Movers and Shakers: Andrew Putnam

Today we're introducing a new regular column, "Movers and Shakers," spotlighting the accomplishments of a Falmouth resident doing interesting and innovative things in the community. 

21-year-old Falmouth resident Andrew Putnam is a graduate of and a current student at Cape Cod Community College. But among other young people in his Cape Cod peer group, that's where the similarity ends.  

Not only is Putnam actively involved in local government as a Falmouth Town Meeting member for Precinct 9, he also serves as Chair of the town's Affirmative Action Committee.

And now he has his eye on an even bigger prize—a seat on the Barnstable County Assembly of Delegates, for which he will appear on the November 6 ballot. 

"When I first mentioned my intentions to run, I was met with an interesting array of reactions," Putnam says. "While many were positive, one of the most baffling was, 'there's a County Government?'" 

Not one to be dissuaded by naysayers who downplay the importance of county government in the Commonwealth, Putnam says he's running because he believes that "visibility and accessibility are important components to any political seat... By utilizing visibility and accessibility, we gain access to the most vital part to any functioning form of government: accountability."

Putnam also wants to emphasize the importance of county government and the role it plays for the town of Falmouth.

"We can no longer afford to be complacent or silent," Putnam says. If he's elected to the Assembly of Delegates, he promises to "bring visibility, accessibility, and accountability to our county government."

For more information about Andrew Putnam and his campaign, visit facebook.com/andrewvictorputnam, twitter.com/andrewvputnam, or andrewputnam.org.

Do you know a "Mover and Shaker" doing positive things in the Falmouth community? Email emily.sussman@patch.com to nominate them!