Norman
Pierce
By Eamon Baird
TROY — David E. Norman and Samuel J. Pierce face off as write-in candidates for Miami County recorder in the 2024 election.
The position opened after Jessica Lopez resigned and accepted the job of assistant county prosecutor. The Miami County Commissioners appointed Norman as interim county recorder for the remainder of Lopez’s term on Aug. 29.
Lopez’s resignation was past the deadline for any potential candidate to appear on the November ballot; therefore, voters must write-in their preferred candidate’s name for the vote to count.
Miami Valley Today sent a questionnaire to each candidate so community members can get to know each nominee before the election on Nov. 5.
Norman resides in Staunton Township with his wife of 45 years and is a father of three and grandfather of six. He has an associate’s degree in criminal justice from Clark State Community College and a Bachelor of Science from Park University.
Pierce is also married and a father of three children currently in Troy schools. He has a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration from Franklin University and an Associate of Applied Science in Physical Therapy Assistant from Edison State Community College.
Why are you running for office?
Norman: I believe that public service is about doing the job in front of you and serving others to the best of one’s ability. I still have the desire to serve our community as our county recorder.
Pierce: I am seeking election as county recorder to serve my community by modernizing the office and improving online access to all county records. This initiative will enhance transparency and efficiency, making it easier for residents to find information. Building on the groundwork laid by Recorder Lopez, my goal is to implement essential improvements, including streamlining record requests, improving public access, and enhancing veteran services.
What makes you the choice to serve as the county recorder?
Norman: As the Jail Administrator for the Miami County Sheriff’s Office, I gained the necessary experience working within the budget the Miami County Sheriff received for the county jail and managed a team of fifty correction officers. I also worked with the Sheriff and the Miami County Commissioners to secure services for the inmates which included commissary, medical services, phone, and food services. I’m the only candidate that is familiar with all aspects of county operations from how the county budget is created and implemented, how to operate the county payroll system, and how to use the county’s maintenance and IT services.
Pierce: As a member of the City Council in Troy since 2021, I believe I am the best candidate for recorder due to my strong commitment to community service, citizen engagement, and a clear vision for modernizing the office. I prioritize transparency and efficiency, fully understanding the needs of Miami County residents. Additionally, I will focus on educating the community about title land loss to empower citizens with knowledge about their rights. My dedication to fostering an accessible and efficient office will ensure that all residents can easily access information and improve veteran services.
In your words, what are the essential duties of a county recorder?
Norman: The county recorder is responsible for the safety and security of every document pertaining to the conveyance and encumbrance of land within the county. Every person deserves to feel secure in their own home and the accurate recording of vital real estate documents is an important part of that process.
Every county recorder is responsible for enforcing over a thousand sections of the Ohio Revised Code and every recorder needs to take great care to ensure that every document received is accurately filed, recorded, and indexed. The recorder maintains permanent land records, records them in archival form, and makes them accessible to the public. Additionally, the county recorder can provide fraud alerts to citizens concerning their property and help our veterans with making a permanent copy of their DD214.
Pierce: The county recorder must collaborate with other elected officials to fulfill essential duties. According to the Ohio Revised Code, these duties include:
1) Responsibility for making a complete, accurate, and permanent record of every document related to the conveyance and encumbrance of land within the county. This includes deeds, mortgages, leases, land contracts, easements, and right of ways.
2) Maintaining and preserving permanent land records for public access.
3) Filing, recording, and indexing documents for easy retrieval.
4) Ensuring compliance with legal requirements for document recording.
5) Recording military discharge records for veterans.
What qualifications or experience do you have to serve in this position?
Norman: I have 30 years of experience in the Marine Corps and 21 years of working for the Miami County Sheriff’s Office. As the Jail Administrator for the Sheriff’s Office, I gained the necessary experience working within the budget the Sheriff received for the county jail. I also worked with the Sheriff and the commissioners to secure services for the inmates which included commissary, medical services, phone, and food services. I’m the only candidate who is familiar with the county budget, county operations, payroll system, maintenance, and IT services. Additionally, I have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice Administration.
Pierce: In my professional career, I have held various titles, but the most relevant experience comes from my role as Director of Physical, Occupational, and Speech Services. In this position, I successfully oversaw a diverse team of professionals, ensuring high-quality service delivery while supporting net profitability for the company. My ability to grow the department highlights my strategic thinking and leadership skills, essential for managing the county recorder’s office effectively.
How can you improve the position?
Norman: I will continue the work of our former recorder to digitalize the records maintained by the Recorder’s Office. I will seek outside grants to offset the cost of this work, lessening the cost to our local taxpayers. I will enhance the property fraud alerts already in place. I will work with our local Veteran’s Office to help our local veterans record a permanent copy of their military discharge (DD214) paperwork and to issue our local veterans a County ID card which can be used by our veterans for discounts at local stores and other services.
Pierce: My commitment to transparency and accessibility drives me to create a more efficient office that meets the needs of Miami County citizens. With my professional background and dedication to service, I am prepared to lead the recorder’s office in a way that benefits all residents, fostering a sense of new energy and new leadership. My experience in the private sector is crucial as it has provided me with a strong understanding of operational efficiency, fiscal management, and team collaboration. These skills will enable me to implement effective processes and technologies within the recorder’s office, enhancing service delivery to our residents.
Are there any other comments you would like to add?
Norman: For 51 years I have laid my life on the line every day to serve and protect our Nation and county. I still have a need and desire to serve the citizens of Miami County as our county recorder. I believe that public service is about doing the job in front of you, and I have no desire to use the position of recorder as a stepping-stone to further my career. Rather, I have the desire to serve our community as our county recorder. I humbly ask for your support and vote to be the Miami County Recorder by filling in the bubble next to the line for recorder and writing my name “Dave Norman” on the line on the ballot.
Pierce: I am deeply rooted in our community. As a husband and proud father of three, I have a personal stake in ensuring our community thrives for future generations. As an elected member of Troy City Council, I’ve gained experience in local governance, and community engagement, and learned what it is to be a public servant. My faith and involvement in my church are vital to my life, guiding my values and commitment to service. This drives my dedication to making Miami County a better place for all residents. I humbly ask for you to write in Samuel Pierce for county recorder.
