Ahead of the June primary election, the Southern California News Group compiled a list of questions to pose to the candidates who wish to represent you. You can find the full questionnaire below. Questionnaires may have been edited for spelling, grammar, length and, in some instances, to remove hate speech and offensive language.
Name: Hugh Nguyen
Current job title: Elected Orange County Clerk-Recorder
Age: 58
Incumbent: Yes
Other political positions held: Just Orange County Clerk-Recorder
City where you reside: Santa Ana
Campaign website or social media: VoteHughNguyen.com
What do you think is the most important role of the clerk-recorder, and how should that service to the county be delivered? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)
The most important role of the clerk-recorder is to serve as the official guardian of public trust by ensuring the accurate recording, preservation, and accessibility of vital records and property documents. This function protects property rights, supports the integrity of the real estate market, enables transparent government operations, and preserves essential life records such as births, deaths, and marriages. By maintaining secure and reliable public records, the clerk-recorder provides legal certainty for residents, businesses, courts, and public agencies.
Service to the county should be delivered through accuracy, accessibility, security, and efficiency. Records must be processed promptly and correctly, using modern technology that allows convenient electronic recording and online access while safeguarding sensitive information. Customer service should be clear, impartial, and responsive, ensuring all residents, regardless of background or technical ability, can easily understand and use services. Strong collaboration with industry partners, local agencies, and community organizations further improves service delivery.
Ultimately, the clerk-recorder’s role is not simply administrative. It is foundational to public confidence in government. By combining operational excellence with transparency and innovation, the office ensures that critical public records remain trustworthy, accessible, and preserved for current residents and future generations.
Which new initiatives or programs do you hope to create to better serve those needing the services of the clerk-recorder’s office? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)
To better serve residents and businesses, the clerk-recorder aims to expand access, convenience, and efficiency through innovative service delivery. A key initiative is the Clerk-Recorder on Wheels mobile van, which will bring essential services directly into communities across the county. The mobile unit will provide services such as vital records requests, passport applications, and marriage services, reducing travel barriers and improving access for seniors, rural residents, and underserved populations.
Another major initiative is the creation of electronic Fictitious Business Name applications, allowing entrepreneurs to file, pay, and complete filings online without visiting an office in person. This modernization will streamline business start-up processes, reduce processing times, and improve accuracy through guided digital forms.
Additional efforts will focus on expanding online services, increasing electronic recording options, and enhancing multilingual outreach and public education so residents better understand available services. Investments in secure technology will ensure convenience is balanced with strong data protection.
Together, these initiatives reflect a commitment to meeting residents where they are, both physically and digitally, while improving transparency, efficiency, and customer experience. By modernizing services and expanding community access, the clerk-recorder will provide more responsive, equitable, and future-focused service to the county.
Looking at the county’s yearly budget, what would you like to change about the way the funds for the clerk-recorder’s office are allocated? Which project or need, if any, has not received the funding you think it should be getting? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)
The Clerk-Recorder Department is unique in that it does not receive county general fund support and is fully self-funded through the fees it collects. While this model promotes efficiency and fiscal responsibility, it also creates challenges when property recording volumes decline, as has occurred in recent years. Reduced recording activity directly impacts revenue, limiting the department’s ability to invest in modernization and expand services despite continued public demand.
Despite these financial pressures, the Clerk-Recorder Department has maintained excellent customer service for the residents of Orange County by prioritizing operational efficiency and responsible budgeting. Continued investment in modernization will ensure the department remains resilient, accessible, and responsive to the community’s evolving needs.
How do your background and experiences make you the most qualified candidate for this office? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)
I am the most qualified candidate for Orange County clerk-recorder because my leadership combines lived experience, deep institutional knowledge, and a proven record of innovation and public service. I arrived in the United States as a refugee in 1975 and my personal journey reflects resilience, gratitude, and a lifelong commitment to serving the community I now call home. Having lived in Orange County since 1979, I understand the diverse needs of residents and businesses.
Professionally, I bring more than three decades of county service, including 24 years within the Clerk-Recorder Department itself. I have worked at nearly every operational level, from customer service to chief deputy recorder, assistant clerk of the board, and ultimately elected Orange County clerk-recorder, giving me unmatched expertise in records management, budgeting, personnel, and county operations. My appointment in 2013 followed a highly competitive process involving 900 applicants, and voters have since overwhelmingly elected me to three terms.
Under my leadership, the department has modernized services, expanded public access, reduced costs, and earned numerous state and national awards. Initiatives such as Saturday openings, mobile services, and real estate fraud prevention courtesy notices, demonstrate my ability to innovate while protecting public records and taxpayer resources.
My experience, results-driven leadership, and dedication to accessible government make me exceptionally qualified to continue serving as clerk-recorder.
As the clerk-recorder, how will you meet the diverse needs of Orange County residents? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)
I will meet the diverse needs of Orange County residents by ensuring clerk-recorder services are accessible, inclusive, and responsive to every community we serve. Orange County is one of the most culturally and economically diverse regions in the nation, and government services must reflect that diversity through convenience, language access, and equitable service delivery.
My approach focuses on bringing services closer to residents while expanding digital access. Programs such as the Clerk-Recorder on Wheels mobile unit allow us to reach seniors, working families, and underserved communities who may face transportation or scheduling barriers. Expanding online services, including electronic filings and virtual service options, ensures residents can access essential services anytime, regardless of location.
We will continue strengthening multilingual outreach, clear public education materials, and partnerships with community organizations to ensure residents understand and feel comfortable using our services. Extended Saturday hours, branch office accessibility, and customer-focused technology further support individuals with varying work schedules and needs.
Equally important is maintaining excellent customer service grounded in respect, professionalism, and fairness. By listening to community feedback, investing in innovation, and removing barriers to access, I will ensure the Clerk-Recorder’s Office remains welcoming, efficient, and responsive to all Orange County residents.