Meet Barnstable Town Council Candidate Kristin Terkelsen

BARNSTABLE, MA — Local elections in Barnstable are less than a month away, and Patch is determined to help residents get to know their candidates for council and school committee.

Patch has sent candidate questionnaires to each of the candidates that will appear on the ballot in a contested race for each of those positions.

Kristin Terkelsen has never held elected office locally, but her connections to the precinct date back through generations of her family.

Here's what she decided to run for council now:

Name

Kristin Terkelsen

How old will you be as of Election Day?

50

Does your campaign have a website? If so, include the URL here.

https://terkfor2.com

What city or town do you live in?

Centerville

What office are you seeking?

Barnstable Town Council

If you are running in a district, you can specify the district here.

Precinct 2

Education.

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), Master of Science in Physical Therapy (MSPT), Bachelor in Sports Medicine (BSc)

What is your occupation?

Physical Therapist 2000 to present, Clinic Director 2006 to present, small business owner 2009 to present

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.

I have been with my partner, David, since 1996. We recently lost our dog, Tio, after a beautiful long life of 19 years and 4 months. My brother, Jim Terkelsen, is known to many kids and football players in Barnstable. I lost my mom 11 years ago this October. I am grateful to have my dad to continue to make memories with as he lives and sails in the USVI at this time while chasing his dream of boat life.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

I have no political ties.

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

No, I have not.

Now we'd like to ask a few questions about your reasons for running and your general views on politics and government. First, why are you seeking this office?

Having been through a pandemic, I could no longer sit in my living room feeling that I was underrepresented. I am at an age where life begins to matter in new ways. I want to be a more integral part of the town I was born and raised in, to make Barnstable better. I want residents to have an ongoing voice when I am part of town council. I want each person to know that a resident without any special interests, has their interests at heart, and that would be me.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is \_\_\_, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Leadership without transparency, and I intend to listen, learn, ask questions and be a voice that speaks for the residents.

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

I am not a career politician. I am not affiliated with companies and businesses that create conflicts of interest (like being employed by Housing Assistance Corporation, owning a real estate business that may represent large developers of major businesses like CVS, Chik Fil A, Tractor Supply Store). I bring a beginner's mind to this position that will benefit the residents when seeking alternate ways to bring effective change to our town that benefits the residents, our workforce and young people over big developers. I don't stand to financially gain by the decisions made by the town council in relation to developments, wind farms, etc. I am a person who runs a small business that relies on being relational and engaged with others. I am hands-on in every aspect of my business. I am reliable, trustworthy, responsive and I return calls (not always a trait Cape Codders have).

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

I believe asking the constituents at large is an unbiased way of finding the answer to this question. I don't need to point out "failures" of any opponent. I think it is important for the residents to ask the questions what has my town council member done for me? From there each resident can make their own individual decision on November 7. This is why we have elections, to make an individual choice. I am running for this office to be a new voice, not to discredit the current incumbent.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

During my campaign, the issue I intend to address is taking the opportunity to get to know the residents who now have another option for town council in their precinct the first time in 10 years. Precinct 2 has not had an opponent since my opponent took office. Residents will actually be able to choose new leadership should they want to, instead of checking the only box available to them. Once in office, I intend to address the pressing issues that are clearly coming up in the town. The larger issues around wind farms landing on our beaches, sewer projects, developments for large numbers of units and transparency of leadership need addressing. I plan to address small issues like water drainage into yards due to sewer work, helping a resident find services within the town, and acting as a liaison between residents and the town government.

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

I left corporate America to open a small business knowing that statistically there is a high likelihood of a business failing in the first 2 years. I knew I would not be on the losing end of those stats. Running my own business and wearing many hats gave me the opportunity to become adept at multitasking, prioritizing, fiscal responsibility, going above and beyond, learning through gathering data and making a plan to achieve certain milestones and goals. Also devoting the years it took to get an education, combined with determination and diligence are skills I carry with me every day and ongoing.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Change is the only constant thing in life. So if you aren't learning and growing, you are dying.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

My great grandparents owned on Lake Wequaquet quite a long time ago. I was born and raised in this precinct, built my business here in Centerville and built my home on a lot I used to ride my bike through. You don't get much closer to the precinct than this.