Barnstable County Assembly of Delegates Announces Members of 2025 Charter Review Committee
March 6, 2025 (Barnstable, MA) – The Barnstable County Assembly of Delegates has announced the members of the 2025 Charter Review Committee, established to conduct the mandated five-year review of the Barnstable County Home Rule Charter.
About the Barnstable County Home Rule Charter
Barnstable County’s Home Rule Charter is unique in Massachusetts, as it provides a regional form of government distinct from both traditional county governance and individual municipal structures. Adopted by voters in 1988, it enables the county to address issues that extend beyond town boundaries while allowing for local input and representation through the Assembly of Delegates. The Charter empowers the county to provide regional services, oversee ordinances, and establish a governance framework that reflects the needs and priorities of Cape Cod’s communities. This system offers a balance of local control with regional cooperation, setting Barnstable County apart from other counties in the Commonwealth.
About the 2025 Charter Review Committee
As required under Section 9-4 of the Barnstable County Home Rule Charter, a Charter Review Committee is convened every five years to assess whether amendments or revisions are necessary to improve governance. This process ensures that the county remains responsive to evolving regional needs.
The Charter Review Committee will be chaired by Assembly Speaker Randi Potash and includes the following members:
- Dan Riviello (Assistant Town Manager, Provincetown)
- Michaela Wyman-Colombo (Assembly Delegate, Select Board member, Mashpee)
- Patrick Princi (Former Speaker of the Assembly, former Deputy Speaker, former Planning Board member, Barnstable)
- Randi Potash (Chair, Assembly Speaker, Chair of the Zoning Board of Appeals, Chatham)
- Sheila Lyons (Barnstable County Regional Board of Commissioners, Select Board member, Wellfleet)
- Susan Moran (Clerk of Courts, former State Senator, former Deputy Speaker of the Assembly, former Select Board member, Falmouth)
- Wayne Sampson (Assembly Delegate, Finance Committee, Bourne)
“This committee represents a broad range of experience and perspectives, which will ensure a thorough and productive review of our Charter,” said Randi Potash, Speaker of the Assembly of Delegates. “Our goal is to make certain that the Charter continues to reflect the needs of our communities and provides a strong framework for county government.”
“This review is an essential part of ensuring that Barnstable County’s government continues to serve its residents effectively,” said Sheila Lyons, Barnstable County Commissioner and Charter Review Committee member. “Every five years, we have the opportunity to assess what is working, identify areas for improvement, and strengthen the foundation of our regional government.”
Selection of Legal Counsel
Additionally, Speaker Randi Potash appointed a working group to interview and recommend legal counsel for the Charter Review process. This working group consisted of Delegates Susan Warner (Yarmouth) and Elizabeth Harder (Harwich), both selected for their extensive experience with county governance and legal matters.
Following careful consideration and interviews, the Assembly of Delegates voted to retain Attorney Lauren Goldberg of KP Law as legal counsel for the Charter Review Committee. Goldberg, a well-regarded expert in charter law, has extensive experience conducting municipal and county charter reviews across Massachusetts. Her appointment was supported by a majority vote.
Public Engagement and Next Steps
The Assembly of Delegates encourages public participation in this review process. Meetings and opportunities for input will be announced in the coming months.
About Barnstable County Regional Government of Cape Cod: Barnstable County provides exemplary government functions and services to keep our community healthy and safe, promote sustainable growth, and offer a proactive, open government that enhances the quality of life for the citizens of Barnstable County. Learn more at www.capecod.gov.
Media Contact: Sonja Sheasley. Communications Coordinator | (508) 375-6896 |sonja.sheasley@capecod.gov
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