Second Candidate To Replace Retiring Register Of Deeds Surfaces

Deborah Moran has launched a campaign as an independent candidate for Northern Berkshire register of deeds.

The Berkshire Eagle reports as an independent, Moran will not appear on the primary ballot in September but will be on the general election ballot Nov. 6.

Moran says she is running as an independent because she believes the position should be nonpartisan. She is one of two candidates to step forward.

Earlier this month, Maria Ziemba, also a longtime employee of the office, announced her candidacy for the post in the Democratic primary.

The race has taken shape in the wake of Register Frances T. Brooks' decision to retire from the position, which comes with an annual salary of $115,437.

After spending much of her career in the real estate industry, Moran was hired by the Registry of Deeds as a junior clerk in 1992.

Moran was appointed by Brooks to the first assistant position in 2016.

The Northern Berkshire Registry of Deeds is located at 65 Park St. Adams and serves the towns of Adams, Cheshire, Clarksburg, Florida, Hancock, Lanesborough, New Ashford, North Adams, Savoy, Williamstown and Windsor.