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No. This puts far too much pressure on local election officials who are sometimes stretched very thin. We have made registering to vote very easy as it is and I see this as an unnecessary measure. Let’s restore a sense of civic responsibility and ask those who want to vote to register to do so in a timely fashion.
The legislature should support the transition to renewable energy that is not environmentally destructive. I have been a vocal opponent of ocean wind farms because of their offshore and onshore impacts on life in the seas, on the environment in general, and on human health and safety. The legislature should seek a reset and pivot to available, less damaging and destructive solutions.
The legislature should concentrate on affordable housing solutions and in general, roll back the tax burden on the residents of Massachusetts. I have heard from builders that the increasingly onerous regulatory environment in our state has disincentivized the building trades. I do not favor the state’s attempts to override local zoning ordinances.
I think the current “all expenses paid” program for migrants put in place by the Healey administration is economically unsustainable and unfair to Massachusetts residents and especially our veteran population. I support amending the Right to Shelter law. I also support the administration’s program to provide plane tickets home for migrants who wish to return to their countries of origin.
The Sagamore and Bourne bridges need to be replaced, and more attention given to small bridges, many of which are in a terrible state of disrepair. Regional transportation administrations, especially in our district, should consider downsizing their vehicles, and balance a fixed-route system with a more robust ride-on-demand model. Overhaul the Steamship Authority. It serves as a lifeline for the growing populations of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket and has experienced spectacular operational failures in recent years. The new director should be hired following a legitimate nationwide search.
I am not a supporter of same day registration. I feel strongly that Massachusetts is a national leader in voting rights, and there is plenty of time to register, either in person or through the mail, before actual local and national voting days. Like an athlete or someone studying for an exam, people who wish to vote should be prepared to do so, and have a good grasp of what candidates stand for, and what the content of ballot questions are, before the actual date of any given election. Same day registration presents an undue burden on town clerks, and voting integrity is essential to fair elections. Voters who need further information regarding voting issues should go to www.vote.gov.
The town of Barnstable is a leader on environmental issues, and it will be critical for us to promote multiple alternative forms of energy to reduce carbon emissions. We need to be mindful of our natural resources, with specific concern towards protecting our beaches, ponds, and marshes. Massachusetts is currently a key participant in the U.S. Climate Alliance, and I hope we continue to strive to be carbon neutral by 2050. I would also note that we have made progress at the Joint Base Cape Cod gun range, passed injunctions against the Holtec’s corporations petition to discharge radioactive wastewater into Cape Cod Bay. We have also made great strides in the local testing programs for PFAS.
I am very proud to have voted this summer for the Affordable Homes Act, which will immediately add $800 million dollars to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, as well as $100 million in new capital authorization to support the creation of affordable homeownership units through the state’s CommonWealth Builder program. Importantly for our region, there also will a new Seasonal Communities Coordinating Council, which will target areas like the Cape with new financing measures to help provide affordable housing for summer workers. I would also add that since I have taken office, I have assisted the HAC with over $600,000 in earmarks to create new ADUS. I will continue to in my efforts to find new and innovative ways to create affordable housing
The current Federal immigration system is clearly broken and reform is long overdue. If we are to address this issue equitably, looking at our shared immigration history is the best place to start. The Cape that I know has always been a welcoming community and we have to acknowledge that our seasonal economy, small businesses, healthcare system, and hospitality sector do not work without immigrants. For those who have been placed here due to our state’s Right to Shelter law, we have an obligation to help on a short term basis. The Massachusetts House has voted to put “guardrails” in place limiting the length of stay that is allowed to nine months.
Chapter 90 transportation money to both Barnstable ($1.9 million) and Yarmouth ($831,321) has remained steady over the past four years, which is a positive. Federal and state funding is in place for a new Sagamore Bridge, and I have been advocating for high speed rail to Buzzards Bay, with a goal of a continuation onto Hyannis in the future. A high priority of mine will be to continue to support CCRTA in their efforts to increase bus service along our busy commercial corridor during peak seasons.
