Local News

Meet the candidates for Webster County recorder

Today's edition of The Messenger provides a brief introduction to the two candidates running for Webster County recorder.

Democratic incumbent Courtney Bender Balkenede, who was appointed to complete an unexpired term, is seeking her first full term. She was the deputy recorder when the Webster County Board of Supervisors appointed her on July 29, 2025, to complete the unexpired term of former Recorder Lindsay Laufersweiler.

Republican Tina Eldal, who was the county's deputy auditor, is also running for the office.

The Recorder's Office maintains all official real estate documents and provides retrieval of these records for the public and businesses. The office also collects real estate transfer tax for the Iowa Department of Revenue and collects and reports the county auditor’s fee on transfer of property.

The office serves as a licensing agent for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources by issuing fishing and hunting licenses, and registering and titling boats, snowmobiles, and off road vehicles.

As of July 1997 the Recorder’s Office is the county registrar of vital records and has the responsibility of issuing marriage licenses, and issuing certified copies of vital records including birth, death and marriage certificates.

The Messenger invited both candidates to submit answers to a couple of questions. Their answers to those questions appear on page A7 of today's paper.

Courtney Bender Balkenende, Democrat, incumbent

Why should the voters pick you?

I would be honored to receive your vote. I am the experienced candidate and truly passionate about the work I do. My career in the Recorder’s Office began 10 years ago as a clerk, then I served six and a half years as deputy – knowing and performing the duties of the recorder – and now I serve as your recorder. I was appointed unanimously by the Board of Supervisors out of 18 applicants. Having worked every position within the office, there is no aspect of the job I cannot perform. Being passionate about what I do led me to opportunities such as receiving my certificate of Certified Recorder in August, Certified Deputy in 2024, Leadership Fort Dodge in 2023, and the NACo High Performance Leadership Academy in 2022.

I believe you deserve a recorder who is experienced and knowledgeable, transparent, fiscally responsible, and who delivers the highest quality of service and leadership for you.

What would you recommend to improve the services of the Recorder's Office?

During my first year in office, I have focused on customer service, improving access to our land records, and strengthening transparency. Because our office provides services that cannot be obtained elsewhere, I have directed my efforts on promoting a customer-focused approach to public service. I am continuing the digitization project started by my predecessor to preserve historic records while making them more accessible. I have also worked with state auditors to refine office procedures to strengthen segregation of duties and support transparency in our office. I will continue to improve our services because I care about the people. Any improvement, even a small one, will make a difference for the citizens we serve in Webster County. I am committed to continuing these efforts and building on the progress we’ve made.

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Tina Eldal, Republican

Why should the voters pick you?

I believe voters should look at my experience, professionalism and a genuine commitment to public service. I bring over 29 years of experience working for the county, along with the discipline, accountability, and service mindset I gained as a United States veteran. I know what it means to serve the public, work with people, and take responsibility for getting the job done.

What would you recommend to improve services provided by the Recorder’s Office?

My goal would be to identify opportunities to improve efficiency, customer service, communication and accessibility while respecting the employees who do the work. Changes should have a purpose: making the office work better for the people we serve. I would also like to look into what it would take to add passport services to the county Recorder’s Office.