Our Clerk’s Office Can Be More Convenient for Everyone

Our town can no longer ignore the need for modernization to improve the Town Clerk’s office. We are like a rotary phone in a smartphone world, outdated and capable of so much more.

Over the past several months, I have offered my ideas and vision for how our Town Clerk’s office can be improved and modernized, not only within the pages of this publication but by meeting thousands of people as I have knocked on their doors.

I believe we can make access, convenience and preservation the foundation of this vitally important office by improving access to public information online, increasing services available remotely, and making additional efforts into preserving our history. As modern technology advances, we should too, using resources that have already been bought and paid for by Bristol’s taxpayers. Together, we can make this office convenient for everyone and I am asking for your support.

Melissa Cordeiro

Ms. Cordeiro is a Democratic candidate for Bristol Town Clerk.

As seen in the November 1, 2018 Bristol Phoenix 

Payments Online / Tech in Town Hall

As your Town Clerk, I will utilize the technology that our tax dollars have already paid for to save people an unnecessary trip to Town Hall. Over the past 10 years I have learned that customers not only want to pay for goods and services online but have come to expect the convenience of such payment options. It is absurd that residents can renew their driver’s licenses online and yet can’t do the same for a $6 dog license. Payments, licenses, records, permits, and access to reports are just a small fraction of the requests handled by the Town Clerks office that could be transitioned online to make residents and taxpayers lives easier. Adding this functionality takes nothing away from those who prefer to do business in person, it simply provides another option for people who need flexibility to conduct business beyond office hours.

Melissa Cordeiro, a Democratic candidate for Town Clerk

As seen in the October 17, 2018 Bristol Phoenix 

Online Access Gives Taxpayers Greater Insight into How Their Tax Dollars Are Spent.

Every year the Town of Bristol contracts with companies to deliver goods and services to its citizens. These bids and subsequent awards are how taxpayers’ money gets transformed into road paving, drainage projects, building maintenance and repairs, and other projects.

As a lifelong resident, I care deeply about Bristol’s future and I believe the Town Clerk’s Office has an opportunity to positively impact the Town’s ability to make well-informed decisions. Town bids are now posted to the city of Newport bidding system, which requires registering as a vendor to gain access.

I propose using existing technology in Town Hall to make bid information available on the Town website to everyone, not only bid participants, giving taxpayers greater insight into where and how their tax dollars are being spent. An open government is an essential element of a free and democratic society, one which the residents of Bristol deserve.

Melissa Cordeiro

Ms. Cordeiro is a Democrat running for Bristol Town Clerk.

As seen in the October 11, 2018 Bristol Phoenix 

Town Clerk should be an Advocate for the People

I understand clearly what the role of Council Clerk is in Bristol. Unfortunately, my opponent does not understand that as the Town Clerk, he must be an advocate for the people he represents.

He claims in his statement published on Sept. 27 that the Council decided it was “not a good idea” to post supporting Council documents on the Town’s website and was asked to “limit online access.” Why wasn’t this a red flag? Why didn’t my opponent use his office to challenge the Council in the pages of this newspaper to make these documents easier to access?

My opponent claims to be a “public servant” but a Town Clerk is not serving the public by being unwilling to challenge limits placed on access to public documents. I am committed to open government and will fight for the public’s right to have 24/7 access online as well as in the Clerk’s office. 

Melissa Cordeiro

Ms. Cordeiro is a Democratic candidate for Bristol Town Clerk.

Digitize Bristol’s Land Records

The Town of Bristol has a rich history that spans three centuries. It is the responsibility of the Town Clerk to maintain and preserve our public records and to act in the best interest of the community. Land Evidence records in Bristol date back to 1680, and yet documents can only be viewed online from 2005 to present. This is unacceptable when neighboring Tiverton’s online records go back to 1958, Warren’s go back to 1950, and Portsmouth’s go back to 1948. We are 50 years behind our neighbors in digitizing records. As your Town Clerk, I am committed to using technology our tax dollars have already paid for to increase the number of land evidence records available online. Through this effort we will be keeping with our town’s commitment to preservation. Digitizing land records ensures the protection of these documents for future generations. Access, convenience, and preservation should be the hallmarks of our Town Clerk’s Office.

Melissa Cordeiro

Ms. Cordeiro is a Democratic candidate for Bristol Town Clerk.

Post ALL Town Council Meeting Materials Online

Bristol residents should have greater access to the information shaping the policies where we live, work, and raise our families. A professional, service-oriented and transparent Town Clerk’s office would ensure that residents are better informed about the day-to-day business of our town’s government.

To increase access, I propose making ALL Town Council meeting materials available online. Currently, only the agendas and minutes are posted to the town website. If an individual wants to take an in-depth look at any issue on the agenda prior to meetings, they must request to see supporting documentation in-person at Town Hall.

By making all meeting materials easily accessible on the internet, residents will have the facts on important town business at their fingertips — anywhere, anytime, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If elected, I will ensure more convenient access to this information to make our Town government more open.

Melissa Cordeiro

Ms. Cordeiro is a Democratic candidate for Bristol Town Clerk.

As seen in the September 20, 2018 Bristol Phoenix

Bristol Town Clerk’s Office Can and Should be Modernized

The current Bristol Town Clerk has been in the office for 14 years. In the last six elections he has run unopposed. While technology has transformed almost every aspect of our daily lives, the Town Clerk’s office has remained unchanged and is severely outdated.

Having served as a Senior Clerk for the past 10 years, I have decided to run for this position to give voice to the concerns I have heard from residents over the years. I am committed to making the office more convenient and open by using technology that is readily available.

Since publicizing my ideas for improving the office, the current Town Clerk has suddenly made it possible to get parking stickers online. This could and should have been done years ago. I am proud of the changes my candidacy has already brought to this office and I look forward to continuing to make improvements.

Melissa Cordeiro

Ms. Cordeiro is a Democratic candidate for Bristol Town Clerk.

As seen in the September 20, 2018 Bristol Phoenix