Barnstable Candidate Profile: Kris Clark 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 11 is among those races and is where challenger Kris Clark will square off against incumbent Philip Wallace.

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 Clark 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
• Barnstable Candidate Profile: Matt Driscoll For Town Council

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

Preserving our water supplies is the most pressing issue in Barnstable. The upcoming sewering project in Barnstable has many good elements to get a handle on our wastewater management. To preserve the integrity of our drinking water, we need to keep our wastewater away from our public water sources. It would have been less expensive if we addressed sewering in our town sooner than now, but it surely will be more expensive if we wait.

Identifying new water sources will also be prudent for our future — residential and business viability depends on it.

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

I have been a volunteer in my community since we bought our home in West Barnstable over three decades ago. I now work part-time on an oyster farm in Barnstable Harbor, so I can dedicate the time and energy that it takes to deliver effective and timely services to town residents, particularly those living in precinct 11.

I propose to be not only reactive to constituents, but also to be proactive. I’ve initiated an e-newsletter to those who would be willing to receive it, like the Town Crier newsletter, that former Town Councilor Ann Canedy sends out to over 1000 receivers. I plan to send out local, village, and town news to deliver information to keep recipients informed as best as I am able. I will attend local events and update the West Barnstable Civic Association on town and local issues. I am prepared to attend committee meetings as a town council liaison when assigned to town committees, should I be elected.

I have a strong work ethic and high moral character as recognized by State Rep. Randy Hunt, who has endorsed me.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

After looking out for our drinking water, saltwater and freshwater protection is another prime issue in our town. The degradation of our freshwater ponds and lakes as well as our saltwater estuaries is affecting our quality of life and property values.

The lack of affordable housing is also affecting our community character. Some businesses are reporting that their employees are finding affordable housing off-Cape, sad to say. To sustain our economy, we need to address the housing crunch in Barnstable.

I will work towards a more responsive government in the Town of Barnstable. Messages to town staffers should not go unanswered. Plans that the town has conducted and paid for, should be acted on to execute the decisions of our residents. I aim to follow-up on those “action plans” and to move them to real action.

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

Google me. I have plenty of volunteer, community service accomplishments that is documented. I have also initiated programs in my work life that continue today, like “Clamming Class for Kids” and the significant volunteer program at Barnstable Natural Resources. For three years, I was the president of the West Barnstable Civic Association, after being clerk for many years. With support from my husband, I have chaired the West Barnstable Village Festival for decades and support it still, bringing our community together in a fun, safe way to celebrate all things West Barnstable. I have been a member of the town’s Shellfish Committee, Open Space Committee and currently serve on Barnstable’s Land Acquisition and Preservation Committee.

• West Barnstable 2004 Citizen of the Year
• APCC Environmental Champion 2008
• Red Cross Hero Award 2009
• Barnstable Land Trust Founder’s award 2012
• Grand Marshall with husband, Lenny, at the Barnstable-West Barnstable Fourth of July Parade 2018

What's your favorite thing about Barnstable?

Barnstable’s residents make our town a wonderful community.

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

I am a hard worker and have a proven track record to show for it. Now, that I am semi-retired, I can step up my civic duty, working to make my community a better place. With a unique blend of experience in both the municipal and private sectors, I bring a healthy perspective to discussions that will enhance decision-making for the Town of Barnstable. I have years of collaborating with others through committee involvement and know that the best ideas emerge through thoughtful, respectful conversations with others with different perspectives. If the people we elect reflect who we are, then I hope that Precinct 11 voters find me to be a good representative. I am prepared to make this commitment to make Barnstable a better place.