Don Howell's Blog

Editorial Response to the Out-of-Towners at the CCT

I don't know that the following letter will ever see the light of day at the Cape Cod Times. I do know that the Editorial Board rarely asks advice from those who cover these people daily. Generally, these reporters have a highly developed "BS" quotient and should be able to weigh in when a candidate "aces the interview."  As I have known both candidates for years, I offer my unedited editorial reply:

Editor,

I served for six years as a Selectman and worked with Bill Doherty on numerous projects. I agree when you state that he is the ''king of showing up.'' Indeed, the biggest problem in government is often that elected officials are aloof and not connected with their constituents. Through the years, Bill has identified problems that people care about and has offered practical solutions AFTER he has listened.

Far from being “cemented into the status quo,” Bill has combined compassion with a large dose of accountability. That’s what the review of the Cape Cod Commission is about. To Bill’s credit, I expect a positive outcome. His opponent, in contrast, has indeed shaken things up, as you put it. As I recall, he was dismissed from his last job at a charitable organization (for creating his hallmark controversy) and then tried to sue them! Most local officials know first hand that Mr. Bernardo rarely shares power willingly or seeks local advice. Perhaps your out-of-state ownership has clouded the Editorial Board’s thinking. This state has no history of strong county government.  We do, however, have a fierce loyalty to local control. Therefore, we need someone at the helm in the county who stays in touch with localities. Give me a collaborative leader who gets things done anytime. That’s why I’ll be voting for Bill Doherty as County Commissioner.

Sincerely,

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Howell Concedes

I issued a press release late yesterday. The following is the text verbatim:

(Harwich, MA) The recount in the 4th Barnstable District Republican Primary race for State Representative ended today. While there are still legal options open to me to go beyond this point, I have concluded that such a move would not benefit the Republican Party or the voters of the district. First, I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate Mr. Maloy on his victory and wish him well as he pursues his campaign.

Whether Mr. Maloy wins or not in November will not be due to the recount; that will rest entirely on whether his views represent the hopes and dreams of the majority of the Lower Cape’s residents. In fact, I am pleased to be able to report to those same residents that democracy is alive and well on the Lower Cape! I personally attended every recount in each Town of the district and can report that you can have a high degree of confidence in both the way voting is conducted and in the people who represent your interests (particularly your Town Clerks). Provincetown did have a problem, in that no one can know for sure who was issued Republican or Democratic ballots. To his great credit, the Clerk of that Town immediately accepted responsibility for the problem. Thankfully, in and of itself, this did not alter the final outcome. That truly would have been a shame. However, I am confident that he is working diligently to maintain your trust in the future.

To the many people who worked hard in this campaign, I offer my sincere thanks. It has been my pleasure to work with you and represent you in many ways through the years. I can assure you that I will continue to advocate for the things we all hold dear. And as Chairman of the Harwich Republican Town Committee, I plan to remain a force in local politics.

Finally, while I cannot thank everyone individually (and, indeed, would not wish to slight anyone’s effort by omitting a name), I am indebted to my longtime friend and political ally, Pat Klammer for all her help. As well, I want to thank my wife of 31 years for her active involvement and her unfailing encouragement. While I did not prevail in this race, it has certainly strengthened my family ties and my friendship bonds and for that alone I am grateful.

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Howell Endorsed by State Environmental Group

Massachusetts League of Environmental Voters

The Massachusetts League of Environmental Voters (MLEV), a non-partisan political voice for the environment, announced its endorsement of Don Howell in the 4^th Barnstable House race, citing Howell’s commitment to smart growth. The MLEV stated that he would be an important voice for "...environmental issues that affect both the commonwealth and the Cape."

“MLEV is proud to endorse Don Howell, a public servant who understands the need to leave our children a healthy world,” said MLEV Executive Director Lora Wondolowski. “We need more environmental champions on Beacon Hill and Don would be a real leader on these critical issues.”

In response to MLEV inquiries, Mr. Howell cited slowing global warming, reducing toxic chemicals, and increasing drinking water protection as his top environmental priorities. As a selectman, he fought for smart growth to protect the natural resources of the Cape.

“Given my many years of commitment to environmental issues, I am thrilled to get this endorsement from the Massachusetts League of Environmental Voters,” said Don Howell.

