NEW BOSTON, TX: Candidate Forum and Straw Poll
February 20, 2010
Full Text of Speech:
I want to thank each and every one of you for coming out here tonight.
I’m Natalie Nichols and I’m running for County Clerk.
I’m a mother of four, a wife of a veteran, and a Christian Conservative.
My background is rich in Office Administration, Records Management, and Information Technology.
Before I decided to run for county clerk, I researched, nationwide, how other states view this office. Most people are aware that the County Clerk handles birth and death certificates, marriage licenses, and general document recording.
But from what I have found, the counties that operate the most efficiently are those that understand that the County Clerk’s office is the most important piece of the local economic puzzle, encompassing property records and property ownership.
The clerk’s office has to be up-to-date, reliable, and out there for people to see, touch, and feel. Even the slightest delays cause economic impacts that trickle down to businesses in the community, directly affecting their bottom line. In researching Texas counties, I’ve found that Bowie County Clerk’s office is not as advanced as other counties. But it easily could be.
For example, I’ve proposed a few COMMON SENSE, ZERO-COST solutions that will help reconnect the people to the courthouse.
I intend to revamp the current website to the highest level of transparency. In order to do that, I will put County Officials’ email addresses online to give you more flexibility and better access. I'll create a Frequently Asked Questions section so you can quickly find the answers to common questions. And I’ll fully promote Twogether in Texas: A program that allows couples to bypass the 72 hour waiting period and drops the cost of a marriage license in Bowie County from $66 to $6.
Again, transparency will become the mainstay of our website for the citizens and we’ll deliver all information in a timely manner for the benefit of Bowie County.
With regard to the Texas Open Meeting and Open Records Laws, I’ll Post commissioner’s court meeting minutes online so you can see the issues before your elected officials….and their voting records.
I’ll Post audio recordings of all meetings online. If you can’t attend a meeting but want to know what took place, you can listen at home. I’ll Give Full Notice and Disclosure of all public meetings, as required by state law, in the courthouse and on the website. And I’ll Archive public records online. This does not include birth, death or military records. Let me be clear that Texas law allows the clerk to remove Personal Identifiable Information (PII) from all public records whether the copies are requested in the office or online. I will use the authority these laws give me to fully protect your information. Your identity will be safe and secure.
I’ve offered solutions tonight, which will be part of my plan when elected this fall. But some of these suggestions can be implemented tomorrow…in a matter of minutes, and at no cost. It’s simply a matter of attitude.
Folks, it isn’t the size of the county that’s the issue. There are counties with only 1/3 of our population doing these things and more. Holding an office for years and being a nice person doesn’t necessarily make someone the most qualified for the job. But an understanding of the law and a determination to follow those laws… coupled with a willingness to learn new things in order to best serve the citizen customers does.
And my mission is to give the people of Bowie County the service they deserve. I’ll bring an attitude of transparency and accessibility to the people of Bowie County. This is about building a strong community by arming you with valuable information.
Now, two years ago… I was a mom and a wife, enjoying my beautiful family, when something sparked inside of me. I don’t know how, and I don’t know why I was so inspired, but I got involved and quickly realized that once I did, I couldn’t turn away.
I have the ability to help make positive changes in our courthouse, and that’s something I feel compelled to do.
Now I don’t have all the answers, but I’m willing to listen to find out what is important to you. I know that I’ll do a good job for you and I want to apply the talents that I have to give you the utmost of true transparency.
Each one of us has a purpose. Our job is to see where we fit best…and then plug in.
We’ve got to bring the People…back…into the government. I know in my heart that this Country was founded on a government of the people...by the people…and for the people…not above the people.
I have a plan for the County Clerk’s office. I have a vision to create a virtual courthouse to provide you with transparency, accessibility, and accountability. This plan will give you more convenience, save you time, and save you money.
But I can’t do this without your help. I need your vote in November and I would be honored to serve you as the next Bowie County Clerk.
Thank you!