Here's how Cape Cod state rep. candidates Kip Diggs, Susanne Conley stand on wind energy

HYANNIS — The two candidates vying for the 2nd Barnstable District seat in the state House of Representatives participated in a forum Monday night at Barnstable town hall. The event was part of a series of candidate forums held this election season by the League of Women Voters of the Cape Cod Area .

The 2nd Barnstable District consists of precincts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 13 in Barnstable and precincts 5, 6 and 8A in Yarmouth. Incumbent Kip Diggs of Barnstable, a Democrat, is seeking reelection, challenged by Susanne Conley of Barnstable, a Republican. The general election is Nov. 5.

The candidates were asked why they decided to run for election or reelection. Conley gave the first response.

"When I retired to Cape Cod I had the intention of just enjoying my retirement years," said Conley. "And that all changed when an ocean wind company decided to come to town and make plans to install massive ocean wind farm cables all over our recreational beaches, run them through our retail district, our village centers, our residential neighborhoods and build massive substations on top of our sole source aquifer and our wellhead protection zones. That really struck me as a way to ruin this beautiful town of Barnstable that I enjoy living in."

Then, Diggs talked about why he was running for reelection.

"The reason why I'm a state representative is because I no longer have my son here," said Diggs. "My son was killed in a car accident and he was named after my brother, who was killed in a car accident, both by drunk drivers."

Diggs continued, "And my community fed me and my family for (three months)," he said. "So for three months, I was like 'what can I do to give back?'"

Someone told Diggs he should run for state representative and he did. "I was running because I owe my district, my community, respect. I'm here as a passionate companion of my district."

The candidates were asked if they supported lowering the state sales tax to 5%. The current state sales tax is 6.25%.

"Absolutely," said Conley. "We need to do much, much more in terms of putting more money back in the pockets of the people who earn it."

"No, I believe it should stay the way it is," said Diggs. "I feel that Massachusetts has a robust economy."

The candidates were asked to explain their position on the proposed wind farm development in Barnstable.

"There are much, much better ways to make the transition to renewable energy than putting all this junk in our ocean," said Conley. "I really think we have to rethink this push to do ocean wind farm energy."

"I agree," said Diggs. "I think that our wind (is) an issue."

Eric Williams writes about a variety of ways to enjoy the Cape, the weather, wildlife and other subjects. Contact him at ewilliams@capecodonline.com . Follow him on X: @capecast.

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This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Here's how Cape Cod state rep. candidates Kip Diggs, Susanne Conley stand on wind energy