4 vie for 2 Barnstable County Commission seats

Denise Coffey 

Cape Cod Times

Posted Oct 29, 2020

Two Democrats, one Republican and one independent candidate are on the Nov. 3 ballot for Barnstable County commissioner. Voters will get to choose two of them to best represent their interests on a regional board that oversees a $29 million budget.

The commission is the three-person executive branch of county government. Commissioners oversee regional programs that affect coastal and ground waters, the environment, public health and safety.

Democratic candidate Sheila Lyons was a county commissioner from 2008 to 2016. She left the commission to run for a state Senate seat that Julian Cyr, D-Truro, eventually won.

Republican candidate Ron Beaty Jr. is running for reelection. He won a seat on the commission in 2016 and calls himself the “Donald Trump of Cape Cod.” 

Democrat Mark Forest is chairman of the Yarmouth Board of Selectman and was Provincetown town manager from 1980 to 1985. It was during the AIDS epidemic, and Forest says the experience will help him deal with the coronavirus pandemic. He also worked for former U.S. Reps. William Delahunt and Gerry Studds.

Independent Abe Kasparian is a past member of the Yarmouth Finance Committee and is a former member of the Hampden County Commission in Western Massachusetts. He wants to dismantle the county commission and Assembly of Delegates, the legislative branch. He calls the regional governing body an antiquated form of government.

Both Beaty and Kasparian were convicted of felonies in the past and served their time. Beaty served 12 months for threatening the life of several public officials, including then President George H.W. Bush. Kasparian served 13½ years for the attempted murder of his wife. Both men acknowledge they made mistakes but say those mistakes do not define who they are now. 

The third seat on the county commission belongs to Democrat Ronald Bergstrom. His term ends in 2022.

Services overseen by the commission include dredging operations, agricultural assistance, beach monitoring and emergency planning. 

Candidates were asked general questions about their background, experience and what they see as the most important issues facing Cape residents. Some responses were edited due to space constraints. They appear in alphabetical order.

Ronald Beaty Jr. 

Age:  59 

Residence: Barnstable 

Education: Master of Science degree in Administrative Studies, Boston College; Master of Education degree in Educational Technology, Lesley University

Employment: real estate management (over 25 years); Barnstable County commissioner (since January 2017) 

Political experience: Capewide community activist for 20 years; Open Meeting Law advocate; Barnstable County commissioner 

Other community service or civic involvement: Cape & Islands Workforce board of directors; Cape & Vineyard Electric Cooperative board of directors; Cape Cod Water Protection Collaborative Governing Board; Barnstable County Economic Development Council; Barnstable County Human Services Advisory Council

Why are you running? What most motivates you?

As a native-born Cape Codder, I care deeply about this peninsula and the people who reside here. I feel I owe it to Cape Cod taxpayers and residents to continue with my ongoing activities to establish open, transparent and accountable government, coupled with unrelenting fiscal responsibility as the hallmarks of my tenure as a county commissioner. 

Unlike the irresponsible tax-and-spend practices that have been the irreverent legacy of my Democrat opponents, I personally guarantee that the county operates responsibly and efficiently within a realistic budget that is free of waste, fraud and abuse. 

Since being elected commissioner, I have aided the Barnstable County government to learn to live within its means. From a fiscal perspective, the county has never been more stable and solvent than it is at the present time. With me, our county government has been restored to its original purpose, to provide pragmatic and necessary services to the citizens and communities of our region in an efficient and fiscally sound manner.  

I will continue to work diligently to make our county government the regional solution that it is supposed to be, not the burdensome problem that my Democrat opponents would cause it to be. 

What is the most pressing issue in the county and how would you address it?

Cape Cod has numerous pressing issues and concerns, from wastewater and water quality issues, an affordable housing shortage, economic issues, coastal resiliency problems, an aging population, substance abuse issues, as well as many others. In collaboration with our federal, state and municipal governments as well as nonprofit and private-sector partners, Barnstable County is continually addressing all of these matters in a myriad of innovative and pragmatic ways too numerous say within this limited space.  

How do you differ from the other candidates? What sets you apart?

Unlike others, I am not a “rubber stamp politician.” I tend to be a government watchdog of sorts who embodies the core principles of open, transparent, accountable, as well as limited government, lower taxes, individual liberty and adherence to the U.S. Constitution. 

What other information would you like voters to know about you or policy positions?  

