If you’re in need of an official piece of paper of any kind, chances are you’ll be visiting Town Clerk Lori Radke, Bedford’s queen of documents. She’s the go-to person for everything from dog licenses to marriage licenses and receives a steady stream of phone calls from residents seeking information.

In between calls, Radke found some time to tell us about the town clerk’s responsibilities, how much notice is needed to request an absentee ballot and why you can’t get a copy of your cousin’s birth certificate.

Here’s part of the conversation:

Q: What is the role of the town clerk?

A: The town clerk has many responsibilities. First and foremost, the town clerk works closely with the moderator, Town Council and supervisors of the checklist to be sure our elections run smoothly. The town clerk is the keeper of valuable information, such as vital and town records. The town clerk also oversees the dog licensing program, which is mandated by the state. There are several other responsibilities that are carried out during the day.

Q: What kind of professional or educational background is helpful to have in this position?

A: No professional education is required; however, my advanced degrees in educational technology and graphic design do come in handy. I am very computer-literate, which allows me to do my job very efficiently. My background in graphic design gives me the skills to design and produce high-quality publications in order to advertise my programs. I also produce the annual report, which can be found on the town’s website.

Q: How long have you held this position?

A: I was elected in 2008. By state statute, all town clerks must be elected, whereas city clerks are appointed. In Bedford, the town clerk is elected every three years and must live in town. Prior to being elected the town clerk, I was a town councilor.

Q: Is one of your responsibilities more central to your position than the others?

A: Again, depends on the time of the year. During election season, my time and energy is given to that task. Bedford has one of the largest number of absentee ballot requests in the state. I am the only one in the office that has the authority to process them, so it can get a bit crazy at times. Usually during April, May and June, I am dealing with dog licensing. In between all of that, I am issuing vital records.

Q: What are the most common reasons that people come to see the town clerk?

A: People call the town clerk for, it seems, just about everything. My phone rings constantly with questions about where to go, who to see, what permits are required for what. Most people come into the office for a certified copy of a vital record, voter registration/absentee ballot requests and licensing their dog.

Q: Why is it important for dogs to be licensed?

A: First, it is mandated by the state, RSA 466. Second, it is for the safety of our residents. As you know, the licensing program requires that each and every dog be vaccinated for rabies.

Q: For what reasons might a person need to access the town records or vital records?

A: Town records and vital records are two different things. Someone would see the town clerk to obtain a certified copy of their marriage/divorce, death, birth record. There are others who access town records to research previous years’ minutes, view election results and zoning changes, and research Bedford’s history.

Q: What is the proper procedure for requesting information from the town’s vital records?

A: RSA 5-C:9 Disclosure of Information from Vital Records explains it quite well: “In order to protect the integrity of vital records, to ensure their proper use and to ensure the efficient and proper administration of the system of vital statistics, the registrar or the custodian of permanent local records shall not permit inspection of, or disclose information contained in vital statistics records, or copy or issue a copy of all or part of any such record unless he or she is satisfied that the applicant has a direct and tangible interest in such record.” As a custodian of the permanent record, we ask that applicants have proof of identity and a check or cash to cover the fees.

Q: It says on the town website that immediate family may request a person’s vital records, with cousins listed as the exception. Why is this?

A: Under Section 5-C:1 in the state statue referring to vital records, the definition of immediate family states: “?‘Immediate family’’ means: (a) Persons who are related either by blood or marriage and includes the following: mother; father; son; daughter; brother; sister; husband; wife; grandfather; grandmother; grandson; granddaughter; great-grandchildren; step-parents; step-children; aunts; uncles; nephews; nieces. The statute does not mention cousins or in-laws.” As far as a reason – there is none. It’s simply a state statute.

Q: How far back does the town keep records of meeting minutes?

A: From what I can find, they go as far back as the early 1900s, but what I find even more fascinating are the annual reports. The earliest one I have is 1887. All of the reports are kept in my office and are available for the public to read. Trust me, if you plan to read some of the older annual reports, allow several hours, because you could get lost in time.

Q: Can people apply to volunteer on a town committee at any time, or is there a specific time of year that that’s done?

A: The town will ask for volunteers to sit on our boards and commissions around the February time frame. It is during the organizational meeting, which is the first Town Council meeting after the elections are held, where the Town Council will appoint volunteers to sit on various boards and commissions. We will advertise throughout the year if a current member resigns his/her seat.

Q: How far in advance should an absentee ballot be requested?

A: Absentee ballot requests can be obtained until 5 p.m. the Monday before Election Day. However, if you want a ballot mailed to you, it’s best to give two weeks’ lead time in order to request the ballot, receive and return the ballot. Absentee ballots are accepted as long as they are postmarked on Election Day.

Q: How else are you involved in the Bedford community?

A: I am the treasurer for the Friends of the Town of Bedford Cemeteries, the head coach for the Division 12 (sixth- and fifth-graders) Bedford Jaguars Spirit Squad, and membership chair for the Bedford Bluffs Tennis and Swim Club.