Time for Ten with Register of Deeds Bernard J McDonald III

Time for Ten is a series where we ask past and current elected officials ten questions. Because it is an election year, we have also included candidates in our series.

Ten Questions with BJ McDonald:

1. You have been the Register of Deeds for almost 30 years. Was there any doubt you would be seeking another term? Talk me through the decision to stay put.

I enjoy my job, there was no doubt I was going to run for re-election.  I still have a lot to offer and my experience at the Registry over the past 30 years makes me the best person to continue.  Serving as the Register of Deeds for three decades has been an incredibly fulfilling experience.  Over the years, I have had the pleasure of working with a dedicated team and serving our community with a commitment to accuracy, transparency and efficiency.  I am excited about the future and the opportunity to build on the progress we have made.  Seeking another term allows me to further contribute to the initiatives and improvements we have been working on, ensuring our office remains a pillar of trust and service for the public.

2. Can you remember what you were thinking when you first ran for this position almost three decades ago and what made you want to serve in this role?

Absolutely, it was 1994 and Attorney Joseph Hanify was retiring – so the seat was open.  At the time, I was working for the city of Fall River as an assistant assessor.  I was also doing some work as an appraiser and a real estate salesperson.  I had never run for office before, but I thought my work background, coupled with my facilities management degree from UMass Amherst, made me uniquely qualified for the position.  It was a very competitive race, there were many very successful and qualified people that also ran.  There were attorneys, real estate agents, city councilors, town selectmen, etc. that all ran, but ultimately, I think what put me over the top was my commitment to do the job full time.  I’ve done that since day one and I will continue to be your hands on full time Register of Deeds when re-elected.                

3. What is the most challenging part of your job?

 The most challenging part of my job is when a member of our community comes to us with a problem that is beyond our control or outside the scope of what we can directly resolve.  It can be frustrating because we are dedicated to helping our community, and it is difficult to see someone facing an issue that we cannot directly address.  However, in these situations, our staff and I focus on providing as much support and guidance as possible, whether that means pointing them towards the right resources or connecting them with someone who may be able to help.  Ensuring they feel heard and supported has always been a priority of this office under my administration, even if I cannot solve their problem myself.

4. What is the one thing you wish everyone knew about the Registry of Deeds?

 That there are two sides to the Registry of Deeds.  The majority of the property in this district is recorded in what is called the “recorded” side.  There is a small minority of properties that are recorded in what is called the “registered land” side.  The Commonwealth’s Land Court has superintendence authority over the registered land offices in the Registries of Deeds.  The Register’s of Deeds are the assistant recorders of the Land Court.  The Land Court specializes in resolving civil matters and disputes involving the ownership, development, and use of real property (i.e. Land).

5. Are there any secret staircases or rooms in the Registry of Deeds building on North Main Street?

If I told you about the secret rooms and staircases, they wouldn’t be a secret anymore.  When I started at the Registry, we were adjacent to the courthouse.  After the courthouse was relocated, the Children’s Museum was created in that space.  The Children’s Museum was the brainchild of Joanne and Jack Sbrega, they did an unbelievable job in re-creating that space.  There is a passageway from the Registry over the fire lane to the Children’s Museum.

6. Some of your recent campaign literature talks about you serving in a full time capacity. Your opponent has three personal businesses that he owns and operates, a law firm, a real estate company and an ice vending machine company. Talk to us about why you believe this position needs your undivided attention.

Thank you for bringing this up.  Serving as Register of Deeds is a role that demands an elevated level of dedication and attention.  Relationships matter.  Being at work, in the office every day is a big part of the job.  You can’t manage day to day operations while running three other businesses and a real estate portfolio. 

7.  Speaking of your opponents businesses, do you think it is a conflict of interest that he is a real estate agent and could potentially serve as the Register of Deeds?

 It’s not my position to determine if it’s a conflict of interest but being fully engaged in your law business and also owning your own real estate firm could lead to some conflicts.  That question should be left to the voters to decide.  Do you want to elect a person who has at least three other business ventures and pay him a full-time salary plus benefits and be a part time official?  Or do you want to re-elect the person that’s been there doing the job the right way, every day with integrity, respect, honesty and professionalism for the past 30 years?

8. Your campaign kick off event was attended by hundreds of supporters. After all these years, why do you think you have so much support from voters and residents?

 My family and I have been overwhelmed with the support we’ve received since we started this re-election campaign.  I believe the strong turnout reflects the trust and relationships I have built over the years with the people in our community.  I’ve spent my entire life in Fall River. My wife Michelle and I have raised our family here, our grandchildren live here, we went to school here, I’ve coached numerous sports teams over the years, volunteered, and have been to countless fundraisers and events.  I have real meaningful relationships with many people in this district.  It extends outside of the walls of the Registry of Deeds.  I appreciate and value the trust people in this District which includes Fall River, Somerset, Swansea and Freetown have had in me over these 30 years!

9. Do you have any goals that you’d like to achieve over the next term if you are re-elected?

  Absolutely, I have several goals I would like to achieve when re-elected.  First, I aim to further modernize our office by implementing new proven technologies to streamline processes and improve accessibility for all residents.  Second, I plan to enhance our community outreach programs, ensuring everyone is aware of the services we provide and how to access them.  Finally, I want to continue fostering a transparent and efficient office that residents can trust.  I believe these goals will help us better serve our community and meet the evolving needs of our constituents.  I respectfully ask for your vote on September 3^rd!!!

10. It’s Saturday night and you’re heading out for dinner. What’s your go-to spot in Bristol County for a great meal?

We have a lot of go to restaurant spots in our area but it’s election time and I can’t name names right now.  I will say that we do enjoy going out to the many area restaurants because they are fantastic!!  My favorite local dinners include Portuguese steaks, lobster, fried clams and fried scallops, chicken and shrimp Mozambique and pizza!