The Massachusetts primary is next Thursday, Sept. 8. Four candidates are running in the Democratic primary for Register of Deeds; a fifth independent candidate will appear on the November general election ballot. The Gazette emailed customized questionnaires to each announced candidate for office asking them to answer two general questions: why Martha’s Vineyard voters should elect them and what their qualifications were for office. County office candidates were also asked why the job they are seeking should matter to local voters.

Candace A. (Candy) Nichols
Edgartown Democrat
Register of Deeds Candidate

Statement

I should be elected so I may serve the Dukes County community with my experience, education, and love for and dedication to the Registry of Deeds. I have 31 years researching property matters in the Registry of Deeds and 23 years managing my own business. I have the knowledge to maintain the Registry records in a safe and accessible manner. I can interact with the Massachusetts Land Court, necessary for the job as the Register, on all levels on all matters quickly and efficiently, as I am currently a land court-appointed title examiner and have worked with the land court on a regular basis. I know how to manage and update computer systems through my management expertise and I intend to do so at the Registry for both the equipment and the access to more records and documents online to go back further in time than at present and to further implement maps and plans. I will enact community outreach programs to assist the public with access and knowledge for registry records.

Qualifications

I have a management and a juris doctor law degree. I have practiced real estate law for 30 years. I have managed my own business for 20 years, which includes personnel, budgets, computers,and organization. Recognizing my expertise in land records matters the state land court appointed me a Massachusetts Land Court title examiner in 1993. I am an appointee of the probate courts in four counties for property reviews and reviews on behalf of the csourts for estates and the disabled and elderly for financial matters. While practicing law, I remained a hands on presence at the Dukes County Registry of Deeds, as this was my paramount passion. I have a real estate broker’s license. I am active in public service, for instance, providing pro bono legal service for persons who cannot afford advice on matters such as land, affordable housing and more. I was a member of the PTO and a director of the after school program. I am a proud member of the Portuguese American Club.

Importance of Registry

The voters should care about the Registry of Deeds for a number of reasons. The income derived from its recordings is vastly importance to the county and provides jobs. The county is the owner/steward of properties such as the historic Dukes County Courthouse. The Registry maintains ownership of land records and other records accurately, accessible and safely for the community. The records and maps stored and preserved at the Registry date back to the 1600s. This Dukes County history is part of the history of the United States and its birth. From the original deeds to the settlers from England to the Revolutionary War to information contained in the documents about native Wampanoag families and language to the rich history of Oak Bluffs and its planned neighborhoods, the history of the county is preserved though the Registry records for prosperity. There are still stories unfolding such as the Mayhew-Hancock-Whiting house project. These records at the Registry of Deeds are precious.