Steven Peters was a prominent Mashpee Wampanoag whose political prowess as a Selectman from 1927-1954 helped bring national prominence to the little village. Peters plan to modernize Mashpee with electricity was very controversial at the time. Peters pressed on anyway and won. As a Roosevelt Democrat, and the friend of Governors, Mayors, and Joe Kennedy, he brought patronage to Mashpee persuading hardcore Republicans to become Democrats. At election time, the Mashpee vote was so small and accurate; it became the bellwether for the rest of the nation. Peters' sincere love for his people was reflected in his popularity. But his influence as a parent was such that seven of his eight children continued his legacy by serving the Wampanoag, the nation or the town of Mashpee as elected or appointed officials. His approval would be punctuated with, "My stars!"