Julianne is running, as an incumbent, for one of TWO open seats on the Board of Selectmen.
Why do I want to serve in this position?
I am running to serve as a selectman for a second term for two reasons. For the last three years I have worked hard to be prepared for every meeting and issue that has come before the selectmen. My main concern has been and will continue to be that we hear from as many people as possible when we make decisions about the town of Northborough.
The second reason I am running is that I believe we are at a very important juncture in how Northborough is going to grow as a town. We have a master plan that is waiting to be implemented and this will guide some very important projects in town. We will need to put a lot of energy, time and support behind the implementation of the master plan and I would be honored to be a part of this in any way that I can.
What special qualifications and experience will you bring to the office?
Having served for three years on the BOS I understand the mechanisms of town government and the roles of committees and boards in shaping policy, budget and decision making. As much as possible I try to research topics that come before me for solutions and welcome residents’ input. Pre-pandemic I attended presentations offered by the Mass. Municipal Association, our professional organization. Hopefully we will get back to meeting in person since these are opportunities to talk to other selectmen and elected officials and learn from each other.
Describe ONE other activity or subcommittee you’ve been involved with within the town. What has it meant to you and how did it shape and impact the town?
As selectmen we are appointed as liaisons to various committees. One committee that I have become quite involved with is the Northborough Cultural Council. While we were going through the Pandemic this group recognized that providing an avenue for people to participate or enjoy the arts was essential. They regrouped and shifted how they did Culturefest and their grants reception. They are a group of people who think creatively, and they have taught me a lot about thinking outside the box and finding solutions. One more thing I would like to say on this topic is that I would like to see the committees and boards get together now and then to hear what they are all doing because there are many areas where we can work together and help each other.
Describe 3 key issues facing the town and how will you address them in this role?
The first issue I would say is to evaluate the effects of the Pandemic on our residents. Our lifestyles have changed and some of these changes may be permanent. We will have to assess the needs of our residents and respond to that.
The second issue I would say is implementing the master plan. We have put a lot of faith in this plan and it is critical that we put as much support behind it as possible.
The third issue is doing what we can as a town to help with climate change. There are many groups in the region who are actively working on this and we have an opportunity to co-operate with other towns and groups as we find solutions and try to achieve the clean energy goals set by the state.
Is there anything else that you would like to share about yourself?
This goes back to question 3 because one other group that I have become involved with is the Northborough Garden Club. This is a group that quietly takes on projects in town and provides us with some horticultural beauty as we pass through town. If you have ever had to wait in traffic, you have probably enjoyed the garden in front of the old town hall for example. At the risk of over simplifying, I honestly believe that trees and plants can do a lot for our quality of life and sense of well-being not to mention help with slowing climate change. People are grateful to the Town Common committee for having the foresight to take a piece of property and install a beautiful green space that we all enjoy. I honestly believe that planting more trees and creative landscaping can improve our streetscapes and quality of life in general. Several years ago I got my certificate from the Mass. Master Gardeners Association and have worked at and toured many wonderful gardens in Massachusetts. I have learned of the many benefits of public gardening and the power of volunteerism in creating and maintaining those spaces.
During the last three years I have seen the willingness in Northborough to volunteer and I would be honored to serve as a person to help facilitate and offer more opportunities for our residents to volunteer and participate. It’s an exciting time to be in Northborough and I hope to be a part of it.
Hope to see everyone at town meeting on May 1 and the polls on May 11th.