Campaign Phone
9782737627
There are several challenges facing the Registry. The most important is Cyber Fraud and the influction of AI into legal documents. I have been taking classes to keep up with the latest techniques to catch cyber fraud and learning techniques to spot AI and 'fake' deeds and notary stamps. Managing a staff of 30 people who have worked under the leadership of the same person for 46 years is also a serious challenge. The Registry just moved into the Cummings Center in Beverly to a new, modern space. I expect the Secretary of State is going to continue the digitizing of maps and plans which is a change from the past, yet protects documents that cannot be replaced. Working hand in hand with the State Archives we will meet this challenge.
To ensure that the Registry is accessible, helpful, accurate and a safe place for our real estate documents. I want to ensure that customers have a positive experience when visiting the Registry of Deeds and continue to build on the mantra of "How may we help you."
I will actively seek out employees who can speak other languages and work with other registers and the Secretary of State who oversees all the Registrys, to find accessible translation programs for customers. Having a public terminal for consumer use is a consideration. Co-ordinating some trianing and educaitonal services with various libraries in the district is a good way to reach and help folks who may not have a terminal at home.
I would like to implement some new programs and expand on existing programs for consumers which will make it easier to find their deeds and real estate documents. Strengthening the historical documents accesibility, and reaching out to even more community groups with Cyber Fraud protection programs in conjunction with the Sheriff and other community leaders.
I was raised in a home where giving back to our community was instilled in me at an early age. Both my parents were active in the community and they encouraged us to be part of the solution, not just complainers. I love public service. I am a "super user" of the Registry as a consumer and know from a consumer point of view what works and needs to be strenghtened. My over 20 years of real estate & my in depth knowledge of the courts makes me the most qualified person in this race. I hold a Masters Of Managagement with a speciality in Organizational Development which I am sure will be useful overseeing a staff who has only had one leader for 46 years. I love to work. I am not lazy. I will be dedicated to enhancing the Registry every day.
Campaign Phone
(351)231-9744
A principal challenge of the Register of Deeds is maintaining a cyber secure, redundant, zero down-time server with a 100% accurate database of deeds and plans covering four centuries of Essex County history. It’s also important that we maintain title security, enhance and promote the fraud watch program to ensure that homeowner’s title security is maintained. With the growing threat of title fraud, “squatting” and other violations of property rights, record management security at the Registry of Deeds is of the utmost importance.
To prevent title fraud and enhance Registry services by: Working with town and city board of assessors to promote the Property Fraud Program and Homestead Protection Act; Assess needed improvements in technology, online security, and the Property Fraud Watch Program to better protect homeowner’s title security; Promote seminars that educate citizens on property rights and homeownership; Ensure that all new deeds and plans are promptly recorded in the Registry of Deeds database; Add in cemetery plot records and continue to update the Veteran’s Memorial website; Make all 17th and 18th century deeds fully indexed and accessible for historical research.
There are language translation programs available, and those language translation programs, such as google translate, can be utilized with the current Registry of Deeds website. However, I would also direct the IT department to assess needed improvements with website translation services. The website should also be ADA compliant. For example, user interface that allows voice command or keyboard, not just a mouse, and making sure that navigation tabs are easy and understandable. The Registry could set up additional satellite offices in municipal buildings such as court houses and city or town halls. These satellite offices would allow internet access to the registry and on-line translation services.
I would gather input from the public and employees about how to improve on-line and in-person customer service. I want to focus on making sure that title examiners can easily access the books, not just rely on scanned images that may or may not be clear. Once again, the focus always needs to be on customer service – providing a recording room, having translation software, making sure that the home page alerts users about technical errors that may occur due to maintenance or other internet events, and staying up to date with the most current indexing standards and change journal requirements.
My years of service in the public and private sectors have prepared me for management of the Registry of Deeds. As a commissioner and chair of the Rockport Housing Authority, I managed a board that oversaw a $3 million state and federal supported budget. (The Registry of Deeds also operates with a $3 million budget). As a manager of a UPS store franchise, I managed a store that brought in half a million in sales annually. I will come to this job with those management skills and experience that will allow me to excel in the role of chief supervisor of the Registry of Deeds. I look forward to earning your vote this November. Go to www.jonathanring.org to learn more.
