By SALINA POST
In the days leading up to the Aug. 6 Primary Election, check Salina Post for profiles introducing the community to the candidates running for public office.
Salina Post sent questionnaires to the candidates asking for biographical information, initiatives they hope to champion, and changes they would like to see made.
If you live outside of Saline County check with your local elections officer for election deadlines.
📢 Early Voting Has Begun! 🗳️
Head over to the City-County Building at 300 W Ash Street in Salina to cast your vote early.
🗓️ Schedule:
Mon-Fri: 8 AM - 5 PM
Saturday, Aug 3: 9 AM - 4 PM
Monday, Aug 5: 8 AM - 12 PM
Get ahead of the crowd and avoid the Election Day rush. Saline County’s friendly election workers are ready to assist you.
🗳️ Want to see a sample ballot? Visit myvoteinfo.voteks.org/VoterView to get yours.
Tonya Mora-Diaz, Candidate for Register of Deeds
Full Name: Tonya Moran-Diaz
Age: 39
Current Occupation: Deputy, Register of Deeds
Educational Background: Attended Salina Tech for Commercial and Advertising Arts, 2003 Southeast of Saline Graduate
Professional Experience: I have been with the Register of Deeds since 2017, Deputy since 2020
What qualifications do you have that make you the best candidate for this position?
I have attended Register of Deeds & Deputy school receiving my Deputy Certificate, as well as obtained the 36 Kansas State University credit hours for Register of Deeds. While Attending these schools I have built relationships with other Register of Deeds across Kansas. In doing so, I feel as though I have built a community of support in which I can comfortably reach out for any type of guidance.
Skill building has always been a priority of mine. I have several hours of continuing education including leadership & supervisor training. These courses have equipped me with the tools needed to succeed as a better leader for the office. I am C.E.R.T. (Community Emergency Response Team) certified, which certifies me to help protect our office and community if a natural disaster happens. Other certifications I have acquired include Mental Health, First Aid, and CPR Certified. This training would prove to be beneficial in the case of a medical emergency in our office.
I recently served as a member of the County Employee Council, AMBUCS, and County Website committee where we spent 2 years planning, building and designing our website. These county councils have helped me build lasting relationships with other county members which has taught me more about their offices and important goals they work towards on a day to day basis.
My track record for the past 8 years shows my continuous eagerness for knowledge, training, and experience that will certainly not only benefit our office and county, but our community as a whole!
Why did you decide to run for Register of Deeds?
Running for Register of Deeds was an easy decision for me genuinely because I love what I do! I appreciate the history and work that goes into making sure our office runs smoothly and ensuring that the documents brought into our office are properly recorded efficiently.
My keen sense for detail is what makes me perfectly suitable for this position. Lastly, I love being a part of the Salina Community and this position will grant me the pleasure of serving to the best of my ability.
What is the most essential duty of the Register of Deeds?
There are many essential duties I feel that are important to this position. I believe the most important are ensuring that the documents recorded within the office are recorded with integrity, accuracy, proper archiving, and completeness. Being aware of new changes in the Association and following state statutes.
Ensuring accurate recordings, safely keeping and preserving records. Working closely daily with many businesses such as title companies, banks, law offices, surveyors, researchers and more.
What is the number one issue you would address once elected?
I would like to try to find more ways to help prevent property fraud. Looking into implementing more required documents for electronic recordings. Equip the general public with educational material that would help the Saline County citizens be more aware and alert of the rise of property fraud.
Thankfully Saline County has not been dramatically affected by it, however that doesn't mean it can't happen. I want to continue to find more ways to help our residents keep their homes safe from scammers.