On Wednesday, May 13, Aquinnah voters will go to the polls to decide a race for one seat on the three-member board of selectmen between incumbent Jim Newman, who seeks a fourth term, and Barbara Bassett, making her first bid for the town leadership position.
The election comes against a backdrop of continued negotiations with the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) over unresolved issues in the public safety agreement under which the town provides police, fire, and ambulance services on tribal lands, and the tribe’s plan to create a boutique casino in its long-dormant and unfinished community center and the state’s lawsuit filed to block those plans.
In a 33-page decision dated Feb. 27, 2015, U.S. District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV said that the tribe remains bound by the terms of the settlement agreement, and knowingly waived its sovereign immunity with respect to tribal lands. It was the latest ruling in a legal argument over whether Massachusetts can limit the tribe’s ability to build a casino, either in southeastern Massachusetts or on tribal lands on Martha’s Vineyard.
Barbara Bassett has called Aquinnah home since the early ’50s when her family first bought land and built a house in town. Her daughters were born and raised in town. Ms. Bassett has been the bookkeeper for Poole’s Fish, the Chilmark Store, the Menemsha and Beach Plum Inns, and was responsible for payroll and taxes for the Homeport restaurant and the Aquinnah Shop. She served on the finance committee for several years, and was one of three assistant chiefs of the Gay Head Fire Department.
Jim Newman was a longtime summer visitor before he and his wife Kathy moved from New Jersey to become full-time residents of the Island. A retired teacher and reading specialist, he served on the finance committee before running for selectman 12 years ago. He has been tutoring tribal children for the past 10 years. He is seeking re-election to a fourth term.
The Times posed a series of questions to each candidate, and asked that they respond in writing in not more than 400 words. The questions and their responses follow.
Why did you decide to run for [re-] election to the board of selectmen?
Ms. Bassett: I’m running because I’m disturbed by the disconnect between town government and the people it serves, and the trend toward development and expansion. I would like to see a return to a simpler vision of our quiet, rural town. I think that Juli, Spencer, and I would make a great team.
Mr. Newman: I decided to run once more for the board of selectmen because I wanted to complete what I had set out to do when I first ran. I wanted to bring our town into the 21st century of organization and fiscal responsibility. I also wanted to see through to completion the moving of our Gay Head Lighthouse.
Please describe the working relationship between the town and the Wampanoag tribe.
Ms. Bassett: While the tribe is an independent entity with its own government, it is part of our town. I was very pleased when Tobias Vanderhoop was elected chairman. I know that he understands and loves Aquinnah, and I’m confident that we can work together toward common goals.
Mr. Newman: For the past 12 years, I have worked diligently to establish a productive working relationship with the tribe, in order to establish trust and understanding. The tribe is an integral part of this community, and is part of the essence of Aquinnah. It is incumbent upon the board and future boards of selectmen to work closely with the tribe.
What town issues are important to you?
Ms. Bassett: There has been a sharp rise in taxes. We are contemplating some very expensive capital expenditures, and are embroiled in a lawsuit over the Menemsha lease lots, and some of the budgets are out of proportion to the size and scope of our simple town. Aquinnah is a small town, with many residents living on a fixed or limited income, and it’s important to keep it affordable and to live within our means.
That being said, I have always supported socially beneficial programs and will continue to do so. We have problems that need our attention and resources. We have a large aging population, and the slow response time during medical emergencies has been a concern. There are buildings and roads in need of repair.
Within the past month, we have lost our accountant, accountant’s assistant, and treasurer. There has been conflict at the town hall. I have held managerial positions and have experience training staff and resolving conflicts. Leadership and guidance are needed. In the recent past, several qualified locals have been passed over for town positions. Having familiar, friendly people representing our town is important.
Sadly, with the death of many of our elders and friends, some of the old ways are in danger of being lost. This was a tightly knit community that always looked out for one another. If elected, I would encourage input from everyone and would try to be fair, thoughtful, humane, and measured in my decisions. I think that with some common sense, kindness and humor, we can rekindle some of the goodwill and community-mindedness that has made it such a special place.
Mr. Newman: Perhaps the most pressing issue is taxable land and the need to raise revenue. Obviously, the other pressing issue is the establishment of a casino in Aquinnah. I believe the majority of year-round residents are opposed to it, and we need to continue our fight in court.