I happen to be an elected public official who frequently speaks his mind, asks questions, and chooses to exercise our God-given right to freedom of speech. Moreover, in speaking my mind, I am not politically correct and hope others will speak their minds in an equally candid fashion as well. 

Mark Forest

Age: 64 

Residence: South Yarmouth 

Education: Master in Public Administration degree, Suffolk University; bachelor's degree in political science, University of Massachusetts  

Employment: coordinator of Suffolk University's Cape Cod MPA degree program; professor of government, Cape Cod Community College; consultant, Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe; former town administrator in Provincetown and Brewster

Political experience:  Yarmouth selectman; chairman, Cape Cod Conservation District; former chief of staff, U.S. Rep. William Delahunt; former Cape and Islands director, U.S, Rep. Gerry Studds 

Other community service: board member, Cape Cod Economic Development Council;  former board chairman, Housing Assistance Corp; founder, Community Development Partnership

Why are you running? What most motivates you? 

County government provides vital services to the people of Cape Cod. As a former municipal manager, these services also save our local towns millions of dollars each year, easing the burden on local taxpayers. The potential exists to save even more.   

I also want to secure more federal and state support for urgent local projects such as water supply protection, building the new bridges over the Cape Cod Canal, improved wastewater facilities, broadband expansion, economic development and new opportunities in the emerging clean technology and blue economy sectors of the economy. 

We need to invest in our workforce and create more higher education partnerships, like the one I started with Suffolk University’s Master in Public Administration program and the town of Barnstable. This initiative will enable local graduates to assume high-paying positions of leadership in health care, municipal government and nonprofit management right here on Cape Cod.

We also need to develop a climate change strategy that addresses erosion and coastal flooding. We need more affordable housing options for our veterans, seniors and working families, and — during this pandemic — we need to expand access to health care services.  

What is the most pressing issue in the county and how would you address it? 

Right now the coronavirus pandemic is having a devastating impact on small businesses, families and individuals. I have lost friends and a family member. In recent weeks, we’ve witnessed a surge in hunger on Cape Cod, people literally without enough food to eat. Our food pantries are  struggling to keep up. In recent months — as more and more coronavirus refugees come to the Cape — we have seen the housing market tighten up even further.  

Our county government has done a lot for the community, but as conditions worsen, we will need to redouble our efforts. I envision a more aggressive response in each of the following areas: housing assistance, food assistance, small business assistance, health care access, more testing and PPE. County government will bring all the key partners and stakeholders together to assess needs, gaps in services and potential sources of funding from a variety of areas.  

How do you differ from the other candidates? What sets you apart? 

I have been both an administrator and a policymaker in local government. I am a consensus builder and a problem solver. I have a track record of success in each of the Cape towns. I have brought over $1 billion in funds to the region, including funds for a variety of county programs. I know my way around Capitol Hill, Beacon Hill and our local town halls. I have even served on a variety of county boards, including the County Finance Board, Regional Planning Agency Board and Regional Transit Authority.  

What other information would you like voters to know about you or policy positions?

Cape Cod is facing some big challenges in a host of areas. I believe that I have the background and experience to make a difference. I do think we owe it to future generations to pass along a Cape Cod that is just as special as the one we discovered.  I don’t have all the answers, but I know how to listen and I know how to work hard.  It would be an honor to represent the people of Cape Cod as a county commissioner. 

Abraham Kasparian Jr.  

Age: 68 

Residence: Yarmouth Port

Education: Master of Education and Business, Cambridge College; bachelor's degree in criminal justice, Westfield State College

Employment: semi-retired real estate broker, currently employed part-time by a local auto parts store.

Political experience: past member of Yarmouth Finance Committee and Capital Budget Committee; former Hampden County commissioner

Other community service: member, Patriot Guard Riders; volunteer driver for Homeless, Not Helpless, assisting homeless residents to attend AA meetings, court meetings, and food pantries

Why are you running? What most motivates you?

My run for county commissioner is to bring new ideas and perspectives to Cape Cod.  

I would like to abolish the county form of government if elected to the four-year county commissioner term. I would call for the removal of the three county commissioners and the 15 Assembly of Delegates members and return $15 million to the 15 towns of Barnstable County.  I would let the people of those communities determine how to use those funds. 

Abolishing an antiquated superfluous county government would get rid of many career politicians seeking political welfare and making the citizens and taxpayers bear the burden of their retirement plan for many years to come.

What is the most pressing issue in the county and how would you address it?

