I will transform the office
Dear Editor:
On Thursday, September 8th, Suffolk County Democrats will go to the polls to nominate their candidate for Suffolk County Register of Deeds. This position has long been referred to as the “velvet coffin” – a cushy gig for a retired or ousted politician to sit back, relax, and collect a big paycheck. Suffolk County deserves more.
As a legal professional who has worked for the last 10 years with Registries across the Commonwealth, I am the only candidate who has the vision and experience to lead the office into the 21st century.
The Register is the custodian of all property records for Suffolk County, and how the registry operates matters to everyone buying a house, selling a house, or transferring property. This office should be a launching pad for fresh perspective and ideas, rather than a landing pad for politicians that are finished elsewhere like City Hall. As someone who works with clients transferring and managing property in divorce and estate matters, and with those facing foreclosure in bankruptcy, I am acutely aware of how the Registry has the potential to change people’s lives. But, the office has been stagnant for years, and much is to be done.
As Register, I will work to transform the office into a leader of consumer protection and an efficient, service-oriented agency by advocating for and implementing:
- improved access to the registry, including electronic filing services and extended recording hours
- proactive consumer protection services, such as a consumer notification service which allow homeowners to opt-in and be notified when documents are recorded on their properties
- a link on the front page of the Registry website that informs the public of newly registered plans for developments with five or more units
- advisory programs to help homeowners understand solar panel contracts, and the impact of lien provisions they typically contain
- homebuyer 101 programs in conjunction with other cities and organizations in Suffolk County.
- a partnership with the Attorney General’s office to help protect residents, especially seniors, from predatory lending scams.
- advisory program to ensuring that homeowners are filing homestead declarations when they close on their home sales, so their most important and valuable asset is protected
- lawyer assistance programs for constituents facing foreclosure or title issues
- expanded translation of registry documents the many languages spoken by Suffolk County residents
Given the seriousness of the work, and the potential to help so many, this office should not be held by a serial office seeker or career politician looking for a paycheck. I am a serious candidate, committed to showing up for work every day and believe the people of Suffolk County deserve a full-time Register who will work to make a difference in people’s lives.
I am a professional, not a politician, and I have never run for office before, unlike most others in this race. When it comes to your home, your property, and your financial security, who will you trust? It’s not just politics to me.
My name is Katie Forde, and I ask for your vote for the Suffolk Register of Deeds in the Democratic primary on Thursday September 8.
Please see my website, www.katieforde.com, for more information.
Katie Forde
Candidate for Suffolk County Registry of Deeds
Local businesses help make event a success
Dear Editor:
For years the Beacon Hill Civic Association and Historic New England have partnered on community events, such as Beacon Hill Decorating Days.
On Thursday, Aug. 11, our two organizations hosted Summer Evening at Otis House. The sold out program started off with food and drinks on the front terrace of Otis House followed by the opportunity to visit the first floor of the museum and learn about social life in Federal-era Boston. With most of the guests coming from Beacon Hill, the evening was a unique setting for local residents to learn more about their neighborhood and each
other.
We want to thank all who joined us, and most especially thank two local businesses that generously donated their goods and services. The Tip Tap Room, located at 138 Cambridge Street, provided delicious hors d’oeuvres, as well as friendly staff for set up. Vinodivino, located at 175 Cambridge Street, brought a wide selection of wines and was kind enough to provide bartending service. We would not have had such a successful event without these two businesses and their community spirit; we are very appreciative.
We look forward to welcoming Beacon Hill residents at our next event!
Shira Gladstone
Otis House Museum Site Manager, Historic New England
Patricia Tully
Executive Director, Beacon Hill Civic Association