Sir Winston Churchill once commented to the effect that government by democracy is flawed but that there is no better system. The same might be observed about our American method of voting officials into office.

All the way from Washington, D.C. to Bristol, election focus is upon party, person and conflict. It should instead rest upon character and professional potential of the most desirable candidate.

Now that the primaries have settled the various party candidates, it is time to reflect upon needs of each position to be voted and to analyze who best fits by intelligence, character, ethics, experience and potential; all that is much more important than the more prominent political garbage of a campaign.

Because the important office of Town Administrator is well settled this year, one needs to focus upon the second most important job of Bristol government, the office of Town Clerk.

Following from a distinguished tradition of Bristol town clerks, dating from the record long tenure of John Church (1919-1956), Bristol has been fortunate to have many outstanding town clerks. The job is complicated and more eclectic than generally recognized.

The clerk is the mechanism of the Town Council in preparation of meeting agendas, recording of debate and votes; and, if possible, the even more important role along with the Town Solicitor as mentor to the council and its individual members. The clerk is also responsible for all town records of births, marriages, deaths, and property instruments. 

For those who need guidance in all that and more, the town clerk is in effect the face of the town government for myriad matters. So, what is needed? Take consideration of the P labels. We need professionalism above politics; personality above pride; perception above politics; and performance above promises. Please vote but also apply such principles above passions.

Halsey C. Herreshoff

Bristol

Mr. Herreshoff is a former Bristol town administrator (1986-1994).