AS PUBLISHED IN CAPE COD TIMES (EXCEPT AS NOTED), Link below
We made one correction here, which we asked the paper to make. It's explained below.
John Crow
Age: 63
Residence: Osterville
Education: Business, Muhlenberg
Employment: Retired
Political Experience: None
Civic Involvement:
Transparency first: Cape Cod Times didn't print John's answer to this. It was a good answer! We asked for a correction. Here you go...
I’ve been a member of the Osterville Village Association for 23 years, 15 in leadership, the last seven as president, representing the best interests of the village and its residents. I worked with leaders from other villages on the Problem Properties ordinance which became law. I collaborated cross-villages on a mainstream short-term rental regulation proposal that would preserve Cape family rental traditions and prioritize housing for locals. I helped build Cotacheset Park and, most recently, we’re working with the Town on reimagining and funding to transform the former West Bay School as recreational facilities for residents and visitors. A large children’s playground is next.
Why are you running?
I’m running to give a meaningful voice to residents at a time when consequential decisions are being made about what this community will look and feel like a decade and more from now. Too often, developers and business interests have early and prominent influence in planning, zoning and other proposals. Residents are brought in when proposals are well down the road. This is a matter of public record, not an impression or personal view. I believe residents merit a comparable seat at the table, in timing and weight, as developers and business interests. Community conversation needs to come first, always.
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.
What is the most pressing issue in your district and how would you address it?
The health of our waterways has to be the priority, followed by deliberate
development decisions that cleaning our water will enable. The town’s 30-year, $1.4 billion Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan is underway. I support a “yes, all of the above” strategy: sewering and also fast, innovative, minimally disruptive, and environmentally effective solutions wherever possible. These include alternative individual treatment systems that clean up phosphorous and nitrogen, that are performance tracked.
The country’s first study of whether these innovative systems can actually perform better — much cleaner and more affordable for homeowners — is happening here in Marstons Mills with the EPA. We need speed and choices.
Once clean water infrastructure is here, we need deliberate, decisive development planning that reflects the community’s will; we can, and have to, do better than leaving development decisions solely to developers.
How do you differ from other candidates?
I’ve been a homeowner and taxpayer for 23 years and in each of them, I’ve been a fully engaged member of this community. Those who have put down deliberate roots, like I have, know it gives you important knowledge that is hard to come by. I won’t need time to study up on issues before the town council or what’s been happening on our boards and commissions, or to be briefed on what matters to locals. I’ve been there, throughout, listening to them. I’ll keep doing that.
My guiding principle: Always remember why we chose to make this place home, why people like to visit — and then, protect that.
I have never run for political office before and have no ambition beyond representing Barnstable’s 5th precinct. My opponent’s campaign signs use a recycled tagline from his recent Massachusetts state rep campaign that he lost. His announcement for this campaign was about writing a new “chapter” in his story. This is not a career move for me. You can be sure I will only vote for things that are right for you and our shared community — not just for me.
What other information would you like voters to know?
My guidepost: why residents chose to call this place home, why visitors can’t wait to share a bit of it, and protecting that as we make development decisions to serve community needs.
My style: I listen carefully and talk straight. I spend time finding facts. I change my mind when I learn new ones. I apologize when I get it wrong.
My ambition: To represent the people of Precinct 5, right now. I’ve got no political aspirations or next chapters.
If you’d like to learn more about me or your easy voting options, please visit CrowForPrecinct5.com.
