The roster of candidates for the Nov. 8 town election is unchanged, but that may not remain the case, as the Barnstable Coalition for Fair Government announced its intention to recruit candidates and create a political action committee.
In a July 21 press release, coalition chairwoman Mary Lyons said, “The coalition plans to support candidates running in the November Town Council election and is forming a Political Action Committee. There is still a push to find a candidate for precinct one in Barnstable village.”
In a July 21 phone interview, Lyons, a Centerville resident, said that while she’s chairwoman, it’s really more about the group than any individual.
“I feel like we’re just trying to stay organized, trying to make an effort to make sure the people who we voted for are actually representing us,” Lyons said.
In addition to the election work, Lyons said that the coalition will be working to call a meeting of the voters, as provided for in the town charter. While questions for such a meeting are still being formulated, she said the question of why an earlier end to the manager’s contract is sought is among them.
“Whatever's happened has happened, and we need to move on and we will do what we have to do to do that,” Lyons said.
The coalition is also supporting Marstons Mills resident Stephanie Adams, who has expressed an interest in recalling Precinct 12 councilor John Norman. Signatures for that process will be collected at the Barnstable Transfer Station July 23 starting at 9 a.m.
Norman is one of six councilors who voted to approve an amendment to end Town Manager John Klimm’s contract this fall. The amendment has been presented to Klimm, but he has yet to sign it.
Political action committees in local elections must register with the town clerk’s office. The coalition has yet to officially file with the town clerk’s office, with details such as a post office box for mailing to be arranged. Lyons expects that to be completed shortly, which would then allow the group to collect money.
Those looking for more information can search “Barnstable Coalition for Fair Government” on Facebook or e-mail BarnstableCFG@gmail.com.
School Committee: Patrick Murphy,* Osterville (incumbent); Fran McDonald,* Centerville (incumbent); Fredrick Bshara, Centerville; Michael J. Edwards, Centerville.
While councilors will be elected to four-year terms, they will be halved as a result of redrawn precinct lines effective in 2013. As a result, all councilors will stand for election in 2013, some to two-year terms, others to four-year terms to maintain staggered terms.
Those elected town-wide – school committee, housing authority and town collector – will be elected to and serve four-year terms and require signatures from 150 registered Barnstable voters to make the ballot.