Deborah Barlow for Register of Deeds

**IMPORTANT POST**

I had originally posted this article yesterday without reading it fully because I knew all of my responses and I stand by them fully. I did not realize at the time that what I considered an important question was left out of the publication. I have also been made aware that there was never a public statement made informing taxpayers that this issue occurred and I find that part to be especially negligent. Know who and what you are voting for before March 5th!

Question: What are some of the most significant challenges facing the Wilkes Register of Deeds office and how will you address them?

My response: This year the Wilkes County Register of Deed’s online portal was hijacked by online hackers, held for ransom and subsequently shut down. It would be in the best interest of our local businesses and for the privacy of our citizens to ensure that funds are assigned to the safeguarding of their records. As technology progresses we need to ensure that our online software is evolving with the changing times for both ease of access and security.

It is not my assertion that this could not occur in the future with different protections and security because there will always be people able to crack the next best code and do nefarious things. It is however my assertion that if I were in charge of this office you would have heard from me. I would have been embarrassed and I would have done everything in my power to make it right but more importantly I would have taken ownership of this breech of privacy.

This is one example of what I mean when I say this office needs leadership and accountability.

Please share if you think this is information the public was entitled to.

Smithey-Barlow race decides register of deeds

Hello Wilkes County, I'm Deborah Barlow and I am campaigning for the position of Wilkes County Register of Deeds. Welcome to my campaign page!

I was born and raised in this beautiful county and my love for it has only grown stronger over the years. I've watched our community expand and evolve, and I believe it's time for our systems to do the same.

I'm not a career politician and never thought I'd find myself in politics, but my love for our Wilkes County and my desire to see it succeed have led me here. I'm excited about the opportunity to serve you and I hope you'll join me in moving towards a brighter future. I've seen firsthand the need for a present, reliable, and accessible leader in the office of Register of Deeds, and I'm ready to step up and fill that role.

I'm a firm believer in the power of community. I'm always available to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and work with you to make our town the best it can be.

Thank you for taking the time to get to know me. I'm looking forward to getting to know you, too, and working together to make our county a place we're all proud to call home.