Reflections of an Outgoing Town Councilor

Next week, town voters will elect two new Town Councilors. After two terms, I decided not to seek re-election as I think it is time for new voices and ideas.

In 2018, I ran to make Wakefield more inclusive, sustainable, and livable. Since then, I have encountered scores of people who share these values and are willing to work together to achieve them. Over the past six years, I have taken hundreds of votes, always trying to stay true to these foundational goals, and here are some of the outcomes I am most proud of:

• Making Wakefield a sustainability leader by establishing an official Environmental Sustainability Committee, commissioning the region’s first town-owned “water buggy” to reduce plastic use, achieving a Green Community designation, and demonstrating early adoption of EV charging stations, low-carbon energy codes, and a resilient microgrid energy park;
• Strengthening social services for our town’s most vulnerable residents by adding a town social worker, creating a heating assistance program, and working collaboratively with local non-profits, like the Wakefield Food Pantry, to make sure people have access to the basics;
• Investing in future generations by establishing a Youth Council, supporting the construction of new high and vocational schools, and passing a pedestrian and bicycle plan that will especially benefit our non-drivers, old and young, to move more safely around town;
• Embracing inclusivity by adopting the Proclamation of Acceptance and Openness Among all our Citizens then demonstrating it by celebrating LGBTQ+ pride, Juneteenth, and cultural diversity through events and flags; and
• Improving government services and accessibility by adding staff committed to communications, economic development, and planning while expanding the availability of online services and information.

All this progress was made even with the devastation of a global pandemic, which took too many of our neighbors’ lives and livelihoods. No one could have predicted how we would have to adapt in March of 2020, but our town, and especially our health and public safety departments, expertly navigated the unknown. I am proud that the Town Council thoughtfully and responsibly deployed the millions in pandemic-era federal funding to meet short-term needs while also investing in longer-term economic and community programs that will benefit us for years to come.

I want to thank everyone who has supported me during my tenure. It has been the honor of a lifetime to represent Wakefield and to serve alongside the many dedicated elected and appointed officials and tireless town staff, all of whom share a deep love for this town.

As you prepare to vote on Tuesday, I urge you to get to know the candidates and think about what you want for Wakefield’s future. The future will require strong leadership that can address the need for affordable housing, the selection of a new Town Administrator, and the continued revitalization of our business districts, all while maintaining the town’s strong fiscal health.

Personally, I am voting for hope and progress which is why I am casting my two votes for Allyson Houghton and Douglas Butler for Town Council. I believe each has a unique vision and fresh ideas that will guide us into the future. See you at the polls on Tuesday the 23rd.

Julie Smith-Galvin, Wakefield Town Councilor (2018-2024)

Polls open from 7am to 8pm on Tuesday, April 23rd at Galvin Middle School, 525 Main Street. Absentee voting available during regular Town Hall office hours for registered voters who are unable to vote in person. More election information.