Note: two endorsements were handed out in the 4th Barnstable District by MLEV. Interested voters should also check out Ray Gottwald's site for important information about this shared primary endorsement. Don

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He's Been There For Us; Please Be There For Him!

Letter of support for Don Howell 

When you need help, you ask someone you know and trust. That’s why we support Don Howell in the Republican Primary for 4th Barnstable District State Representative. For 15 years, Don has led, founded or served with some of the Lower Cape’s most trusted volunteer organizations. Howell had the vision to co-author his Town’s Comprehensive plan, the compassion to work for kids and seniors and the respect of some of our nation’s top law enforcement agencies for his work with the U.S. Marshals.

He’s also served us at the state level, counseling the Governor on School and Lottery money issues so crucial to the Lower Cape. Sure, Don was a Selectman for six years (and chaired the Board twice), but he’s also the guy who taught your kids at Sunday School for over a decade. As a former longtime small business owner right here on the Cape, Howell also knows the value of a buck. He’s met a payroll, he’s paid the bills. He knows you want balanced, affordable solutions to our insurance, health, housing and elder issues. More important, he’s been working on Beacon Hill for the past two years for those solutions.

So, who can you turn to with these big challenges? Well, Don’s never quit on you. So on September 19th, vote for someone you trust, someone who’s been there all along, someone who has proven he can gets things done. Please join us and vote for Don Howell in the Republican Primary; your 4th Barnstable District Representative. He’ll be there when you need him!

• Dick Gomes  
  
• Jimmy Marceline  
  
• Bob Murray  
• Eleanor Hazen   
  
• Peter Luddy    
  
• Frederick Pike
• Commissioner Bill Doherty   
  
• Scott Hamilton

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Please Vote on Tuesday!

As the first Republican candidate to enter the race, I had hoped to talk about issues and about what I bring to the table. To start, I believe in a basic Yankee notion; most people know how to live their own private lives without a government telling them how to do it. I believe in a government that helps solve our common problems within a budget and with local control.

In my 54 years, I have accomplished a lot. My parents struggled with two jobs each to pay tuition to a better high school and then to Fordham University and the London School of Economics. I’ve been married for thirty one years (this past week); I raised three kids (one of whom we adopted when she was fourteen). I’ve owned a small business here on the Cape for 11 years. It had employees and vendors who counted on me to pay them. I headed a Federal program, where I set up and ran two US Marshals drug seizure centers. Now, I wasn’t fortunate enough to have been born here. But I left an established well paying and promising career to be with the love of my life; the Lower Cape.

I have a long history of service to volunteer organizations on the Lower Cape. In fact, I headed or founded a number of significant organizations. You don’t do that for as long as I did to make money or pad a resume. You do it out of commitment, responsibility and duty. I care about kids, seniors and affordable housing and I have worked in those areas for over 15 years. And the trust I earned is why I was elected to the Harwich Board of Selectman for 6 years. That’s why my peers twice made me Chair, elected me President of The Cape Cod Selectmen’s and Councilor’s Assoc and sent me to Boston to Represent the Cape and Islands on the Mass. Municipal Assoc Board of Directors. That’s why the Governor appointed me to his Local Government Advisory Commission. Everywhere I have EARNED a reputation of getting things done.

I want balanced, affordable solutions to our insurance, health, housing and elder issues, not partisan bickering. I am not looking for a government job as career advancement, I’m looking to earn your trust and to serve and represent the people of the district in a way they truly deserve.

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Set Sail to Victory!

The Committee to Elect Donald F Howell is hosting a Sunset Freedom Cruise on Thursday, September 14. The event runs from 6:00 to 7:30 PM and will depart from Saquatucket Harbor in Harwich Port on Route 28 aboard the Freedom Ferry. Light refreshments will be served. There is a suggested donation of $25.00 per person and, due to the limited space availability, an RSVP is a must. Call 508-430-1672 to book your passage!  Hope to see you there,

Don

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What Kind of Person Do You Want to Represent You?

I cannot and will not respond to all the nonsense that currently abounds, but for those curious about how I would represent you (which I had foolishly thought this race should have been about),  I offer the following letter. It is the same letter that has been the subject of intrigue. It is the same letter that Dick and Shirley Gomes received. It is certainly the type of sentiment that caused Dick Gomes (Shirley's husband) to volunteer recently as part of my campaign.

