Steven Xiarhos: MA State Rep. Candidate Profile

YARMOUTH, MA — Massachusetts' 5th Barnstable District has been represented by Republican Randy Hunt for the past nine years, but with Hunt not seeking re-election, Steven Xiarhos is one vying for the seat and will square off against Democratic James Dever.

Xiarhos is a native of the 5th Barnstable District who served as a Yarmouth police officer for 40 years.

Patch has asked Xiarhos to answer our candidate questionnaires ahead of the the general election on Nov. 3. Here's how Xiarhos answered our questionnaire:

Age (as of Election Day): 61

Family

I am a Gold Star Father. My son, Nicholas, was killed in action in service to his country as a Marine in Afghanistan in 2009. I have another son, Alex, who currently serves as a police officer in the town of Yarmouth. I also have twin adult daughters, Elizabeth and Ashlynne, who serve in the hospitality industry.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

I served as Deputy Chief of Police in Yarmouth prior to my retirement in 2019. I worked as a police officer in that community for 40 years. My son, Alex, continues to serve as a police officer there.

Education

Associate's Degree (Criminal Justice) - Cape Cod Community College; Bachelor of Science (Criminal Justice) - Northeastern University; Master's Degree (Criminal Justice) - Anna Maria

Occupation

Retired, 2019. I served as a police officer in the Town of Yarmouth for 40 years prior to my retirement, most recently serving as Deputy Chief of Police.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

I am an appointed member of the Town of Barnstable Human Services Committee.

Campaign website

www.XiarhosforRep.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am running to continue my proud legacy of public service, following 40 years of work as a police officer. I want to work hard to make Cape Cod a better place to live and work. I want to reform our criminal justice system to keep people safe, support our small businesses, and bring a greater sense of accountability and fiscal responsibility to Beacon Hill.

How would you rate the state's response to the coronavirus pandemic on a letter-grade scale (A, B, C, D or F), and how would you explain that rating?

I would give Massachusetts a C for response to the pandemic. I acknowledge that this is an unprecedented situation that has been difficult for everyone, and that many people are working hard to see our state through this crisis. Our health care professionals and first responders top the list of unsung heroes and heroines. However, as of now, we continue to have one of the highest unemployment rates in the country. Many of our businesses still can't get back to work. There is no solid plan to reopen many of our schools this fall. And, I have deep concerns about the heavy death toll for people in assisted living facilities during the height of the pandemic, particularly at the Soldiers Home.

Is Chapter 40B, the state's affordable housing law, working, and if not what would you change?

Creating affordable housing for people to live on Cape Cod is an important issue and we need to make sure that we are taking adequate steps to address housing needs. There have been many calls for the reform of Chapter 40B in recent years, and I think we should continue to place this law under scrutiny. The goal is that we need to make sure that people who want to live on Cape Cod and raise a family here have access to quality housing that is safe, affordable, and accessible to transportation. If elected I hope to work closely with state and local officials to achieve these goals in all of the communities I represent.

What steps, if any, should the state take toward police reform?

As a former police officer, I have grave concerns about the so-called police reform bills passed by the House and Senate. I do not support limitations to qualified immunity for police officers, nor do I support changes to our state's civil service structure. Having said that, I think that taking steps to certify police officers in a system that is fair and accountable is a reasonable step. I also support additional officer training (something I've supported and called for for many years), and I also support limits on tactics officers can use in non-life-threatening situations. The murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis is disgraceful and serves as a powerful example of the need to make sure we implement proper police practices here in Massachusetts and elsewhere.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

I support stronger public safety through reforming our criminal justice laws to keep violent criminals and drug dealers in jail. I support our first responders and our veterans. I oppose sanctuary cities and I oppose drivers licenses for illegal immigrants. I will always honor the Flag and our National Anthem. I support our small businesses who are looking for ways to thrive again, and I also support getting our kids back to school, safely. I oppose new taxes and tolls, and I believe in advocating for more responsible state spending and fiscal practices. I also believe for better accountability for politicians in office. And, I have the ultimate respect for our constitutionally-protected rights and freedoms, and for those who have served and continue to serve our country in uniform to protect them.

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

It all comes down to experience. My 40 years of work as a police officer uniquely qualifies me to work on serious issues of law and order, and to work collaboratively with other officials on Cape Cod to keep people safe. I also have a deep understanding of how to build trusted relationships within the community, which is fundamental to supporting our businesses and helping them achieve success. And, as a former School Resource Officer, I've worked first-hand with teachers, students, and parents on difficult issues facing our schools. I have the knowledge, the training, and the experience needed to help make Cape Cod a better place to live and work.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

This is an open seat. I am proud to have the endorsement of the current State Representative, Randy Hunt (R), as well as his predecessor in office, Jeff Perry.

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

I have forty years of experience working as a police officer in the Town of Yarmouth and serving as its Deputy Chief of Police. This experience provides me with unique perspective, insight, and ability to work on important issues of public safety which are on the top of residents' minds. My work also gives me a background working directly with small business owners in the community and with teachers, parents, and students in our schools. Our next State Representative needs to be in a position to get our small businesses open again and to help get our kids back to school, safely, and I'm the right candidate for the job.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Work hard, be honest, and always be yourself.

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

Voters who wish to obtain more information about me, my background, and my positions on important issues can visit my website, www.XiarhosforRep.com, for additional information.