Massachusetts has fourteen counties, but only five have active county governments. County Commissioners oversee these county governments, though their structure varies. Dukes County elects seven Commissioners to two‑year terms, with no term limits, 7 seats are up for election. The other counties, Barnstable, Bristol, Norfolk, and Plymouth, elect three Commissioners to four-year terms, with no term limits. Barnstable, Bristol, Norfolk, and Plymouth Counties have 1 seat up for election. Across all counties, Commissioners meet regularly, usually twice a month, to manage county budgets and schedules and oversee key functions such as jails and houses of correction, courthouses, registries of deeds, agricultural high schools, recreation facilities, and solid waste management.
Barnstable County's most important role is providing regional services that help our towns do more while keeping local control. Services like public health, emergency preparedness, regional dispatch support, IT services for smaller communities, dredging and coastal management, water quality initiatives, and the Cape Cod Commission all provide value when they focus on their core mission.
I believe the county government should be a partner to our towns not another layer of government. My priority is making sure the county government delivers efficient, cost-effective services that save taxpayers money while supporting the unique needs of each community.
The biggest challenges facing Barnstable County are affordability, housing, water quality, economic development, and supporting our aging population and veterans.
As County Commissioner, I will focus on practical solutions by:
Partnering with local, state, and federal officials to bring more funding to Cape Cod.
Supporting workforce and attainable housing initiatives while respecting local zoning decisions.
Protecting our environment by investing in regional wastewater and water quality projects.
Helping local businesses grow and creating an economy where young families can afford to stay on Cape Cod.
Opposing unnecessary expansion of county government and new county-wide taxes while ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly.
County services should be accessible to everyone, regardless of income or where they live. That starts with making the government easier to navigate through better communication, improved technology, and partnerships with local communities and nonprofit organizations.
I also believe we must spend taxpayer dollars wisely so we can continue providing essential services without placing additional financial burdens on residents. By keeping the county government focused on its core responsibilities, we can ensure resources reach the people who need them most.
One of the County Commissioner's most important responsibilities is bringing communities together around regional issues. No single town can solve challenges like wastewater, transportation, coastal resilience, housing, or public health alone.
I will work closely with select boards, town managers, state legislators, and our federal delegation to identify common priorities and pursue regional solutions. My goal is to build consensus, share best practices, and secure outside funding whenever possible so local taxpayers aren't carrying the full burden.
The county should serve as a convener and partner not dictate policy to our towns.
Protecting Cape Cod's natural environment is essential to our quality of life, public health, and economy. The county has an important role in coordinating regional efforts to protect our drinking water, improve water quality, support coastal resilience, and preserve the natural resources that make Cape Cod special.
I support science-based, practical solutions that protect our environment while being mindful of taxpayers and the economic impact on residents & businesses. The county should continue working with towns, state agencies, nonprofits, and federal partners to secure funding and implement regional projects that produce measurable results.
We can protect our environment while also protecting taxpayers by focusing on smart planning
