BARNSTABLE, MA — Primary election season is nearly here, and, in Barnstable, a special election will also determine town council spots for precincts 3 and 5.

Patch will run candidate profiles for candidates in these races as they come in. This one is about John Crow, who is running in precinct 5:

Name
John Crow

Age (as of Election Day)

63

Position sought (including ward or district number if applicable)

Town Council, Barnstable Precinct 5

Party Affiliation

Unenrolled. Party politics have no place in Town affairs.

Family

I have two older brothers. One of them has a mental disability; knowing him has broadened my perspective on life.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Muhlenberg College, Business

Occupation

Retired after 30 years at Federal Express

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Elected by my peers to leadership of Osterville Village Association for 15 years, president for last 7

Campaign website

CrowForPrecinct5.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

I’m running to give a meaningful voice to residents at a time when consequential, long term decisions are being made. Far too often, business interests come first, and residents are brought in when proposals are effectively done. (This is a matter of public record, not a personal view.) Residents merit a comparable seat at the table, in timing and weight, as developers and business interests.

I am running to increase community responsiveness, too. It is the best way to encourage public engagement on the consequential issues before us. On complex issues where reasonable people often differ, everyone deserves to understand what — and how — their views were considered.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Barnstable's compromised waters have to be the priority. The 30-year Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan is underway. I believe in an "all of the above" strategy: cost effective sewering in addition to fast, innovative, minimally disruptive, environmentally effective systems wherever possible. The country’s first study of whether one of them can prove cleaner and more affordable for homeowners is happening in Marstons Mills with the EPA, so stay tuned.

Once clean water infrastructure is here, we need deliberate, decisive development planning that reflects the community’s will; we can, and must, do better than leaving development decisions solely to developers.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I've been a homeowner and taxpayer here for 23 years, and in each of those years I've been an active member of this community. Those who have put down deliberate roots, like I have, know it gives you important knowledge that's hard to come by.

The other difference? I haven't run for any other political office and don’t aspire to any other. My ambitions are exclusively for the place we call home, not to find a career in elected office. My opponent's yard signs use a recycled tagline from a State Representative race he lost in 2018.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Please visit www.CrowforPrecinct5.com to read about my views on:
• an “all of the above” approach to wastewater
• having community conversations, first and always
• common sense, locals first housing policies
• intentional development

I also explain my current views on 35 Scudder in Hyannis under “Latest.” (In reply to a question from Save Twin Brooks, my opponent effectively said he’ll tell you what he thinks about that if you elect him.)

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I worked with the community and with Town Hall on imagining and funding a new life for the West Bay School property. New tennis and pickle ball courts now front West Bay Road and ball fields are underway. A large children's playground is next.

I collaborated with other village leaders to develop -- and advocate for Town Council action on -- a Problem Properties ordinance now on the books. If you live next to one, it's a big deal.

Most recently, I worked with other village and civic associations to develop a model mainstream short-term rental ordinance that protected our housing stock for locals and our Cape family rental traditions. It had widespread community support. It’s past time to prioritize locals in housing policies.

And I'm proud of Cotacheset Park, a tree-shaded, center village oasis, which Peter Hanson, another local resident and landscape designer, was instrumental in constructing with the Osterville Village Association’s and my assistance. I still see a chiropractor from an encounter with one of the cement urns we placed there in 2009. Every year since, I still plant and water the flowers each spring and summer.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

There is a price to be paid for principles and personal integrity is worth the consequences.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

My style: I listen carefully and talk straight. I spend time finding facts and am willing to change my mind when I learn new ones. I apologize when I get it wrong.

My guidepost: Always remember why residents chose to call this place home, why visitors can’t wait to share a small part of it. As we make development decisions to serve community needs, let's protect that.

https://patch.com/massachusetts/barnstable-hyannis/barnstable-election-2022-candidate-profile-john-crow-town-council