BOSTON – Cape and Islands State Senator Julian Cyr spoke passionately last week against a legislative attempt to end discretionary referrals to the Cape Cod Commission for projects under 10,000 square feet.
The Truro Democrat spoke out in opposition of the proposal, which was introduced by Senator Dean Tran of Fitchburg.
“Fortunately, the amendment was not adopted, so it’s effectively dead,” Cyr said.
“But I think it does show how off-Cape interests often try to use their influence to tilt the rules in their favor.”
Cyr argued that the proposal was influenced by Gregg Lisciotti, president of Lisciotti Development Corporation. Records from the Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance show Lisciotti made political donations to Senator Tran last year.
Cyr’s understanding is that Lisciotti has made multiple donations to candidates, mainly on the Republican side of the aisle.
“What makes me really angry is that some people have the audacity to think they can bend the rules in their favor, and that’s just not something that’s right,” he said.
“It’s not how we do business on Cape Cod.”
Cyr worked with Representatives Sarah Peake and Tim Whelan, as well as Senator Vinny DeMacedo, to ensure the amendment did not pass.
The amendment was introduced in the House of Representatives by Representative Jonathan Zlotnik of Gardner, but it was withdrawn.
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