Julie Casson seeks Westport Island selectboard seat
Address: Westport Island
Occupation: I served as the Town Clerk for Westport Island ME since 2018 until January of 2023. I have a strong resume of over 30 years in operations management and sales/applications training. I also spent almost 10 years owning my own massage practice before moving to Maine.
Education: B.S. Food Chemistry and Human Nutrition, Framingham State College and a 900-hr Professional Muscular Therapy Program Certificate from the Muscular Therapy Institute.
Political History (Board, Committees, other): At this time, I am currently the co-chair of the Cemetery Committee, a member of the Shellfish Committee, one of the Town’s State-certified Municipal Shellfish Wardens, and Deputy EMA Director. I have in the past also served on the History Committee and have served as the Deputy GA Director.
Clubs/Organizations: I am proud to be an active member in a support role of the Westport Volunteer Fire Department (WVFD) and serve as the administrative assistant to the Chief. The Midcoast of Maine is a treasure to me and I am active with the Friends of Seguin Island Light Station, serving as a board member.
Considering the office you are running for, what do you feel are the three most pressing issues (350 words or less): 1. Transparency 2. Fiscal Responsibility 3. Community. A sound and transparent municipal government. I believe that while the past year has been one of transition at Town Office, we have the makings of a municipal government that can, with the right 3rd Select Board member, act as an executive body that leads Westport into the next phase of the future. We need a board that actively listens to our residents’ needs and are able to have thoughtful discussions and can as a collective group make the best decisions that are in the best interest of all residents of the town, from young families to retirees, from original families to newly welcomed Westporters and summer residents. We need to continue to be fiscally responsible and work on keeping our mil rate (tax rate) down so that our residents can continue to maintain their homes. We need to be smart in our spending so that in the future we have roads and an infrastructure that supports the changing needs of the island while retaining the heart that this island has and always will be – our 10-mile long, island community. Lastly, we are a community. We all live amongst each other on a 10-mile island here on the coast. As a community, we need to communicate – to make sure all residents know what is happening at town office, within the town, and on committees; to make sure all residents are aware and safe during emergencies with alerts or other methods of communications, opening up the town digitally (such as the new zoom access to the select board meetings) bring us to the new services and a more equitable way of doing business in today’s world, and lastly, letting the communication be a two-way street. We all serve at the pleasure of our citizens, and we need to be there to listen to their needs and concerns. If elected I know I will.
Any other thoughts on why you are running or what you can bring to the office? (150 words or less): I believe in Westport Island. There is no other place I would rather be. I want to be part of the leadership of Westport Island. I believe leadership is something that is not taught but comes from within. General George S. Patton said, “Select leaders for ability and not affection.” While I would love your affection; know that I have the ability – training and understanding of municipal government, experience in management and in community service, I have taken additional trainings on assessing during my own time along with other municipal classes, and I have spent countless hours getting to know this community. I have the affection for this community, and I want to serve it as one of your leaders for another three years. Vote for me on Tuesday, June 13. Thank you.