Melissa Cordeiro

Political platform statement

Why I am running for this office: I am running to be your next Town Clerk to advance the office by providing greater access and convenience to our community. Given my decade of experience in that department, I am uniquely qualified to lead the office into the future. Over those years I have listened to what residents want, need, and expect. I am committed to ensuring a more convenient and open government that serves the people of the town I grew up in and love.

Position statement 1: As Town Clerk, I am committed to modernizing the office to meet the demands of our changing environment. This pandemic has highlighted the need to be creative and innovative to provide public services to our citizens. It is vitally important to improve access to public information, increase services available remotely, and provide options for people who need the flexibility to conduct business beyond office hours.

Position statement 2: As Town Clerk, I will make ALL Town Council meeting materials available online. Residents should have greater access to the information shaping the polices where we live, work, and raise our families. Currently, only the agenda and minutes are posted to the Town website. By making all meeting materials easily accessible on the internet, residents will have the facts on important town business at their fingertips--anytime, anywhere, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This will ensure more convenient access to this information and make our Town government more open and transparent.

Position statement 3: As Town Clerk, I am committed to increasing the amount of land evidence records online. With limited access to our public spaces given the pandemic, it is more important than ever to provide online access to these documents. Digitizing land evidence records ensures the protection of these documents for future generations, and also allows them to be searched remotely.

Position statement 4: As Town Clerk, I will simplify and streamline the licensing process to save business owners time and encourage economic development in the Town. I will ensure that the Town website provides users with a clear, concise guide to steps and documents needed to obtain a business license. By improving the process for both Clerks and business owners, it will make establishing and maintaining a business in Bristol easier with digital forms and online payment options. Good economic development practices should permeate all areas of town government.

Endorsements: Bristol Democratic Town Committee