Politics & Government

Milford Legislators Urge State to Keep RMV Office in Milford

State Rep. John Fernandes and State Sen. Richard Moore recently met with the state Registrar, to express concern about the potential closure of the Milford Registry of Motor Vehicles office.

Editor's Note: the following statement was released last week by state Rep. John Fernandes (D-Milford) and state Sen. Richard T. Moore (D-Uxbridge). It concerns a proposal to consolidate RMV locations across the state, which would lead to the closure of the local office.

BOSTON – Sen. Richard T. Moore, D-Uxbridge, and Rep. John V. Fernandes, D-Milford, met with Registrar Rachael Kaprelian at the State House on Thursday to discuss the RMV’s recently released modernization plan, which may include closing the RMV’s Milford branch. Both lawmakers have raised concerns about the potential closure.

“Closing the Milford registry would be a detriment to Milford and the surrounding towns,” said Sen. Moore. “I applaud Registrar Kaprelian’s efforts to modernize the RMV, bringing the agency’s technologies up to speed and strengthening partnerships to better serve its customers; however, we must be cautious not to stifle access in areas like Milford where there is indeed a growing demand and need for in-person service. Beyond that, I appreciate the Registrar’s willingness to communicate with legislators about the plan so that together we can realize operational efficiencies and save precious taxpayer dollars, while improving services.”

“I appreciate the Registrar's good faith efforts to drive efficiency and cost savings into RMV service delivery, and pledge to work with her to accomplish those goals,” said Rep. Fernandes. “However, I will maintain my strong opposition to the widespread proposed closure of RMV branches across our region. As a direct impact of any widespread closures, the remaining or new RMV locations would be faced with a massive inflow of new clients, many area residents would be dealing with increased wait and travel times, and many disabled and senior citizens would not have ready access to services that they have grown accustomed to over the years. This would be a counterproductive to our joint goals.”

Since the announcement, both Sen. Moore and Rep. Fernandes have been vocal about the RMV’s plan as it pertains to Milford. Over the past years, both lawmakers have consistently urged the RMV to keep open its Milford branch, which was most recently renovated in 2008.

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Responding to calls from local officials, business-owners and constituents, Sen. Moore and Rep. Fernandes have maintained their support for RMV services in Milford. Acknowledging the RMV’s efforts to promote operational efficiencies through technological advances, strengthened partnerships and modernized branches, both have cautioned against reducing access.


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