Trustee Candidate Q&A: Julia Robins

With the Greenport Village Board election taking place Tuesday -- and three candidates vying for two open seats -- Patch did a Q&A with each candidate. Here, in their own words, they describe their experience, platforms -- and why they believe they are the right candidate to win a trustee seat on the board.

Julia Robins

Q) Provide a brief bio.

A) I came to Greenport as an aspiring young woman.  I worked for more than 25 years as a carpenter and contractor. This experience has given me a wealth of knowledge about the homes and residents of the North Fork. In 2008, I began a new career in real estate, bringing my expertise of housing to the industry. I am passionate about my love for the Village of Greenport. I raised my son here and he has become a fine young man. Many people contributed to his education and development.

Robins currently serves on the Greenport Village Planning Board, served as a Greenport Housing Authority board member from 1999 - 2006, a Greenport Carousel Committee member from 1997 - 2003, a Greenport Maritime Festival volunteer; the Greenport Boys Winter Soccer League co-founder, 2005 - 2007, Greenport Rotary Club, 2008 - 2010, Northeast Stage board of directors, 2007 through current, Peconic Bay Masterwork Choir, 2005 through present, and Greenport Boy Scout Troop 51, where her son is an Eagle Scout.

Q) Can each of you please give me a brief summation of your platform, and why you chose to run? 

A) Platform highlights include waterfront revitalization, economic development, exploration of alternative energy, building code enforcement, and civility and respect.

Q) What do you think are the biggest issues facing Greenport right now?

A) We need more businesses that will provide year-round  jobs. There is a need for housing for our young people who grew up here and our local residents. They are an asset this Village needs. We cannot rely solely on tourism.

Q)  How do you feel about the parking meter discussion? 

A) I do not support metered parking. I think it creates a bad image for the village.

Q) What do you think about beer in Mitchell Park? 

A) I do not think beer should be sold in Mitchell Park.

Q) What is your stance on health benefits for village board members?

A) I do not have enough information about the law providing health benefits to elected officials to weigh in at this time.

Q) ) How do you believe a balance can be maintained between new tourism and business and maintaining the village's history and small-town flavor? On that vein, do you believe outside commercial ventures should be able to utilize the village's fishing docks?

A) I think we are doing a pretty good job of balancing tourism and business in the downtown area.  I support the commercial fishing fleet and the working waterfront.

Q) What do you think should be done in regard to the lack of reliable public transportation on the North Fork?

A) Public transportation is an area that the village has no control over.

Q) Do you think crime in the village is a problem and if so, what can be done? 

A) I think the village needs an ongoing dialogue with Southold Police to make sure we get the officers here that we require. That need changes depending on the season.

Q) Why should voters choose you on Election Night?

We are so fortunate to live in a town where people care about their neighbors. I want to help us continue to prosper by maintaining infrastructure while making the best use of our historic and beautiful waterfront. I have the ability to research issues and work with people to make decisions that make things happen. I cannot think of a better way to give back to this village that I love than to serve its citizens on the village board and work to maintain and improve the quality of life here for all of us.