More than 200 Cape and islands residents participated in a policy summit at Cape Cod Community College's Tilden Arts Center on Saturday, March 4. State Senator Julian A. Cyr (D-Truro), who represents the Cape and Islands District that includes Mashpee, hosted the event.

"Communities on Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket face unique challenges," Sen. Cyr said in a release Monday, March 7. "To move forward on housing affordability, wastewater, the opioid epidemic and so much more, we need innovative policy solutions, outside-of-the-box thinking and public participation."

The policy summit featured six working sessions centered around living, working, raising a family, aging, serving and preserving natural resources on the Cape and islands. Each session, facilitated by a local leader, featured a panel of industry experts, activists, elected officials and nonprofit directors.

The nonpartisan gathering highlighted panelists across the political spectrum, including Sen. Cyr's general election opponent, retired Air Force Brigadier General Anthony E. Schiavi.

Sen. Cyr spoke about how the challenges facing residents of the Cape and islands require inventive solutions and strong partnerships between local communities and elected officials.

"My hope is that participants are introduced to people and work they didn't know about," Sen. Cyr said. "I want every person here today to commit to one tangible action they can do to become more involved in their local community and in the policy-making process."

Sen. Cyr encouraged attendees to commit to helping a community organization, attend pending town meetings and run for public office.

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Policy Summit Focuses On Agenda For Cape And Islands - CapeNews.net