Act Local Now

Come celebrate another trip around the sun and help us kick off the campaign to elect Eric Schwaab as County Commissioner. Mother Nature will thank you.

Date: April 22nd, 6:00–8:00 PM
Location: 485 West Main Street, Hyannis, MA

Donations to the Schwaab Committee are appreciated, but not required—just come and enjoy the evening. You’ll also have a chance to sign the petition to stop the 460 West Main Street Shelter.

If possible please RSVP at eschwaab@gmail.com or call 508-419-2249 Cash bar. Free BBQ.

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I’m pleased to announce that I am challenging Ron Bergstrom in the Democratic primary this September for Barnstable County Commissioner.

I’ve been active in Cape Cod civic life for more than twenty years. In all that time, I can count on one hand the number of residents who have told me, “County government is really working well for us.”

Much more often, I hear frustration — especially about decisions coming out of the Cape Cod Commission and how they affect housing, water protections, and what our own towns are allowed to decide for themselves.

Now we’re seeing proposals for a new tax on home sales — the so-called “luxury” transfer fee — that would affect longtime Cape families just as much as anyone else.

I can say with certainty there is very little support for expanding County government. Not one person I’ve spoken with recently supports putting the County in the housing business. What people do want is for the Cape Cod Commission to do its job and protect the environment — without overreach.

Cape Codders do not want unnecessary taxes or unchecked government growth.

We are not asking for bigger regional government. We are asking for accountability. We are asking for practical solutions. Most of all, we are asking for decisions to be made closer to home — by the communities that live with the consequences.

I’ll be circulating nomination papers throughout the month of April. I hope to see you, earn your support, and ask for your vote for Barnstable County Commissioner.

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What is County Government?

What about the Cape Cod Commission?

Barnstable County has elected County Commissioners, a legislative branch called the Assembly of Delegates, a handful of departments, and regional services supporting Cape Cod towns and residents—though sometimes it feels like they mostly support paperwork and committee meetings.

What about the Cape Cod Commission?

People want a voice. And they want to be heard—especially on environmental issues and projects with regional impact. It’s that simple.

Cape Cod: Housing Crisis

Cape Cod does not have a housing crisis; it has a crisis of permission.

Permission is the silent gatekeeper. It lives in the fine print of zoning bylaws, the rigid math of bank underwriting, and the hollow promises of “affordable” programs. Together, they deliver a chilling ultimatum to the people who keep the Cape alive: you may work here, but you may not belong. You may cross the bridge each night.Cape Cod does not have a housing crisis; it has a crisis of permission.

Harwich: Finding a path

Wellfleet: Finding their voice

A bird perched on a tree branch against a clear blue sky.

Cape Cod, like the rest of Massachusetts, needs more affordable housing, but the path to building it cannot run straight through wetlands, sole-source aquifers, and the rights of communities to direct their own development.

Wellfleet: Finding their voice

Wellfleet is grappling with a pressing housing challenge. The community needs homes that are affordable for local workers, families, and seniors. Concurrently, state requirements associated with affordable housing funding are influencing density, design, and scale long before local planning can reflect the genuine wishes of the Cape Cod community.

Hyannis: Too much

Wellfleet: Finding their voice

We're building a future no one asked for and no one wants on Main Street, Hyannis. I asked Scarlet, a senior at Sturgis, to research a story on the new construction on Main Street. I wanted to know her thoughts on the new buildings and I asked her if she could interview several construction workers building the new "monstrosities" downtown.

Dont miss this date! April 22 nd from 6 - 8 pm

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