Housing on the Ballot: Joint HBRACC & Cape Cod & Islands Association of Realtors Event

Description

Housing on the Ballot

Join HBRACC and the Cape Cod & Islands Association of REALTORS® for a moderated, nonpartisan forum focused on the issues impacting housing, development, and the building industry on Cape Cod.

The forum will feature candidates for Barnstable County Commissioner and the 3rd Barnstable District of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, providing attendees with an opportunity to hear directly from those seeking to represent our region.

Andrew Mikula, Chairman of the Legalize Starter Homes Ballot Campaign, will also join us to discuss the statewide initiative and its potential impact on housing in Massachusetts.

This is an opportunity to hear directly from candidates and housing leaders, learn more about their positions on issues important to the housing and building community, and connect with fellow industry professionals.

Barnstable County Commissioner Candidates

Adam Hogue

Adam Hogue is a U.S. Army veteran, financial professional, small business owner, and candidate for Barnstable County Commissioner. After 20 years of military service, including a deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, he has continued his commitment to public service on Cape Cod.

His stated priorities include keeping Cape Cod affordable, expanding attainable housing, supporting small businesses and year-round jobs, investing in infrastructure, protecting the environment, supporting veterans, and increasing transparency and accountability in county government.

Dan Gessen

Dan Gessen currently represents Falmouth in the Barnstable County Assembly of Delegates, where he has served as Deputy Speaker. Born and raised in Falmouth, Dan earned a bachelor's degree in Political Science and Public Policy from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a master's degree in Business Analytics from the Isenberg School of Management. He also serves as an Infantry Officer in the Massachusetts National Guard and has led soldiers in Iraq and Syria.

During his time in county government, Dan has worked on issues including wastewater funding, septic system replacement costs, dredging rates, and regional infrastructure initiatives.

3rd Barnstable District Candidates

State Representative David T. Vieira (R-East Falmouth)

State Representative David T. Vieira was born and raised in Falmouth and currently represents the 3rd Barnstable District in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. He began his eighth term in January 2025 and currently serves as Third Assistant House Minority Leader, as well as a member of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development, the Joint Committee on Emergency Management and Preparedness, and the House Ethics Committee.

David has also served as Falmouth Town Moderator since 1998 and is involved with several local and community organizations.

Jack Richardson (D)

Jack Richardson is a third-generation lifelong Cape Codder and the Democratic nominee for the 3rd Barnstable District. He previously served on the Falmouth Select Board and Falmouth Housing Authority and currently serves as a Town Meeting member.

His stated priorities include lowering housing and energy costs, protecting the environment and water resources, and investing in addiction recovery.

Legalize Starter Homes Ballot Campaign

Andrew Mikula, Chairman of the Legalize Starter Homes Ballot Campaign, will join the forum to discuss the statewide initiative and its potential impact on housing in Massachusetts.
 

Meet the Moderator

The forum will be moderated by Matt Pitta, Director of Communication for The Davenport Companies.

A Cape Cod media professional for nearly 30 years, Matt previously served as News Director at Cape Cod Broadcasting, iHeart Media, and Qantum Communications and worked as a broadcast editor and reporter for The Associated Press. His journalism career has earned him three Edward R. Murrow Awards and dozens of Associated Press awards.

A Cape Cod resident for more than 30 years, Matt also brings extensive community involvement and a deep familiarity with the issues affecting the region.

Submit a Housing Question

Attendees are encouraged to submit a housing-related question in advance when registering for the event. Questions should focus on housing, development, construction, or related industry issues with broader regional or statewide relevance, rather than issues specific to an individual town.

Questions may be submitted for the Barnstable County Commissioner candidates, 3rd Barnstable District candidates, or the Legalize Starter Homes campaign representative. Submitted questions will be considered for inclusion in the moderated forum.