League of Women Voters of Cape Cod Hosts County Governance Forum at Cape Media Center
Earlier this month the League of Women Voters of Cape Cod hosted a Barnstable County Governance Forum at the Cape Media Center, bringing together County and regional leaders to discuss how County government functions and how residents can engage in regional decision-making.
The forum featured Michael Dutton, Barnstable County Administrator; Sheila Lyons, Chair of the Barnstable County Board of Regional Commissioners; John Ohman, Dennis representative to the Barnstable County Assembly of Delegates; and Kristy Senatori, Executive Director of the Cape Cod Commission. The discussion was moderated by Elizabeth Foster-Nolan, an off-Cape member of the League of Women Voters of Massachusetts.
Panelists described their respective roles, outlined how their bodies interact, and responded to several questions.
A significant focus of the discussion was the Barnstable County Home Rule Charter, which is required to be reviewed every five years. Panelists explained that what distinguishes the current review period is a proposed shift toward greater public involvement through an elected Charter Study Commission.
The Barnstable County Commissioners recently voted to support the creation of an elected Charter Study Commission under Chapter 801 of the Acts of 1985. Under this approach, voters would be asked in November 2026 whether to form a 15-member elected commission, with one representative from each of Cape Cod’s fifteen towns. If approved, voters would simultaneously elect the commissioners.
The elected commission would then have 18 months to hold public hearings, gather community input, and develop recommendations for potential charter revisions. Any proposed changes would return to voters for consideration in November 2028.
Commissioners emphasized the importance of early public engagement beginning in 2026, including public education efforts, focus groups, and outreach conducted in partnership with independent civic organizations such as the League of Women Voters. Chair Sheila Lyons noted that engaging residents early helps ensure people understand the Charter, its role in County government, and how they can participate in shaping its future.
The recorded event provided an opportunity for residents to better understand the structure of County government and learn how regional collaboration supports Cape Cod’s fifteen towns. The forum was organized by the League of Women Voters of Cape Cod, hosted at the Cape Media Center, and will be broadcast at a future date on Channel 26, Channel 9, and Cape Media’s YouTube channel.
Photos courtesy of Cape Media Center.
