Meet Barnstable Town Council Candidate Kristine Clark

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.

In this profile, get to know Town Council candidate Kristine Clark and learn why she's running in 2023:

Name

Kristine P. Clark

How old will you be as of Election Day?

66

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

https://www.precinct11clark.co...

What city or town do you live in?

Town of Barnstable, West Barnstable Village

What office are you seeking?

Town Councilor

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

Precinct 11

Please give us your party affiliation.

Education.

Springfield College, B.S. Environmental Studies, magna cum laude

What is your occupation?

Retired, formerly in the Shellfish Profession

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

Husband, Lenny

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

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

Yes, served one term as Town Councilor, appointed member to Shellfish Committee, Open Space Committee, Land Acquisition and Preservation Committee

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?

I am motivated to represent the values of my community, having served in several volunteer capacities in my Village and Town. Being retired, I have the time and stamina to attend meetings, be as informed as possible, and serve my constituents' concerns. Making West Barnstable our home for the past forty years, I have cultivated relationships in my Village and understand the values that make my community the special place that it is.

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

Preserving our water quality. Without safe and reliable drinking water, residents and visitors- current and future- would not be able to live in Barnstable without effects to personal health.

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

I have experience serving the Town of Barnstable in several capacities, including my current service as Town Councilor. Also, being retired, I have time to invest in my community-- for meetings, information gathering and constituent services.

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

I am the incumbent, working nearly every day to serve my constituents.

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

Supporting the Town's Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan for improved water quality in our freshwater and saltwater bodies of the Town. Addressing the housing crisis is another issue that I have been working with others to understand and to tackle.

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

I successfully introduced to Town staff and fellow councilors the Veteran property tax work-off program; Worked with others on the Form Based Zoning ordinance for Hyannis, resulting in 10 amendments attributed to me; Brought attention to the "trash train", resulting in less litter along the railroad tracks through Barnstable; Brought town resources to improve West Barnstable's infrastructure; and Send out periodic councilor newsletters to share relevant and current information to my constituents and others.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Stay true to your moral compass.

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

Actions speak louder than words. My personal volunteer investment in my community and town speaks for itself. We may not agree on some issues, but my motive is to serve others with the best information and resources that I can use.