Barnstable Candidate Profile: Matt Driscoll For Town Council

BARNSTABLE, MA — Barnstable's town election will have contested races in four of the council's seven seats on the ballot. Following the death of Town Council President Jim Crocker, Matt Driscoll has entered the Precinct 5 race as a write-in candidate and will square off against David Bogan for the seat.

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 Driscoll 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.

Previously on Patch

• 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?

Daily now there sadly seems to be a stabbing or a shooting even in our "small" Cape Cod town. Needless to say, this has not gone unnoticed by locals and tourists alike. I have been fortunate to spend 46 years of my 54 years in the Town of Barnstable and walked the streets of Hyannis in the early '90s as a summer patrol officer for the Town of Barnstable. I remember the crowds on Main Street, Hyannis all summer long from Memorial Day until Labor Day! We as a town and hopefully as a town councilor need to get back to the days when families weren’t afraid to be on Main Street, Hyannis after dark. There are many important issues facing Barnstable and I thought long and hard before answering this question. I envision Main Street, Hyannis as a Church Street of the Cape. Close down a portion to vehicle traffic for good where we could have street vendors and entertainers year round! We need to allow for development of that area and the surrounding areas of South and North streets and stop saying no without even hearing a proposal. Make Main Street, Hyannis a place that tourists and locals alike will come to on a regular basis and spend money. Money that can be spent for more cameras and lights to aid our fine police department in their efforts to keep everyone safe and comfortable during what I hope will be many visits.

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

Clearly my opponent comes from a totally different background than I. I was raised in the Town of Barnstable, I am a 1983 graduate of Barnstable High School and have resided in the town for 46 of my 54 years as I had mentioned. The other six years I was a member of the U.S. Marine Corp serving our great country between 1984-1990 and being honorably discharged as a sergeant in 1990 to return to Cape Cod and the Town of Barnstable to raise a family and work in and run multiple businesses. My two Children are now of adult age, and I decided that now was a good time for me to give back to the town I have called home for more than 4 decades. I am a graduate of U.S. Marine Corp boot camp Parris Island, Massachusettes Correctional Academy, where I was the guide (equivalent to class president), Barnstable County Sheriffs Academy, where I was voted in as class president. I am fortunate to have gained a wide range of skills during my journey and have had the opportunity to interact with all classes of people from the very poorest to the very wealthy. I believe that with the varied background and life experiences I bring to the table will be an asset to any team that I am a part of.

Unlike my opponent, I have always been and will always be a Cape Codder and a proud resident of the Town of Barnstable. I am willing to put in the time and effort that is needed to be a successful representative of the residents of Osterville and the whole Town of Barnstable.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

I too am very aware that water is critical to all that we do and will strive to ensure that this delicate resource is preserved for the future of all generations to come. I will do anything within my powers afforded to me if elected to the Town Council to see that this happens. I will always see that all voices are heard and that all residents are notified in advance and afforded the time and opportunity to be heard. I will be available seven days a week and will make myself available for all residents that want their voice to be heard.

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

I have always strived to do listen and learn as much about each and every opportunity in front of me and to be the best that I can be. From a young marine sergeant, to a deputy sheriff, I have always taken pride in all that I have done and tried to learn from those life experiences I never take average as being good enough. If I am elected to the Town Council, I promise each and every resident that I will be truthful and will work hard to represent them in a manner they expect and are entitled to!

What's your favorite thing about Barnstable?

As a teenager in the late '70s, I worked for the Town of Barnstable Recreation Department at Kalmus Park Beach in Hyannis. I recently returned to Kalmus to work there for two summers on the weekends. My love for the Town of Barnstable and for our wonderful beaches is at the top of my list. Hopefully if I am elected and with support, we can return downtown Hyannis to its former glory.

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

Finally I Just want to say thank you for the opportunity to possibly serve and to all the people of Osterville Precinct 5 and the Residents of the entire Town of Barnstable that I may eventually represent. No matter whom you vote for, please vote! I ask for your vote and if elected will not let you down.