Lucas County Recorder Sue Rioux, a 13-year veteran of the office, announced yesterday she will not seek re-election next year, setting the stage for a competition for the open seat that could include the wife of Toledo Mayor Jack Ford, one of his top aides, and a city councilman.

Paula Ross, chairman of the county Democrats, said she recently discussed the idea with Cynthia Ford when it became clear to party insiders that Ms. Rioux would not run.

“She said something to the effect of, Oh, that is interesting. Let s talk more, ” Ms. Ross said of Ms. Ford. “I think many people will be interested,” the chairman added.

Ms. Ford, who is coordinator of an anti-drug program sponsored by ProMedica Health System, did not respond to phone calls seeking comment.

Ms. Ross said Anita Lopez is another Democrat who has expressed interest in the position. She is a member of the Toledo Board of Education and works as Toledo s director of Affirmative Action and Contract Compliance.

Democratic Party leaders will conduct interviews beginning Dec. 1.

Republican Councilman Rob Ludeman, a real estate salesman, is taking a look at the race, said Bernadette Noe, chairman of the county Republicans. Two other Republicans - Melanie Perz, a real estate salesman who is daughter of former state Rep. Sally Perz, and Perlean Griffin, a retired Toledo city administrator who has run unsuccessfully for city council - also are considering it.

“We re still having a few people making up their minds,” Ms. Noe said.

Ms. Rioux, 63, said in a statement released yesterday that she feels it is time to retire.

“Public service has been an honor and a privilege. I will be 65 two months after the start of the 2005 term. I look forward to returning to the private sector, to volunteer work, and to more personal time with my family,” she said.

Ms. Rioux cited modernization of the recorder s office “with the latest technology and old-fashioned customer service” as highlights of her tenure.

She was first appointed to the post in late November, 1990, after incumbent Bill Copeland stepped down to take a seat on the county commission. Once known as the “cradle of commissioners” because it was the office held by both Sandy Isenberg and Mr. Copeland before they gained seats on the county board, Ms. Rioux bucked that trend and stayed put.

The recorder s responsibilities include indexing, recording, and maintaining land records and other documents such as mortgages, deeds, powers of attorney, releases and assignment of mortgages, liens, leases, uniform commercial code filings, military discharges, and surety bonds.

Ms. Rioux is paid $63,195, according to records on file with the office of Ohio Secretary of State Kenneth Blackwell.

Ms. Ross said Ms. Rioux “has always been very successful at the polls, and I think that reflects that she has done a good job in the office. She has managed to both develop the technology that was available, and to keep a personal, hands-on approach to customer service.”

She made the announcement after acknowledging in August that she broke a state law by driving her county car for personal use. Not long after, she turned in her leased Buick LeSabre. She said at the time she was not aware that she was violating the law.

“The bottom line is that this is my responsibility,” Ms. Rioux said at the time.

The issue of driving county cars for personal use arose last summer after county Treasurer Ray Kest was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol in a county car on I-475 in Springfield Township. That arrest has triggered political turmoil countywide.

Harry Barlos, president of the county commissioners, also acknowledged he had used his county car for personal use. Like Ms. Rioux, he pleaded ignorance of the state law prohibiting personal use of the vehicles and is expected to be challenged in the Democratic Party primary election next March by Toledo Councilman Pete Gerken, Ms. Ross said.

First Published November 12, 2003, 1:18 p.m.