Barnstable Election 2021: Donald Lynde For Town Council

The Barnstable town election is less than two weeks away, and soon voters will hit the polls and elect new members to the Town Council and school committee.

Barnstable, which has half its town council members up for election every other year, has even numbered districts on the ballot this year, running for four-year terms. But just one of those districts will see a contested race. That's Precinct 12, where incumbent Paula Schnepp will square off against Donald Lynde.

As for the school committee race, five candidates are running for two openings. Incumbent Stephanie Ellis is seeking re-election, but Barbara Dunn isn't. Ellis will face four challengers for the two spots on Nov. 2, including Peter Goode, Andre King, Sara Gonzalez and Linda Letourneau.

Prior to the election, Patch is running candidate profiles to help inform residents on where candidates stand on the issue. Here's a little about Lynde before you vote in the District 12 race.

Donald Lynde

Age (as of Election Day)

75

Position Sought

Town Council - Precinct 12

Family

My wife is Barbara and we have two sons and 5 grandchildren

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Babson College B.S.B.A., Boston University M.B.A., Suffolk University Law School J.D.

Occupation

Lawyer, 46 years experience. Law Office of Dacey & Dacey, Waltham, MA for nineteen years and then 13 years of active duty with the Army Judge Advocate General's Corps.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Barnstable Housing Committee - Appointed Office

Campaign website

None.

Why are you seeking elective office?

People deserve to have a choice. 5 of the 6 precincts have only one name on the ballot. I believe that I have the requisite education and experience to consider information from any and all sources, and to not only arrive at the best decision but to articulate reasons for my decision. I truly want to serve my adopted town of Barnstable. I have been here over fifteen years and love it.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Water quality both pond and ocean, waste water issues. If elected I would only be one of thirteen councilors but would advocate for an aggressive intensive study of our ponds and ocean beaches. Long Pond has been closed to swimming 2018, 2019, and 2020 but when I came here the water quality was excellent. I could count my toes in neck deep water in 2006, now I cannot even swim there. Indian ponds likewise stressed.

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

I am retired with a wealth of experience dealing with the problems of ordinary people and understand that there are at least three versions of the truth in any given situation. Your own, that of someone else, and the truth somewhere in the middle. I have experience in both civilian and military conflict resolution, most issues can be amicably resolved if we just stick to the facts and do not allow stereotypes to interfere with arriving at the best decision.

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

I would rather not get into negative politics and the term "failed" has negative connotations. I simply believe that I am uniquely qualified for the position and will listen to the opinions of all of my constituents.

How do you think local officials performed in responding to the coronavirus? What if anything would you have done differently?

I think that the Town Council did a remarkable job in dealing with a truly devastating pandemic. I believe that I might have opened up town hall quicker with only masked and vaccinated.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Short term rentals are a huge problem for our town. I would advocate for a minimum short term lease, registration with the town, and for each rental to require an insurance company bond. The bond would be available to pay any damages to the rental house, the neighbors houses, and the town for the cost of police, fire, and EMT ambulance services.

Affordable housing is really not available in our town and that is a very big problem. I have served on the Barnstable Housing Committee for over 5 years and the problem gets more and more difficult with the huge rise in property values. The average house in Barnstable is now over $600,000.00 and rents correspond to property values so they too are rising.

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

I have practiced law continuous since 1974 to the present day. I practiced civilian law in the fields of criminal law, divorce matters, and bankruptcy law for almost twenty years in Waltham, MA while also serving in the Army Reserves. I was promoted from E-1 to E-6 before being commissioned an officer in the reserves. I was then offered a position on Active Duty and served in NY, Washington D.C., and Wisconsin retiring as a Colonel.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Do not allow stereotypes to interfere with making a correct decision on any issue. People's perception on issues are colored by their values, attitudes, and belief patterns that they grew up with. Thus, they can be absolutely sure of their position on a matter, but it may simply be wrong. We must fight to ensure that the best decision is made.

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

I have been boating since I was 11 in the Charles River and later at Camp Bennett in Falmouth where I learned to sail an 8" pram. The kids and grandkids love the cape and are expert in the use of my sunfish and kayaks. The waters here are very special to me, and I would like to be able to share the waters with future generations. I am passionate about affordable housing because there is nothing more important than a roof over your head and that of your family. Financial stability, family stability, safety, and a general sense of belonging to the community all hinges on having a roof over your head.