Election 2026: Recorder Candidate David Norton

Continuing our “Election: 2026” series, this addition to our candidate interviews features Washington County Recorder candidate David Norton (D). Leading up to the primaries, we will continue to release candidate interviews in order to keep you informed as you make your way to the ballot box.

Publisher's Note: The Washington County Times does not endorse political candidates. Our mission is to provide balanced and informative coverage of local politics so our readers can make their own informed decisions at the ballot box. We aim to give all candidates a fair opportunity to share their views and connect with the community. This Q&A is part of that commitment to open, unbiased political reporting.

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David Norton

• For readers who may not be familiar with the role, how would you describe the primary responsibilities of the Washington County Recorder?

The County Recorder records deeds, mortgages, liens, leases, and subdivision plots, among other things. It makes records available to the public, but sometimes redactions for some documents are needed, such as social security numbers sometimes. Fees which are collected are to be transferred to the County Treasurer. Records are to be filed by 4pm.

• Can you tell us about your professional background and experience, and how it has prepared you to serve as County Recorder?

I have a BA in Mathematics from IUS, an MS in Statistics from the University of Kentucky, an MS in Industrial Engineering from Northwestern University. I was a Statistical Process Controller at Salem Kimball, and an Industrial Engineer at Borden Kimball. These show that I would be good at the attention to detail needed to make sure that records were filed correctly, and that the digitization of records would continue towards completion.

• What motivated you to run for this office?

I was contacted by someone who does regular business with the Recorder, and was concerned that someone who was capable and detail-oriented would run for the office. I contacted another person I knew who makes frequent use of the Recorder's Office, and he had the very same concerns. I checked out what was entailed, and who else was running, and decided that they were correct, that someone capable needed to be in the office, and that I should run for the office.

• The Recorder’s Office is responsible for maintaining and safeguarding important public records. How would you ensure accuracy, security, and accessibility of those records?

Attention to detail is important. I have the natural inclination to do that. One does not get multiple degrees in math without attention to detail. I would keep the current employees so no experience would be lost, and there would be a seamless transition. I would continue the digitization of past records to make the records even more accessible. I would make sure that privacy requirements, required redactions, were observed. I've been lobbying for adherence to the Open Door Law to be observed in the county since 2010 at least, which shows my long-term commitment to transparency and openness. I would make records as available to the public as timely as possible, consistent with any and all statutory requirements which might require redactions. The maximum visibility of public records would be my goal, as opposed to the minimum requirements of the law. 

• Technology continues to change how records are stored and accessed. How do you view the role of modernization and digital record-keeping in the Recorder’s Office?

We're all used to being able to find things online. The technology exists to make this possible. I would do my best to make everything available online, a continuation of past policies and efforts of the Recorder's Office to digitize the past records. AI is becoming widely used. Hopefully, it could be used to speed up the digitization of old records, and perhaps aid in the recording of new records. But human eyes need to verify, look over, everything, at least in the near future. Accuracy is more important than speed.

• Customer service is a key part of many county offices. How would you ensure residents, businesses, and professionals who rely on the Recorder’s Office receive efficient and helpful service?

I would keep the current employees. I have the two who wanted me to run for this office to give me advice and feedback. I would develop performance measures with their help to make sure we are providing excellent service.

• How would you manage the office’s budget, staff, and daily operations to ensure efficiency and accountability?

I think that would mostly be developed once I was in office. With a small staff, the issues would be unique to the people and how they work together. But the performance measures I mentioned above would be part of the accountability. I think innovation using AI could increase efficiency.

• Transparency and public trust are important in county government. How do you plan to remain accessible and accountable to residents if elected?

There should be a place to comment, complain, give advice, make suggestions, on the Washington County Government page under Recorder's Office. I will personally respond to it, to calls, emails, etc., to the office.

• What qualities, experience, or perspective do you believe set you apart from your opponents in this race?

I have the education and experience that shows I would be detail-oriented in recording records, that I would make use of the latest technology for efficiency and accuracy. I have 15 years of lobbying for more openness and transparency and availability of records in Washington County.

• Do you have any final thoughts you’d like to share with Washington County voters?

Nearly all our county offices are in the hands of one political party. As we have seen in neighboring counties, a ruling clique of one ruling party leads to corruption and self-dealing and covering for each other. An "old boy's club" or network. We're likely to continue being a county where one party dominates. But some offices in the hands of people from other parties, people not in the old boys club, is a great way to hold them accountable, or more careful. Offices such as the Recorder, Sheriff, Auditor, Treasurer, Prosecutor, can keep those in the offices which pass ordinances, budgets, and issue contracts more accountable.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to answer your questions and to ask the people of Washington County for their vote.