Barnstable Town Council Elects Hebert as President

Barnstable Town Council President Paul Hebert.

HYANNIS – Paul Hebert was elected as the Barnstable Town Council President at its meeting last week.

Hebert, who represents Precinct 3 on the council, succeeds former council president James Crocker Jr., who died unexpectedly in October at the age of 62.

Hebert said his goals are to run quality meetings making sure that councilors are respected and appreciated, encourage debates that are full and lively, welcome and appreciate public comment, and use time efficiently.

Hebert said the president is the chair to conduct meetings and not debate without giving up the gavel.

“There is much wisdom in this and it is my experience that good chairs make for good and productive meetings,” Hebert said.

During his speech to councils before the election, Hebert said his work on the council has focused on his ability to remain positive, to listen to the public and other councils, and to make caring, compassionate and thoughtful observations, and vote accordingly.

He said the shared experience of losing Councilor Crocker showed him that the councilors have become friends and colleagues “with appreciation for the gifts, the talents, the experience each of us brings to this council.”

Hebert said he has learned and observed a lot under previous town council presidents.

“We are at an important time in our town with infrastructure needs requiring all of us as citizens to work together to accomplish the task ahead of us,” Hebert said.

Hebert said he ran for president because he believed he would chair the council well, encourage committees and commissions, support the town’s management team and engage citizens.

“It is critical that we engage the public, the citizens that we each represent,” Hebert said. “I want to serve and support you. And support you by following the charter.”

Hebert said he wears his heart on his sleeve.

“I demonstrate my creativity, leadership and compassion through action and service,” he said.

Jessica Rapp Grassetti, a former council president, was elected as vice president. Rapp Grassetti represents Precinct 7 on the town council.

Both Hebert and Rapp Grassetti ran unopposed for re-election in November.

Former councilor John Flores served as interim president after Crocker’s death. Flores lost his reelection bid in Precinct 1 to Gordon Starr.

Other new town councilors include Kris Clark in Precinct 11, Tracy Shaughnessy in Precinct 9, and David Bogan won the seat previously filled by Crocker in Precinct 5.