About HRTC

The purpose of the Harwich Republican Town Committee is to promote the principles of the Republican Party, to cooperate in carrying out the program of the Republican State and the Republican National Committees and to promote the election of Republican Candidates. The HRTC welcomes all conservative friends in Harwich.

Republican Oath

I BELIEVE the strength of our nation lies with the individual and that each person’s dignity, freedom, ability and responsibility must be honored.
I BELIEVE in equal rights, equal justice and equal opportunity for all, regardless of race, creed, sex, age or disability.
I BELIEVE free enterprise and encouraging individual initiative have brought this nation opportunity, economic growth and prosperity.
I BELIEVE government must practice fiscal responsibility and allow individuals to keep more of the money they earn.
I BELIEVE the proper role of government is to provide for the people only those critical functions that cannot be performed by individuals or private organizations and that the best government is that which governs least.
I BELIEVE the most effective, responsible and responsive government is government closest to the people.
I BELIEVE Americans must retain the principles that have made us strong while developing new and innovative ideas to meet the challenges of changing times.
I BELIEVE Americans value and should preserve our national strength and pride while working to extend peace, freedom and human rights throughout the world.
FINALLY, I believe the Republican Party is the best vehicle for translating these ideals into positive and successful principles of government.

UPDATES

Harwich Republican Town Committee

6 days ago

Harwich Republican Town Committee
Town Meeting at 6pm Monday May 4th and Tuesday May 5th at the Community Center - important to attend and have a say in the process. Here's some more info on what you'll be voting for" two citizen petitions for the May 4 and 5 Town Meeting have been submitted.Both petitions focus on a simple principle: protecting taxpayer dollars and making sure residents have a voice when their money is involved.• The first petition states that if taxpayer money is given to developers through the Harwich Affordable Housing Trust, it must first be approved by a Town Meeting vote.• The second petition states that if a development requires the town to build or pay for infrastructure, such as roads or other improvements, Town Meeting must approve that spending before the permit is granted.This impacts all of us, because the town budget has no extra funds. Every dollar committed to these projects comes at an additional cost on each of our tax bills. We are generous with our money, and at the very least, we should have the opportunity to say yes or no.When taxpayer money is involved, taxpayers should have a vote. Thanks! ... See MoreSee Less
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Harwich Republican Town Committee

1 week ago

Harwich Republican Town Committee
Information from our member Lou Urbano who has been working tirelessly not only collecting signatures for the citizens' petitions but also with the committee that created themThanks Lou for all you do:The proposed Pine Oaks Village 4 project, which would add more than 240 housing units in Harwich, has sparked important questions and action in our town. This project is the driving force behind recent petition articles designed to ensure transparency and preserve residents’ control over public funds.Harwich is at a pivotal moment. While the need for housing is clear, residents are asking thoughtful questions: Do these projects fit within our neighborhoods? Is the proposed density appropriate? Have environmental impacts been fully addressed? And most importantly, who decides how our tax dollars are used to support development?Chapter 40B was created to increase affordable housing across Massachusetts and allows certain zoning requirements to be bypassed when projects meet affordability thresholds. While the law’s intent is clear, the process can limit local regulatory authority. Many residents believe that when public funds are involved, the right to vote on their use should remain firmly in the hands of the people.The petitions before Town Meeting do not oppose housing or affordable units. Instead, they focus on fiscal accountability and the preservation of Town Meeting’s authority. Specifically, the articles would:Require voter approval before the Select Board grants tax relief or permit concessions to developers;Require the Housing Trust to obtain Town Meeting approval before dispersing funds; andRequire voter approval if infrastructure tax dollars must be spent as a result of a development project before permits are granted.At their core, these measures are about transparency and protecting residents’ rights to determine what our tax dollars support. Even when state law limits zoning control, Town Meeting continues to control local appropriations. The central civic question is simple: when public funds are involved, should residents have a direct voice?I encourage everyone to attend Town Meeting beginning at 6.00PM on May 4 and 5. Your voice and your vote matter. It will also be a meaningful opportunity to recognize the many years of service to Harwich by our Chair, Peter Hughes, who will be honored at the Harwich Community Center.Harwich can meet its housing needs while also preserving transparency, fiscal responsibility, and the vital role of Town Meeting. I hope to see you there.We all hope to see you there. ... See MoreSee Less
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