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Editor’s Note: For coverage of the primary election, The Stanly News & Press sent questions to each group of candidates. We limited their responses to 200 words per answer. Answers appear as is, with the exception of editing for grammatical/spelling errors or length. This allows potential voters to see the candidates through their own words and gives equal opportunity for the candidates to respond. We gave candidates two weeks to email their answers back.

1. Tell us a little about your background.

George T. Burris: I was born and raised in Stanly County to a hard-working family that I am very proud of. I am married to my wonderful wife Lynn and we have three amazing kids, Paige, Blair and Travis. I am a graduate of Albemarle High School and have an Associate degree in Criminal Justice from Stanly Community College and completed Basic Law Enforcement Training at Stanly. I enjoy spending time with my family, hanging out with friends, outdoor activities and trips to the mountains.

Misty Enoch: I was born in Sanford. My family moved in my middle school years to Midland to assist caring for my paternal grandmother. I graduated from Central Cabarrus High and married my soul mate (celebrating 37 years this year).
We lived in Fayetteville/Fort Bragg and had two children while finishing out my husband’s military enlistment. We moved back to Concord where my husband started his career with Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office and I started my career search.
I’ve worked data entry, customer service, personnel and banking. I found my calling with Investors Title in 1994. I started as an Underwriter with no experience in the industry. In 2 years, I was promoted to Branch Manager and tasked with opening an Albemarle Office. Within 3 years, I was promoted to manage the Concord office, a larger branch. There I’ve played a crucial role in expanding builder and commercial work for my territory. I’ve provided reliable knowledge to our clients consisting of attorneys, paralegals and lending institutions. I will celebrate 30 years of service in June 2024.
My husband and I have attended church in Albemarle since 2008.
When our children had families of their own, we decided to downsize and found our forever home here in Stanly County.

Jennie Helms: My name is Jennie Helms. I am the Stanly County Register of Deeds. I was appointed to this position in November of 2023. Prior to being appointed I served as the Assistant Register of Deeds since 2016.
I am married to Todd Helms and have 2 sons, Gavin and Nathan and step daughter McKayla. I love all sports and especially youth. I have directed several different youth sports leagues for years over the past decade. I currently serve as the booster club treasurer at North Stanly High School.

2. Why do you think you are the most qualified candidate for the position?

George T. Burris: This is a position that needs experience speaking with and assisting the great citizens of Stanly County.
With over 20 years’ experience in serving the public as a law enforcement and corrections officer I believe this will help me serve in a professional capacity and ability to help our citizens with their daily needs when working with the Register of Deeds office and its great staff.
I have experience in leadership, administrative policies, county budget and personnel growth and will use this to promote a positive vision and goals for the office. I will have an open-door policy for our citizens and take all issues very seriously and also any proactive ideas and find a better solution to any problem.
I will promote a family friendly and team environment to help everyone enjoy their position and work while at the office.

Misty Enoch: I have a variation of past employment experience as referenced above combined with my current 29 years+ experience in the title industry. Part of my current job is reviewing recorded county documents pertaining to our insured transaction (Deeds, Deeds of Trust, Assignments, etc.).
I’ve held many different level positions within my past and current employment so I’ve seen different aspects of various jobs. With my work experiences, strong work ethic, attention to detail and commitment to superior customer service, I believe I am the most qualified candidate for Stanly County Register of Deeds.

Jennie Helms: I have 7 years experience in this office. My peers recognized me at a regional workshop for being the most knowledgeable in the state. I believe that I am the most qualified person for this position simply because I am the only candidate with any direct experience. I attend numerous training sessions, workshops and classes throughout the year to stay up to date on best practices and make sure our office is aligned with all new legislation and statutes. There are currently over 4,000 laws pertaining to the work we do on the General Assembly website. It takes years to become competent in all the areas of study that are required and you must continue to learn and study as the laws change.

3. How can the register of deeds office be improved?

George T. Burris: There is always room for improvement at any office or position. We must always have a proactive approach and seek new ideas in promoting a better service and experience for our citizens. I would like to see more advanced online capabilities for our citizens while using the Register of Deeds website. I would look to accelerate all needed items and documents to make it a quicker and easier visit for our citizens. I would seek to enhance all training for office staff allow them to have more tools at their disposal to assist our citizens. Keeping with tradition of a friendly and caring atmosphere for all who stop in the office and make sure everyone knows they are appreciated, and we are thankful they trusted us with their needs.

Misty Enoch: I believe there is always room for improvement no matter how great the team. As Register of Deeds I would want to ensure each staff member is properly trained in their duties. You would want to make sure there is cross-training for each position so if help is needed, no matter the task, anyone can assist. Also, current Technology is a must for this department.
Lastly, the Register of Deeds Office maintains a lot of records and every staff/person is part of the success of this department. The staff needs to be encouraged as well as appreciated for their efforts and hard work; Instead of working harder, we want to work smarter. These are some of the things I would want for my team if I am Register of Deeds.

Jennie Helms: As the current Register of Deeds I plan to continue the same excellent customer service that the citizens of Stanly County have become accustomed to. The office has very experienced and knowledgeable staff. We are up-to-date on new legislation and training to keep your records safe.
We have a strong focus on working to spot fraud. Recognizing fraudulent identification and documents is of the utmost importance. Technology is foremost as this allows us to serve the people in the most efficient and reliable manner.

4. What does the office do?

George T. Burris: This office assists citizens with many avenues and needs of individuals and groups when dealing with real property records, marriage licenses, birth certificates, death certificates, notaries and assisting our veterans with recording their DD Form 214 needs.
The office assists with recording standards and records throughout the county for property deeds and more. The office assists with those during the great times such as obtaining a marriage license and starting a new life as a couple to the difficult times when a family needs help with certificate of death and assistance with making sure paperwork is completed properly and in a timely fashion.
The office has an open-door notary that is available to our citizens to stop by for help at a convenient time for each individual. Help our vets and their family make sure their DD 214 is recorded and their service to our great country is secured and documented and show our appreciation to each of those that served.
The Register of Deeds office and personnel has a great deal of responsibility that does not receive the appreciation each one deserves. This is a true testimony in each staff member and the pride they take in serving our citizens.

Misty Enoch: The Office of the Register of Deeds is tasked with recording, maintaining and managing the records for their county. Recorded documents can include: Assumed Names, Birth Certificates, Death Certificates, marriage license, marriage certificates, Power of Attorney; Real Estate records such as: Deeds, Deeds of Trust, Assignments/Assignment of Rents, etc. All these are public records. Also recorded are Military Records – DD214s; however, it is my understanding these records are not public. For all our Veterans’, check out the Veterans’ Discount Program under the Stanly County Register of Deeds website. Another valuable service under the Register of Deeds website is The Fraud Prevention Notification Service at no charge for Stanly County property owners.

Jennie Helms: The Register of Deeds office is responsible for recording, indexing and providing a standardized permanent record of all real estate transactions in Stanly County in perpetuity. Our office is governed by North Carolina General Statutes.
This office must be able to make decisions as to the validity of documents presented and able to identify fraudulent documents or documents that cannot be legally recorded. As your Register, I and my staff remain committed to safeguarding, preserving and providing access to and maintaining accuracy of all public records for which we are legally entrusted to, in order to secure integrity for all time.
The office is also responsible for issuing marriage licenses, administering notary oaths, recording military discharge documents as well as serving as the custodian of vital records.
The Register of Deeds office is here to serve the citizens of Stanly County and we deem it an honor to do so.