Editor:

We are delighted to announce that the Foodscraps program in Harwich, from its inception on July 1, has diverted 25.21 tons of food scraps from the transfer station (and out of SEMASS’s burn program) into healthy compost. The citizens of Harwich have done a great job! Congratulations, and keep up the good work!

Priscilla Perkins
The Garden Club of Harwich

Editor:

On Saturday, April 5, millions of real patriots came together across the nation to protest the authoritarian coup by the Republican Party, now cringing before their king, begging to kiss his ring. It is not only shameful and cowardly, but dangerous, putting the world at risk. If you think my words hyperbolic, simply look at 1938 Germany. Would this country spit on the graves of all those who lost their lives fighting for democratic ideals, not to mention the millions who perished in the notorious Nazi death camps? As a Jew growing up post World War II, the question was always “how could this happen?” 

This is exactly how it happens.

And the private prisons taking billions from social service agencies that keep working class Americans afloat will be filled with teachers, small business owners, journalists, human rights lawyers, environmentalists and all who have already been targeted by the Christian Right. Their message is far from the prophetic voice of Jesus.

Margaret Rice Moir
Brewster

Editor:

On May 5 and 6 at town meeting, the voters of Harwich will have the opportunity to help protect the water quality of four of the ponds in town as well as potentially mitigate future adverse effects to the aquifer that provides our drinking water. We will be asked to vote on the Great Sand Lakes wastewater construction project. This project is worthy of your support.

For over 20 years, the quality of the water in Buck’s, John Joseph, and Kiddie’s ponds as well as Sand Lake have been deteriorating. The water quality is now compromised to the point that algae blooms have sometimes required them to be closed. The primary reason for the deterioration is the excess nutrients (phosphorus, nitrogen) and forever chemicals (PFAS) from septic systems that leach into the groundwater. The proposed sewers will capture this waste and transport it to the Chatham Wastewater Treatment Plant. Without the sewers, there will come a time when the ponds will no longer be viable. 

As part of the Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan, the town of Harwich submitted an application to the state and was successful in securing funds for the project. That funding can be made available to us on very favorable financial terms. However, the town will only remain eligible for these funds if an appropriations article is passed by a majority vote at town meeting. Your support is necessary to help protect our water quality!

This project has the support of the Harwich Finance Committee, the Association for the Preservation of Cape Cod, the Harwich Conservation Trust and the capital outlay committee. 

The health of ponds and our aquifer is a Cape-wide problem. We live here because of the natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. It will be a tragedy if we can no longer use four of the beautiful ponds in Harwich. Please vote yes at town meeting.

David Swords
Harwich

Editor:

I appreciate the Chronicle’s gardening articles, particularly those embracing the importance of planting native species, so that these plants will support pollinators, birds and other animals in people’s yards. The April 10 edition actually has two such articles, both written by Justin Alex.

In an article about ground covers, Mr. Alex touts his personal favorite, the ice plant. I would like to warn your readers that the ice plant (Carpobrotus edulis) is an invasive species of ground cover which is extremely difficult to control or remove! Coastal California is struggling with the impacts of this plant. It forms a large, thick mat that chokes out all other native plants and destabilizes the soil. It’s the last thing we would want growing anywhere near Cape Cod’s coastal environment! Please do not plant this plant! And Mr. Alex, please find a different, hopefully native, ground cover.

Peter Grose
West Chatham

Editor:

I am writing in support of Harvey “Pete” Dahl’s candidacy for Brewster Select Board.

Pete is highly qualified for select board due to his numerous years of volunteer positions on finance, school, and audit committees in both Brewster and Reading, where he was a resident for 30 years prior to moving to Brewster 12 years ago.

His skills as a good listener and researching issues prior to committing, in addition to his background in finance make him a strong candidate for select board. In addition to this impressive resume, Pete is very personable and will make a great addition to this key position.

Nancy Ortiz
Brewster

Editor:

My name is Harvey (Pete) Dahl, and I am a candidate for the select board in the town of Brewster. I have lived in Brewster full time for 12 years and love living on Cape Cod. 

