The Best Path Forward

Thoughts on what matters to me politically

In October 2021, when the 1st Barnstable state rep became open, Chris Flanagan (CF) wanted to get together to talk about the race. We did, I said I was thinking of it, there was someone else I thought could be interested but that anyone interested should continue talking so we can agree on the best way forward. I was pretty open about what I had learned from running previously. So to me, it was left as there was more to talk about.

At no time did CF tell me, he was getting int he race right away and took out papers the next business day, I didn’t say anything at the time, you know things happen in politics, it can be a contact sport for sure. I have told a few people since in the context that from the go, this was someone I did not trust. And as someone that has always stayed active on state issues, it was not a good idea to antagonize someone that could be helpful. That was not the only issue I had, but this is not a gripe session.

And if you know me at all, you know I am involved in a lot of things. I am a state committee member, I have been on the Nauset Regional School Committee and currently on the Brewster School Committee. I have been asked by HAC to give testimony to the Cape Cod Commission on affordable housing projects. I work on numerous food policy issues. That includes worked with Project Bread, the Mass Food System Collaborative and Mass Farm to School. I have testified in person or in written format to numerous committees on Beacon Hill, as recently as going to Boston last week. I wrote the resolution in support of school meals for all that the Mass Democratic Convention passed with 98% support. I hold platform hearings on the state party platform, so we have a voice.

I work hard and know what I am doing. What is kind of interesting is that by NOT being in elected office, I can play by some different rules and openness. And I know that bothers some people. Oh well. If something needs to be called out it should. And believe me, there are a lot more conversations that stay private, as the situation calls. No one will ever tell you I broke their confidence.

So, in the context of what is going on right now in the 1st Barnstable, I have had a few people suggesting I should, think about running if and whenever there is a race to run. And I had a real good conversation with a close friend about pros and cons. It is hard work but work with the motivation that the things I think are important to quality of life, would have a relentless advocate. Nothing frustrates me more than when I hear candidates fudging through vanilla answers and not knowing or having specific things they want to accomplish.

Look, like I said, there are advantages to being outside the system too. You have more freedom to say and act on what you want. One does not need to worry about how it will play with people who can help or hurt you very directly.

This is also a really critical time. I feel the state needs to step up more aggressively in response to what is happening in Washington. It is no time to get behind thr eight ball, literally people’s lives are at risk.

I tell people not infrequently, do what you can, when you can for whom you can. That applies to me also. It is a lot to think about, and your thoughts and comments are welcome, publicly or privately. And I mean all thoughts, you can tell me what good ideas or bad ones and it

is taken in the spirit of friendship. And whatever comes out of this thought process, you know I’ll still be throwing down for all of us.