Happy Spring -
After a winter that felt as cold and dark as any in recent memory, the onset of spring feels very hopeful this year! While still far from normal, there is much to be excited about including the fact that my daughter, a Wakefield High senior, just started her long-delayed volleyball season!
Each spring, both flowers and election lawn signs sprout up around town. I am proud to announce that I am running for re-election for a second term on the Town Council. My first term has been tremendously satisfying, and I consider it a high honor to serve the people of Wakefield. We have accomplished so much together, and there is more to do. Now that vaccines are rolling out, there are signs that we may be able to return to some semblance of normal soon, while also recognizing that for many, COVID has forever altered lives, especially for families who have lost loved ones and livelihoods.
Wakefield continues to demonstrate its resilient spirit and hard work in the face of adversity. Our Health and Emergency Management Departments, with the support of many other departments and volunteers, mobilized quickly to set up local clinics that have delivered thousands of vaccine shots since early February. Although the state has now shifted its delivery model away from municipal clinics, we remain ready to relaunch if needed.
While the pandemic is top of mind, we have not slowed our work on other issues critical to our future stability and success, including expanded support for businesses, outreach to seniors and at-risk populations, improved communications, and careful attention to budgets.
Please put election day, Tuesday, April 27th, on your calendar! I humbly ask for your support and remind you that, in addition to Town Council, representation on School Committee, Planning Board, Board of Library Trustees, and Housing Authority also will be determined. Each of these boards plays a critical role in the future of Wakefield. I urge you to take the time to learn about the candidates and vote.
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A January visit to the Town Clerk's office to obtain nomination papers for re-election to Town Council. |
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Below are some upcoming opportunities to learn more about me and what is happening around town. I hope to "see" you at an event soon! |
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Let's Walk and Talk, Wakefield! |
My favorite part of being a Town Councilor is getting to talk to the wide variety of people that make Wakefield the special place it is. The pandemic has severely limited the opportunity for face-to-face exchanges, but I have continued to offer Community Office Hours in outside locations and via Zoom and Facebook Live. Every single time I hold office hours someone shows up, and I get to meet new people and hear different perspectives, which makes me a better Councilor.
I am pleased to offer two additional ways to connect with me this spring:
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Wakefield Walks
Wakefield may span just seven square miles but within it are over 520 roads covering 110 miles. I have walked or run every street in Wakefield and seen how each neighborhood has its own unique charm. Join me at a specified meet-up location each week. We will spend a few minutes talking at the starting point and continue the conversation with those who want to walk and talk. This is a great chance to talk about open spaces, development, sidewalks and any other topics of interest.
Our first walk will be this Friday, March 12th around Greenwood. Meet me at 9 am at Cibo Cafe and Bistro (I highly recommend the coffee!). We will walk around the main Greenwood corridor to talk about upcoming street and drainage improvements, capital investments at the Greenwood school and anything else that might be on your mind.
Tuesday Talks with Julie
I have set various times aside each Tuesday for one-on-one chats for you to meet me and share your thoughts and ideas. Advance registration required in order to get the Zoom and or call-in access. Sign up here.
Fair warning, I do have one rule when it comes to my office hours, regardless of the format: Complaints are welcome but you must also share something positive about our town!
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Top: Attending Black Student Union Fundraiser with Councilor Butt; Girl Scouts discuss why they think Wakefield needs safer sidewalks as part of first Vision 2030 meeting; Middle: Driving through free COVID test clinic; Safe Street Working Group organizes Walking Audit of Farm Street Bottom: Speaking in favor of environmental measures at Fall 2020 Town Meeting; Virtual family Bingo night to support Wakefield Main Streets.
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Upcoming Ways to Engage and Enjoy Wakefield:
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This Thursday 3/11, Dr. Susan Donaldson will be speaking about how to get involved in advocating around climate change issues as part of the Beebe Library's "Commit to Your Community" programming. Register here.
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Help imagine the future by engaging with the Vision 2030 Initiative. Click here to take the survey to share your thoughts on growth, housing, mobility, and recreational areas.
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Albion Cultural Exchange (ACE) is hosting a wonderful art exhibit, entitled New Beginnings, that highlights local artists, organizations, and businesses. Set up an appointment to view.
- The Scholarship Foundation will be holding its 41st Annual Phonathon on March 20th. Support them so that they can continue to support Wakefield students.
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Above: Visiting the new ACE exhibit that celebrates art and community.
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Campaign Corner:
Ways to Support
My Re-election
This will be an unusual campaign season as I will be unable to do traditional meet and greets due to COVID restrictions. Nonetheless, there will be opportunities to volunteer to hold and host signs, write Dear Friend cards and participate in online and outside events. Please visit JulieforWakefield.com for more information on my issues and future opportunities to get involved.
As we ramp up the campaign, I do ask that you consider making a donation to help defray campaign costs. Donations can be made online or by check.
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Keep Safe, Wakefield!
Despite positive vaccine news and fewer overall cases, it is important to continue to take precautions, like wearing masks, maintaining social distances and avoiding large indoor gatherings. Let's keep up the good work until we can all be safe together again.
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Please reach out if you have any questions or comments -
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