County Clerk Files Year-end Reflection

COURT HOUSE – The end of 2015 closes my second term as County Clerk. The past 10 years as Cape May Clerk have gone by for me like a whirlwind. 
As a result of our ongoing efforts to preserve Cape May County’s historic public records, I was designated County Historian by the freeholders last spring: an honor and a privilege. The County Historian designation upon the County Clerk formalizes that which has been informally going on in the Clerk’s Office for three centuries.
My 25 predecessors and I have carefully maintained records for needed public access. Our historical records collection documents the people, places and stories connecting us to our past.
In 2015 we developed history-themed exhibits for:
Cape May County’s Coast Guard Community celebration.
Anglesea’s 130th Anniversary.
Whitesboro’s annual reunion.
Cape May County 4-H Fair.
History of Diversity
Our 10th Annual Archives Day “A History of Diversity” told the story of the immigrants who settled here, worked and contributed to our history and culture.
I liken our county’s diversity to a beautiful tapestry made from the contributions of many ethnic peoples. One story is that of Felix Wuerker who emigrated from Saxony, Germany in 1929 for farm work. His intention was to return home to Germany after a few years of work.
Economic, war and family conditions made it impossible for him to return until 1963. On that trip he came to realize that Cape May County was home as it continues to be for the third generation of Wuerkers who work the land to produce wine at Hawk Haven Winery.
In 2015 we saw a 20 percent increase in first-time passport applicants in our office.
We are preparing for a surge in passport activity in the new year due to U.S. Department of State predictions of an increased number of expiring passports. Our passport photo service ($5 per applicant) continues to be well received.
Real Estate Revenue Increased
Good news: Revenue from real estate recording was up in 2015.
Total receipts for recordings and transfer tax were more than $27 million (up from $25 million in 2014), $4.7 million of that amount will remain with the county treasury (up from $4.3 million in 2014).
It is notable that 29 percent of all real estate recordings were processed electronically. Technology continues to drive us to be more efficient in providing faster, quality services to the public.
Elections
There were no federal (House or U.S. Senate) or statewide candidates (governor) on our 2015 Primary or General Election ballots, which resulted in less traffic to our office by mail-in voters.
A 31.53 percent voter turnout at the November General Election gave us some “quiet” to prepare for the 2016 Election Year: the Presidential Election, preceded by special elections for Wildwood Crest, Lower Cape May Regional and Lower Township Elementary School Districts on January 26 and the Middle Township School District on March 8.
Veterans
We continue to update the Veteran’s Discount Booklet distributed annually on Memorial and Veterans days. The booklet offers special discounts from over 100 local businesses as a way of saying “thank you for your service to our country” to veterans.
The new Veteran’s Insignia on the New Jersey driver’s license is a good substitute for the county’s Veteran’s ID—veterans may now use their New Jersey driver’s license to obtain discounts.
County Adjuster’s Office
My staff of four in the County Adjuster’s Office continues to serve those committed to psychiatric treatment. Their caring and tireless work behind the scenes provides an essential service to Cape May County residents.
The most joyous part of my job is officiating marriage ceremonies – 134 for 2015 making my total 1,169 for the past 10 years. Each one is a beautiful memory.
I look forward to 2016 and the challenges that await.
(ED NOTE: In addition to the title County Clerk, the author is also County Historian and County Adjuster.)