The Massachusetts primary is next Thursday, Sept. 8. and four candidates — two Democrats and two Republicans — are in the primary runoff for the state senate seat being vacated by Sen. Dan Wolf. The Gazette emailed customized questionnaires to each announced candidate for office asking them to answer two general questions: why Martha’s Vineyard voters should elect them and what their qualifications were for office. The legislative candidates were also asked about their priorities.

Sheila Lyons
Wellfleet Democrat
State Senate Candidate

Statement

I am predisposed to like people and find common ground. This characteristic has made me effective as a social worker and as an elected official. I entered politics not because of ambition but because I believe I can — and have — made a positive contribution to creating innovative and effective solutions to the issues confronting our coastal communities. The position of Barnstable county commissioner has given me broad experience working not only with local leaders of Cape Cod but also with Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket human service providers, the Martha’s Vineyard Commission and housing advocates. I am no stranger to Beacon Hill and have effectively lobbied for increased broadband (Open Cape) and prevention money to combat homelessness, and I am proud of the work of the Regional Substance Abuse Council that I established in 2014. As senator, I will continue to be your advocate, protecting our environment, fighting for a fair deal for our working families and a viable future for our children.

Qualifications

I grew up in Boston and helped elect many who have served our state.

I have bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Maryland.

I worked as a geriatric social worker in the community and in long-term care for 20 years.

I am a mother of daughter who recently graduated Fordham and is gainfully employed.

I was elected the Wellfleet representative to the Barnstable County assembly of delegates in 2006.

I was elected Barnstable county commissioner in 2008 and re-elected in 2012. I am currently serving my final year as commissioner. Since 2013 I have served as the CEO of the Workforce Investment Board, I have chaired the Regional Network on Homelessness since 2009, and the Regional Substance Abuse Council since 2014. I have served on the boards of the Arts Foundation, the Cape Cod Commission and the Cape Cod Water Protection Council, the Cooperative Extension, the Hyannis Main Street initiative. I have effective working relationships with local, state and federal officials.

Priorities

Wastewater is the biggest threat to our tourist economy, our traditional coastal industries and our environment. The recent community process to the 208 update of the Clean Water Act has built consensus on a path forward.

Income inequality. Although our economy is recovering, it is not felt by the working people of our region. Cost of living is higher than the rest of the state and our wages are lower and stagnant.

We have an overabundance of second homes yet lack housing that is affordable for people who live here year round.

We have an addiction problem that includes opiates and alcohol.

The lack of revenues to fix our problems. We need to have an adult conversation about taxes and how we use them to reinvest in ourselves. We should revisit a progressive tax system. Until such time, I am in favor of increasing taxes for those whose income is over $1 million, and holding corporations accountable for promises made in lieu of state tax incentives.