Barnstable Candidate Profile: Tracy Shaughnessy 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 9 is among those races and is also and open election since Councilor James Tinsley will not seek re-election. Tracy Shaughnessy will square off against Christopher Kehoe 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 Shaughnessy before the Barnstable town election on Nov. 5.

Patch Candidate Profiles:

• Barnstable Candidate Profile: David Bogan For Town Council
• Barnstable Candidate Profile: Matt Driscoll For Town Council
• Barnstable Candidate Profile: Kris Clark For Town Council

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

We need to be creative and look for long-term solutions that work for the community. This could be congregate housing, variances to existing zoning to permit accessory dwellings, pathways to home ownership that include non-traditional financing, mixing of residential and business zoning, and ensuring that the units are distributed equitably throughout all villages in the Town.

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

As an attorney for over a decade, I believe I bring critical thinking skills, a deeper understanding of potential legal issues and ability to read and summarize laws quickly, the ability to think on my feet, an understanding of a wide variety of assets, sound judgment, due diligence, the ability reach compromise in difficult situations, and a deep sense of responsibility as a steward to our constituents.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

Substance abuse issues— 90-plus percent of our crime in the Town is drug related. We have to approach this from a place of compassion, and recognition that this is a public health crisis. We need to recognize that this issue crosses all socio-economic classes. I want to lead Barnstable into the future as a municipality that is willing to think outside the box in its approach to dealing with these issues. We need to look nationally and internationally for the solutions that have made a difference. I believe the approaches that will work need to center around the causes and vicious cycle of addition. Day programs, volunteer opportunities, supporting families and newly sober members of the community with assistance to get back on their feet and stay sober. We need to provide opportunities that create a new sense of worth and purpose to rebuild that self-confidence and dignity.

Wasterwater and Water Quality — These issues are critical to quality of life, preservation of natural resources and economic development. I believe that the current wastewater management plan is good; but I worry that the extensive timeline will not happen quickly enough to mitigate the damage that we are already experiencing. Hyannis Water is contaminated and with a single source aquifer for the entire Cape this is not something we can avoid tackling. We need to push for federal aid and state funding, also to have PFAS regulated on a federal level.

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

I came from a lower middle-class family where I began working at a young age. I put myself through college and law school while working multiple jobs. I’m a hard worker, and I’m not afraid of a challenge. As an attorney, I have always made time outside of my work schedule to give back to the community by volunteering for local non-profits. I was on the Board of Directors for our local American Red Cross chapter. I am currently on the Board of Directors for the Cape Cod Community Media Center. I still volunteer for WE CAN in Harwich. I was on the Board of Directors for UMASS Dartmouth School of Law Alumni for three terms. Being a lawyer, doing board service and committee work has given me experience working towards common goals with diverse groups of people. Being a lawyer has taught me to negotiate compromises in a civil manner in difficult situations.

What's your favorite thing about Barnstable?

I absolutely love our community. We are tight knit and supportive of each other. I also love our beaches and natural resources. Growing up in Barnstable was ideal: playing at the beaches, exploring the coastline, boating to sandbars, fishing, riding bikes, cruising Main Street Hyannis with friends, daytrips to the National Seashore and Provincetown—so many wonderful memories and so much natural beauty.

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

I will be a strong voice for Precinct 9 and the Town of Barnstable. I do my leg work and my homework. I take my commitments very seriously. The importance of community service was fixed in me at a young age by my mother. I am passionate about our Town and hope that the voters give me the chance to work for them.