05/10/2026
Barnstable County Commissioner Ron Bergstrom, who is seeking reelection in November, spoke before the Harwich Democratic Town Committee on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Harwich Community Center.
Bergstrom, a Chatham resident, has served as a County Commissioner for the past 18 years. In addition to his county role, he has served as a Chatham Select Board member and currently works as a commercial shellfisherman.
He faces challengers in the Democratic primary scheduled for September 1. Candidates include Eric Schwaab of Hyannis is campaigning on responsible development and public engagement, and Daniel Gassen of Falmouth, a 21-year-old University of Massachusetts Amherst student studying political science, public administration, and military leadership. Gassen currently serves as the Falmouth representative and Deputy Speaker of the Barnstable County Assembly of Delegates. Republican candidate Adam Hogue of Barnstable is expected to face the Democratic nominee in the general election.
During his remarks, Bergstrom highlighted several accomplishments of Barnstable County under the leadership of Commissioners Bergstrom, Mark Forest, and Sheila Lyons. He noted the county has maintained a balanced budget and preserved its AAA bond rating.
Among the initiatives discussed:
Distribution of $11 million toward housing efforts
Support for human services agencies across Cape Cod
Assistance in keeping winter storm shelters open
Providing dredging services to Cape towns
Facilitating access to state and federal funding
Investing $10 million in coastal erosion projects and dune studies
Coordinating AmeriCorps volunteers throughout the county
Sponsoring programs such as SHINE for seniors and Children’s Cove, which provides specialized services for children who are victims of abuse
Bergstrom also said he successfully pushed for a policy preventing ICE agents from making arrests on county property without state approval.
On infrastructure issues, he discussed the county’s sewer hookup loan program, which offers zero to low-interest financing regardless of income level. He encouraged residents to visit CapeCod.gov for additional information on county services.
Environmental protection and responsible growth were central themes of Bergstrom’s presentation. He described Cape Cod’s environment as the region’s “greatest asset” and emphasized the need to protect natural resources. He expressed concern about increasing pressure on water supplies, open land, and public safety services as large housing developments continue to expand.
Bergstrom suggested several approaches to managing growth, including year-round deed restrictions and possible tax adjustments for non-resident property owners. He also voiced concern over state efforts to relax regulations to accelerate housing development approvals, saying that while housing is critically needed, water and environmental impacts must also be considered.
He said he hopes to continue serving as “a voice of reason.”
Audience discussion covered a wide range of topics, including overdevelopment, low water levels putting the Orleans Rotary for possible flooding,coastal and groundwater concerns, and the ongoing debate surrounding the storage and disposal of nuclear waste from the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station. Questions were also raised about Governor Healey’s interest in exploring nuclear energy as a lower greenhouse-gas energy source to help reduce energy costs. Attendees referenced Capedownwinders.net as a resource on nuclear issues.
Another concern raised was the aging demographic within Democratic political organization and how to encourage greater participation by younger residents. Committee Chairman Ray Gottwald noted that approximately 65% of voters are currently registered as unenrolled.
The next Harwich Democratic Town Committee meeting is scheduled for June 6 at 10 a.m. at the Harwich Community Center on Oak Street. Cape & Islands District Attorney Rob Galibois, who is also running for reelection, will be the featured speaker.