Brewster may be the quintessential Cape Cod town. It has stunning beaches, beautiful ponds and an assortment of spectacular parks and open spaces that create an amazing place to live, work, and enjoy. Brewster also has something that should be recognized: an efficient, effective, well-run town government. 

But there are challenges. While the ponds are beautiful, recent seasons have seen cyanobacteria blooms that have limited their use. Open space acquired by the town has created controversy over future uses. Town government faces continued difficulty with hiring due to the lack of local affordable housing. Rapid increases in individual property taxes have been difficult for our aging population.

Solutions to these challenges will require experience, dedication and flexibility. In Reading, where my wife and I previously resided, I was an elected town meeting member for 24 years; on the finance committee for three years; and an elected school committee member for nine years (two as chair). While on the school committee, we built or renovated four schools in town: a new elementary school, renovated an elementary school and a middle school, and built a new high school.

In Brewster, I have been a member of the finance committee for nine years, five as chair. I have spent three years on the newly formed audit committee. My career in finance and accounting has been a valuable resource during these years of volunteer service. 

It’s important that we continue to support our town services. It’s critical to protect our residents with outstanding fire, ambulance and police services. It’s equally important to maintain our commitment to our local schools. Finally, it’s vital that we continue to protect our water resources. 

I know I do not have all the answers. What I can offer is that I will listen and use my experience to help find solutions. 

Harvey (Pete) Dahl
Brewster

Editor:

Three candidates are running for two seats on the Brewster Select Board. Two of them have demonstrated their commitment to our town by volunteering for the hard work of serving on town committees, but one of them has never done so.

Caroline McCarley and Pete Dahl can both point to impressive records of public service. McCarley came to Brewster as a former school board chair, mayor, and state senator in New Hampshire; she now sits on our library finance committee and planning board, and she chairs the Sea Camps advisory committee. Pete Dahl has served as the chair of our finance committee and is currently vice chair. He has an MBA in finance and has volunteered his time and talents to Brewster’s strong fiscal health.

A candidate with strong views but without local experience may not be best able to serve the community’s interest. We need select board members with proven track records and a history of service. We need Caroline McCarley and Pete Dahl.

Pat and Bruce Semple
Brewster

Editor:

Recently, the first meeting of Chatham and Harwich select board members was held to discuss the future funding of the Monomoy Regional School District. It was a difficult encounter, with the look of a “tug-of-war.”

Chatham was ably represented by Jeff Dykens and Mike Schell. From the outset, their opening statements showed a commendable depth of preparation and a sure grasp of the facts. The ensuing back-and-forth with their counterparts revealed a consistent professionalism and an ability to listen.

Throughout, Mr. Dykens and Mr. Schell were concerned for the well-being of all students who attend the district’s schools. Their stance on needed repair to the middle school put forward a far-sighted strategy that would financially benefit both Chatham and Harwich.

Jeff Dykens and Mike Schell are Chatham Select Board incumbents running for re-election. They have consistently exhibited the thoughtfulness and principles needed in highly-capable leaders.

Personal qualities matter. Character and conviction do count. These candidates deserve our votes. Chatham will be well served if Jeff Dykens and Mike Schell are returned to the select board.

Joseph Auciello
South Chatham

Editor:

Brewster has a great candidate for select board in Caroline McCarley. With broad experience as an elected official in New Hampshire before arriving here, her local commitment to Brewster is clear, serving on the planning board, Sea Camps planning and advisory committees, the Ladies’ Library finance committee and volunteering at the library. She brings a wealth of experience, knowledge and caring to all these groups. More importantly, she represents the best in elected office. After two years serving as mayor in Rochester, N.H., she ran unopposed for the third term. Residents knew she listened to them and did more than listen. She brought what she heard into discussions around issues, and more importantly into resulting policy and action. I've seen this in her Brewster roles. Caroline reaches out for opinions and feedback, values dialogue and discussion, and understands the balance needed in making town-wide decisions, weighing costs, timelines and regulations. 

Clare O'Connor Rice
Brewster