About Catherine (Cathy) Campos Ledec
I currently serve as the Town of Barnstable representative (appointed by Barnstable’s Town Manager) on the Cape Cod Commission (CCC). As such, I have successfully influenced and worked diligently to improve more than 30 large development projects Cape-wide over the past 2 years. In response to my probing technical questions, developers and other stakeholders are better informed and have improved their projects across all impact areas.
Regionally these projects have resulted in more than 400 residential units for our workforce, 320 of which are in the Town of Barnstable. Other projects included increasing clean drinking water capacity, telecommunications, flood protection, community health and recreation facilities, ecological restoration, hotel units, rooftop solar and more.
I also recently served on the Ad-hoc Zoning Committee, established by the Barnstable Town Council in 2024. The four highest priority recommendations from this committee have already been approved by the Town Council. This committee received significant public input that guided its recommendations and is now a Town Council Standing Committee on Zoning matters.
I am a demonstrated, experienced leader on environment and natural resources management issues. More about me can be found on my LinkedIn page.
MY PRIORITIES FOR BARNSTABLE AND CAPE COD INCLUDE:
Protect Water Quality and Quantity
Clean water is critical to maintaining our public health and the high quality of life here on the Cape, including the clean water-dependent economic activity in and around Barnstable Harbor. I am committed to preserving the quality and quantity of our drinking water, along with improving the water quality in our ponds and bays.
The critical importance of clean and abundant water resources is sometimes overlooked and undervalued here on the Cape. I will prioritize ensuring clean water for all, including following through on the Town’s Comprehensive Wastewater Management Project.
Support Housing that is Truly Affordable
Barnstable needs more year-round affordable and workforce housing opportunities. Our teachers, medical technicians, police, firefighters, and other workers support our entire community–they deserve the best.
During my Cape Cod Commission tenure, we achieved a win for the Town of Barnstable. During negotiations, the Hanover 2 developer agreed to 10 more deed-restricted workforce residential units than were required. I will find practical solutions to make available more year-round, lower price-point, diverse housing opportunities for our workforce. At the same time, I will work diligently to protect the natural and historic features that make living here on Cape Cod so wonderful and ensure that this is available for future generations to enjoy.
Protect Natural Resources and Open Space
The natural beauty of Cape Cod is an important reason why we all live here. It is also a key economic driver and attracts many tourists throughout the year. I will prioritize protecting and restoring our environment and natural resources for the benefit of all current and future residents. Native trees, our natural landscapes, and open space are important to all of us. For our own health and well-being, we need to preserve mature trees, plant more trees, and better manage the lands under town management.
I have already drafted a detailed policy on improving land management throughout the Town of Barnstable. This DRAFT policy will prioritize and establish science-based standards for the management, renovation, and development of Town-owned landscapes. I will work with the Town Council, our Town Manager, Schools, staff and others to approve and ensure implementation of this policy on all Town-owned lands. See here for the draft policy: Draft Policy on Ecologically Beneficial Landscaping On Town-Owned Lands (Link Below).
Improve Transportation, Sidewalks and Public Safety and Complete Projects Already Underway
I will continue working towards completion of the multi-year transportation, public safety, flood mitigation, stormwater management, culvert repair or upgrade, and sidewalk projects in our neighborhoods and along Route 6A. This work was started by Gordon Starr and Ann Canedy. These initiatives include multiple agencies and have the potential for grant funding. Many voters have shared with me concerns about vehicle and pedestrian safety. I will follow-up on these concerns to improve safety and deliver what our community requires to maintain our high quality of life.
Public Input and Communication
I will continue to work hard for a better Barnstable by being your voice in Barnstable Town Government. I pledge to listen to you and work to make Barnstable the best it can be for all of us who live here, now and in the future. I am a leader with integrity and I will act with transparency, seeking your guidance and counsel often.
Personal
A Massachusetts native, I enjoyed summers on Cape Cod during my youth and have come to love Cape Cod for its natural beauty, New England charm, and historic character.
My background is grounded by a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Northeastern University, a 40+ year career in finance and administration, decades of civic engagement, environmental leadership, and a lifelong commitment to volunteerism. I have held a number of key leadership positions (all volunteer) in local government and retired with my husband to Barnstable in 2021.
I have a special interest in improving local policy with respect to sustainable development, protecting our environment and natural resources, climate, land use, housing, transportation, and historic resources.
My husband George and I are working to restore native biodiversity on our Barnstable property. Already more than 300 native trees and shrubs have been planted and we are continuing to watch and enjoy the ecosystem recover and the wildlife thrive. I also enjoy many outdoor activities, am a keen birder, enjoy international travel with my husband, gardening for wildlife, and spending time with family and friends.
Email: Ledec4Precinct1@gmail.com ————— Phone: (703)-346-0814