Wakefield Election Profiles: Julie Smith-Galvin, Town Council

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The following candidate profile is from Julie Smith-Galvin, who is running for Town Council.

Your name: Julie Smith-Galvin

Age, as of April. 1, 2021: 51

Town of residence: Wakefield

Position sought: Town Councilor

Party affiliation: Democrat

Family: Married to husband Tom Galvin for 22 years. We have a son, Thomas, who is a sophomore at UMass Amherst and a daughter, Amelia, who is a senior at Wakefield Memorial High School (and two PAWS cats, Ella and Ruthie).

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government, including the Town of
Wakefield or Wakefield Public Schools?: My husband Tom is a member of Wakefield’s Permanent Building Committee and the High School Building Committee.

Education: BA, International Studies and Public Communications, American University, Washington, DC MBA, Boston University, Boston, MA Senior Fellow, Environmental Leadership Program

Occupation: Communications Professional. After 20 years of working in executive level public relations positions at two of the largest global renewable power companies in the world, I founded JSG Communications in 2016 to focus on sharing my skills with startup companies working in climate tech and clean energy (www.jsgcommunications.com).

Previous or current elected or appointed office: Elected to Town Council in 2018: selected by peers as Vice Chair of Town Council, 2020 Appointed by School Committee to Wakefield Academy Board of Trustees, 2008-2013

Campaign website: www.JulieforWakefield.com

You are running because:

I am running for re-election to the Town Council because I believe that local government is on the frontlines of today’s most pressing issues. As Wakefield’s “chief executive office and chief policy making agency,” the Town Council makes critical decisions that have a profound influence on public health, economic opportunity, housing, education, climate change and a multitude of other critical areas that directly impact our quality of life. I care deeply about Wakefield and would like to continue to serve as we take on new opportunities and challenges.

What is the single most pressing issue facing our town council is ___, and what do you intend to do about it:

In my opinion, the single most pressing issue facing our town council is the emergence and recovery from the pandemic. The global pandemic has had profound local impacts that will take strong leadership and vision to address.

First, the Council must continue to be vigilant. As we have done from the beginning, we must work closely with our Board of Health and public safety professionals develop policies, programs and services that directly address the ongoing threat, such as continuing to limit large events, assisting with vaccination initiatives and encouraging outdoor dining.

Second, we need to work with the local businesses and residents most severely impacted by the pandemic. Wakefield will be receiving funds from the recently passed American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). While details are still being finalized, as a Councilor I will advocate that this money be used to fund innovative programs that support the needs of businesses, students and seniors. Examples include small grant programs for small businesses and increased access mental health services.

What are key differences between you and your opponents in this race:

I am a proven leader who has demonstrated that I make my decisions based on a thorough review of the issues. I am accessible and open to all constituents and actively seek input. I have proven experience as a local official, as well as a communicator, environmental leader and business owner.

As a business owner, I also have the ability to set my own schedule. This provides me the flexibility to participate in events and collaborate with town staff, organizations, constituents and businesses during normal working hours.

What other issues make up your campaign platform:

My governing and campaign platform can be summed up in three words: livability, inclusivity and sustainability. To me, these three principles encompass a broad range of opportunities, including accessible housing options, safer streets, small business support, social services for vulnerable neighbors, optimal educational facilities for our children, food security, senior services and a focus on clean water and air. I always consider how my votes and actions as a town leader will ensure that Wakefield is a better, more inclusive and sustainable place to live.

What accomplishments and experiences would you cite as evidence you can handle this job:

Over my first term, I have been proud to have used my interpersonal, communication and business skills to:

 Improve town communications and processes by advocating for competitive hiring, a new town website and expanded coverage of public meetings.
 Strengthen our economic base by voting to hire a Community and Economic Development Director, expanding outdoor dining and sustaining the town’s AAA Bond rating, which frees up funds for use in critical areas.
 Prioritize environmental sustainability by leading the effort to establish the town’s first Environmental Sustainability Committee, promote safer bike and walk options and install both Wakefield’s first municipal solar project and electric vehicle chargers.
 Increase civic engagement by expanding opportunities for youth and veterans to share their voice, designing a workshop on town government for Parent University and holding regular office hours, which enables residents to share ideas, concerns, and feedback with me.
 Protect and respect those in need by supporting resources to address the opioid crisis, providing tax relief for seniors, and establishing an Emergency Fund for residents to access confidentially when they need a little help.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and the position:

Finally, I am a person of high integrity with a deep commitment to equity, fairness and justice. I genuinely enjoy getting to know people and discussing issues, large and small. I make myself available for discussions at your convenience and through regularly scheduled office hours. Although we will not always agree, I pledge to listen and consider all opinions. We are a stronger community when we find common ground and work together.