Barnstable Candidate Profile: James Crocker For Town Council

BARNSTABLE, MA — Barnstable's town election will have contested races in four of the council's seven seats on the ballot. Precinct 5 is among those races and is where incumbent James Crocker will square off against challenger David Bogan.

Patch asked the candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near. Here's a little about Crocker before the Barnstable town election on Nov. 5.

Are you running for office in Barnstable? Contact Jimmy Bentley at jimmy.bentley@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Braintree Patch.

Patch Candidate Profiles:

• Barnstable Candidate Profile: David Bogan For Town Council

The single most pressing issue facing Barnstable is ____, and this is what you intend to do about it?

Protecting our drinking water is the most pressing issue facing the Town of Barnstable at this time. Connecting all households and businesses is crucial in achieving this goal and preserving our way of life. Serving as Town Council president has given me a seat at the table during weekly Sewer Committee meetings. Membership of the committee is inclusive and brings together town management, finance, engineering, legal, and Town Council leadership. The meetings produce strategies and work assignments. The Town's Comprehensive Wastewater Management (CWM) draft report was produced in this committee. I would like to continue to put my efforts and contributions into this committee to find a number of solutions to our waste water problems.

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

The most important differences between myself and my opponent seeking to represent Precinct 5 are as follows:

1. I have long enjoyed a positive working relationship with my community, village
boards, Town Hall management and employees, including all serving town councilors.
2. I have an extensive knowledge of the political horizon and the understanding of Town
Hall problem solving techniques.
3. I have an understanding of Precinct 5's features, needs , and physical assets that
comes from being a lifelong resident.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

I am a strong believer that town government's number one job is to return taxpayers dollars to the community. Several areas where town government's oversight is appropriate: crime free streets', clean drinking water, strong public schools, well maintained public assets, activity programs from children to seniors, comprehensive zoning, and regulatory controls.

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

I have been elected to serve as Precinct 5 Councilor, first for an eight-year period, and now currently for six years. In my fourteen years of service, I can pride myself on my availability to my community and my commitment to return taxpayers dollars to our streets. Projects I have worked on to secure for our precinct include but are not limited to sidewalks, crosswalks, bathhouse renovations, tennis courts, play ground equipment, drainage and resurfacing, municipal safety dock.

What's your favorite thing about Barnstable?

My favorite thing about Barnstable is the lengthy library of stories and memories it has given me. The smell of the seasons, all the familiar locations, and any local character's name will bring a momentary smile to my face. It had been a great place to grow up and raise a family in.

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

I would like the voters to know that I prioritize each day around my family, friends, community, work and good food. I wouldn't have it any other way.