Town Clerk is between Bonilla and Anchin

Town of Hempstead voters will once again have an opportunity to chose their town clerk as Republican incumbent Mark Bonilla, running for his fifth, two-year term, is being challenged by Democrat Steve Anchin.
The town clerk is responsible for maintaining important personal records such as marriage licenses and birth and death certificates. It is also helps to process passport applications and a variety of permits for such things as fishing and block parties.

Herald: How can the Town Clerk’s office use technology to increase
efficiency?

Bonilla: The Town is consistently updating our computer technology with the intention of being more efficient. Unfortunately, many of the advances in technology today do not necessarily apply to this office as many of our confidential documents (birth, death, marriage) require that an individual present physical evidence of entitlement to those documents.

Anchin: Like any modern business the Town Clerk’s office must streamline its operations through the use of contemporary 21st century technology. I would immediately conduct a forensic audit of all functions to reduce expenses, eliminate waste and end job redundancy.
Instead of spending tax dollars on constant mailings the Town Clerk should give everyone the choice to opt for email notifications and information instead of postal service. This alone could save millions of dollars a year.
Use of online credit card payment of fees should be implemented whenever possible. Hard working taxpayers should not be required to drive to Town Hall in order to “bring completed forms, applicable fees and documentation to [the] Hempstead Town Clerk’s Office” as instructed on its website. However, for those not using Internet Technology, the tried and true practices in use today would also remain in place.

Herald: What other issues should you address that are important to your
constituents?