CANDIDATE RESPONSES: Derek Buckley, Republican for town clerk

Friday, 30 October 2009 18:57

Derek Buckley, a Republican, is running for town clerk. He currently serves as town clerk.

Name and explain two ways to improve the town clerk’s office?

Two potential improvements are: Increase services by taking the office to the resident, completing the online, “always open” office; permitting residents to complete their business “anytime from anywhere” without visiting the office; and making service available through the town Web site, the mail, and to homebound seniors by expanding “home” visits. And reduce the tax burden by creating an online, self-service technology to further increase revenue and decrease expenses without reducing the service level.

Would you expand hours, and if so, would that cost the town more money?

Office hours are the same as other town departments with no lunch break. Client consultations show they overwhelmingly prefer the office open during lunch. Administrative requirements are completed from 3.30 to 4.30 p.m. Several trial openings show that weekends and evenings are very poorly attended; an inefficient use of financial and human resources. Office hours expansion requires one paid union worker, in addition to any volunteer, to complete statutory audits. This would require a budget increase.

What makes you qualified for this position?

I have eight years experience as town clerk, experience managing a multidimensional operation, and the technology background to create and maintain custom computer systems and databases. My qualifications include finance, doctorate, director of technology research, venture investing, president and CEO of a technology company, and board member of numerous technology companies and academic institutions. I have completed many courses in record management sponsored by the Connecticut Public Record Administrator and the Connecticut Town Clerk’s Association.