Bridges seeks re-election as recorder

Friday, April 6, 2018
Tracy Bridges

Putnam County Recorder Tracy Bridges has announced her intention to seek re-election to that position, beginnning with the Republican ballot in the May 8 primary election.

Bridges brings 16 years of county government experience to the ballot. She has served the community in the assessor and auditor’s offices as well as the Prosecutor’s Office where she spent six years as the director of victims’ assistance. Currently, and for the past three years, she has served as county recorder.

While serving as recorder, Bridges has continued to grow the office by implementing e-recording which allows businesses and individuals to electronically record their mortgages and miscellaneous documents. Bridges’ plan is to implement e-recording for deeds this spring, making her office fully electronic filing friendly.

She has also continued to digitize the older county record books, making it easier for individuals to search for property records.

“This is a slow process due to working within a budget,” Bridges explained. “Records have to be pulled from the state archives and then sent to our data software company before finally ending up here where we input all of the data found online.”

Running for office in a county in which you have lived your entire life has its advantages, she said.

“I’ve seen Putnam County through the eyes of a child, student, athlete, wife, mother and a concerned citizen. I’ve watched this county struggle with the closing of IBM, then turn around and come back with new locally owned businesses and a revitalized downtown that rivals that of surrounding counties.

”I’ve watched and participated with the people of this community while we surround families in their darkest, and most trying times. Whether it is fundraiser, gas card, hug, prayer, money or just words of encouragement, this community is there for its citizens. During these times there are no Republicans or Democrats, we are a community acting as a family. It makes me proud to call Putnam County home.”

As a lifelong resident of Putnam County, Bridges has been a member of this community for 48 years. She is the mother of Carter and twins Carmen and Charlie, and is also the daughter of Dallas and Opal Sutherlin.

“I feel my 16 years in county government has afforded me an opportunity to deal with day-to-day problems, maintain a kind and courteous staff, and meet state and county guidelines while serving the public in a timely and efficient manner.”

Bridges brings to the office a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and psychology, graduating cum laude from Concordia University in Wisconsin.

“I would like the residents of this community to know I am deeply rooted and committed to this county,” she said, “and I will continue to do my part to make it a community you are proud to be a part of. I would appreciate your vote and continued support on the primary ballot.”