Our Cape communities are suffering from an increase in homelessness and drug and alcohol addiction. Our school-age children are losing time from their education, and their parents are losing jobs and income. 

Ending county government would put nearly $15 million back into our local municipalities so they can work to address these and other issues that have spiked given the COVID-19 pandemic.

It will take four years to end county government. In that time, I would call for the institution of one county beach sticker to be acquired by Cape Cod homeowners in good standing in their respective towns. I would institute one county beach sticker for our disabled vets living on Cape Cod. I’d create a tuition waiver program for high school graduates who enroll at Cape Cod Community College. I’d work to create legislation to provide senior homeowners in good standing with 50% automatic reduction in their real estate tax bill. I would turn county government offices into child care facilities for parents attending court proceedings.

How do you differ from the other candidates? What sets you apart?

I am an independent candidate, not a career politician trying to increase my retirement from the Cape Cod taxpayers. I am responsible only to the taxpayers, not a party. 

Mark Forest and Sheila Lyons refused to take a pledge not to increase the special county real estate taxes when asked during the Falmouth League of Women Voters forum on Oct. 15. 

If I am elected there would be balance on that governmental board. 

The interests of Cape Cod citizens and voters are always in the forefront of my mind. There would be complete balance and spending, and a new approach to how county government ought to work. 

f I am elected there would be balance on that governmental board. 

The interests of Cape Cod citizens and voters are always in the forefront of my mind. There would be complete balance and spending, and a new approach to how county government ought to work. 

What other information would you like voters to know about you or policy positions?

I would stay the newly created position of food bank coordinator ($95,000 salary) and seek a qualified person to serve as a volunteer with a small stipend that would be under the Cape Cod Commission. 

I would stop the move to increase and or create new residential and commercial real estate taxes and or fees. I would stop any plans to increase the pay for 15 Assembly of Delegates and/or county commissioners.

I would move meetings out of the Superior Court building and hold evening meetings on a rotating base in the 15 towns of Barnstable County so the public can add their input into their government. Currently, the commissioners meet on Wednesday mornings or afternoons inside the Barnstable Superior Courthouse. 

Sheila Lyons 

Age: 63

Residence: Wellfleet

Education: University of Maryland, College Park, bachelor's degree in business administration; master's degree in social work, University of Maryland, Baltimore; Boston University School of Management, Institute of Executive Non-Profit Management and Leadership

Employment: Outer Cape Health Services, health care access specialist

Political experience: Wellfleet representative to the Barnstable County Assembly of Delegates, 2006-2008; Barnstable County commissioner 2008-2016

Other community service: president, Wellfleet Community Forum; board member, FORWARD (Friends Or Relatives With Autism and Related Disabilities); advisory board member, Center for Coastal Studies; president, Democratic Women of Howard County, 1999-2003; Wellfleet Democratic Town Committee, 2003-2007; vice president, Cape & Islands Democratic Council

Why are you running? What most motivates you?

I am running because I believe in our regional government. When first elected commissioner in 2008, our national, state and local governments were in the throes of the Great Recession. This experience was a lesson in prioritizing, how to do more with less, while considering and planning for our future. I am running now because I believe that in these uncertain times, we need experienced leadership that can start moving our region forward from day one. I have a proven record of leadership and good policy addressing wastewater, tackling substance abuse on Cape Cod and emergency response preparedness, to name a few.

What is the most pressing issue in the county and how would you address it?

The impacts from climate change are confronting us daily. We are experiencing a prolonged drought, coastal erosion, flooding and power outages. The Cape Cod Commission has established a committee on this and it needs support. The county’s Regional Emergency Response Council needs to focus on managing forest fires. COVID-19 and the economic and personal fallout is yet to be realized but indicates we need to look at addressing a robust and coordinated public health system, reestablish the county’s role with the Cape & Islands Workforce Board and access to job training. I would like to empower the Human Rights Commission with resources to engage the community around issues of social justice and understanding. We are living in unpredictable times so we must lead in bringing people together

How do you differ from the other candidates? What sets you apart?

I bring 10 years of experience and understand our regional government's form and function. I am a woman, a mother and a social worker, all of which, I believe, bring a different perspective and approach to the job. 

What other information would you like voters to know about you or policy positions?

I believe in government, which means I believe in the power of “We the People.” I do not take for granted that when a person casts their vote for me, they are trusting me to represent their interests. As our resources are limited, we need to approach solutions thoughtfully and strategically.