some of the most modern models of protection. I have testified before state legislatures and other elected officials about how we operate in Platte County.
Palmer: I would be a recorder in the office daily. A fellow taxpayer who has real reason to protect their home’s deed and ensure it is safeguarded properly for the next generation.
What leadership qualities set you apart from your opponent?
Wright: I don’t have a Google list of “leadership qualities.” I have a proven record of efficient practices, fiscal responsibility and modernizing this office. I’ve initiated several cutting-edge programs for deed fraud protection and better services to make the recorder’s office more efficient. As a leader, I have been a trailblazer setting standards and leading the way not only in Platte County, but across the nation.
Palmer: I was fortunate to be trained and learn under the previous recorder. She taught me the kindness needed when working with the public to take care of their recording needs. I also carry the integrity to know how to work with other officeholders and represent the county with the respect that it deserves.
What would you do differently than the current officeholder?
Palmer: I would be a working recorder in my office and accessible to the taxpayer. Additionally, I would not separate ties with the state association responsible for the positions yearly required training.
I would not promote freezing of deeds to spend even more taxpayer dollars on additional recordings that have unknown long-term risk. I would also direct taxpayers to free services for deed protection with the county’s established vendor.
What are your top three priorities if elected?
Wright: I am working with county treasurer candidate Elliot Lahn and writing legislation to be presented to the Missouri General Assembly that sets a cap on how much county elected officials can raise their own pay.
To keep the same efficient and transparent office that I molded and maintained for the last three and a half years.
To continue to protect the people of Platte County from deed fraud and real estate scams. As a nationwide advocate of deed fraud awareness and education, protecting your most valuable asset is my number one concern.
Palmer: I would reestablish the office’s relationship with the Recorders Association of Missouri (RAM).
Ensure any AI technology that has been touted by the current recorder is set up with a qualified vendor. I would review the terms of its supposed two-decade long contract and ensure the technology will not require the need of an offsite data center.
Work with fellow elected officials to ensure the building block of the recorder’s office helps their office run more effectively for the taxpayer.
What is the biggest concern you have heard from voters while campaigning?
Wright: The biggest concern I have heard about Platte County government is nepotism. Elected officials hiring their friends and friends’ families.
Palmer: Concern over the fact the freezing of deeds may end up being a self-imposed lien on one’s property and a person’s/property beneficiary may find it difficult to have removed.
What issue do you believe has received too little, or no attention?
Wright: The lack of communication between county government and its constituents, but this is unilateral on the fault of county government’s part. The people are demanding to be heard and have interactions with their elected leaders, but they are often dismissed and ignored.
I believe the people need to be heard and elected officials need to get off their high horse and serve the people they were elected to serve. I believe the lack of attention comes from the administration building, not the people. Elected officials need to wake up. The people deserve better.
Palmer: The 20 hours of annual training required by the current recorder has gone unprovided to the state for 2025 and 2026. This should have impacted the recorder’s annual salary compensation.
The current recorder closes the office on holidays when the rest of the courthouse and elected officials remain open. Understaffing has also caused the office to be closed over the lunch hour.
There are already systems in place to receive recording alerts on deeds with software the county currently has established.
What is one promise you are making that voters can hold you accountable for?
Wright: I believe in citizen government and not career politicians. I will not seek re-election after this final four-year term. Eight years in office is enough.
Palmer: I’ll put Platte County back in good standing with the Recorders Association of Missouri (RAM).