Please decide for yourself:

Dear Friend,

What kind of person would you like to see represent you on Beacon Hill as the 4^th Barnstable District Representative? Many people believe that Shirley Gomes personified what a State Rep should be. I certainly agree. That’s why I worked by her side on her campaign committee during her last campaign.

So would you vote again for someone who cared about the Lower Cape community? Would you support someone who worked on Local Boards; who had experience as a leader in community organizations; who served with distinction multiple terms as a Selectman and as a Board Chair; who worked at the county and state levels before seeking higher office; who understood the problems of a local business owner because they had been a local business owner; who had dealt with a broad range of problems (and, more important, their possible solutions) through actual experience and who never let you down over the course of many years of commitment? I believe you would!

My name is Don Howell and I have done those things and more. Like Shirley, I want to represent your interests in a common sense way on Beacon Hill. I recognize that it’s your money, your life and your family I seek to represent. Also like Shirley, I believe that your trust in a candidate needs to be earned. I didn’t just show up yesterday – and I won’t leave you tomorrow!

Moreover, I believe in people and want a government which empowers them. As I travel the District, the comments are the same; what people really want is a government that helps them solve their common problems, not one which seeks to manage their daily affairs. So as you listen to all the candidates, I urge you to pay attentionto the actions behind their words.

Frankly, talk can be cheap; real progress in anything (from raising a family, to building a community) takes time and effort. So I ask you to look at the accomplishments of all the candidates and their length of service. I am banking on the fact that you want the understanding, respect and dedication to results that I offer.

The choice is yours to make. That is why I ask for your support as well as your vote at the Republican Primary on September 19^th.

Thank you,
Donald F Howell

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Howell Campaign Hosts Orleans Reception

Please join me on Thursday, July 20th at the beautiful Orleans Inn, where I will be holding a reception as I work to earn your vote for the Republican nomination for the 4th Barnstable District House Seat. The event will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM and will feature longtime Cape musicians Tom Telesmanick and Jack Pena as well as hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar. Phil Paleologos, candidate for Governor's Councilor in the First District will also be on hand. Everyone is invited to come meet me. Moreover, the evening would be an excellent opportunity to hear me speak and ask any questions you might have. There is a suggested donation of $30 for those over 18 years old.

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"You're Walking the Wrong Way"

A few days ago, I was walking with Ron Bergstrom, long time Chatham Selectman, sharing our thoughts on the Cape (and, of course, some differences). Ron was walking the Chatham – Harwich leg of Bob Murray’s Housing With Love Walk. As an advocate for Workforce Housing (and a friend and admirer of Bob’s), I had previously promised him I’d do the walk in my District (Provincetown to Harwich). Thus, I had begun the walk on Monday in P-Town. After some time off on Tuesday – in order to pick up some pieces of me that had fallen off during the 1^st fifteen mile “leg” – I was back at it on Wednesday.

 

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Why I am Seeking to Represent You

I have spent a number of blogs talking about the things I personally care for and work on. Now I would like to return to the very basics; why am I running and what do I want to see done? There couldn't be a better time to do this than on the day we celebrate our Declaration of Independence. We live  where the Pilgrims originally landed ( but they left, showing they weren't always right). We also live in the area of the country that fomented the uprising that forged the country. So, I start with a direct quote;

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.  — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness." 

Great words, but even greater sentiments. Up until then, governments GRANTED citizens their rights. Our Founding Fathers (many of whom lived in this area of the country) had the radical idea that people were born with rights and that government operated with the authority granted to it by the people. Still a good idea! I will be talking more in depth about possible solutions to our shared problems in future posts. But for now, I offer the following;  if you want someone to hold the State Rep position in the 4th Barnstable District to help you control how those "other people" live their private lives, I'm not your guy.

I believe the average folks who live and work and raise families here don't need someone to tell them how to live their personal lives (from the Left or the Religious Right). I have represented people for many years in my Town. Here's the deal; they want someone who gets common problems discussed and solved.So as we head on into Summer to ever more parades and festivals - to more coffees and receptions, I offer you this simple promise;  I want to represent your interests in a common sense way on Beacon Hill . It's your money, your life and your family I seek to represent. Accomplishment certainly means something, and I would urge your attention towards the accomplishments of all the candidates (in both parties). But beyond that, I am banking on the fact that most of you want the understanding and respect that I offer.

Happy 4th Everyone!

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