JULIA “JULES” CUCHELO
THE BIO:
You will see me on the ballot this June as Julia Cuchelo, but you may have met me bartending around town as Jules! You can often catch me mingling at the farmer’s market or cruising about on my longboard. I find value in shopping small, eating locally, and living authentically. Having grown up on a barrier island in New Jersey, the transition to MDI came easy for me. I’ve seen firsthand the impacts of climate change on coastal communities, the complexities of seasonal tourism, and what it takes to sustain a thriving year-round population.
I have been pursuing my Master’s in Policy, Planning, and Management at the University of Southern Maine the last several years. My concentration is in environmental policy and sustainability. I also have a certificate in geographic information systems. My education coupled with my own life’s experiences has left me deeply passionate regarding the intersection between the health of the environment and its people.
If you have any questions regarding my campaign for the Warrant Committee, feel free to send me an email at julia.cuchelo@gmail.com.
THE QUESTIONS:
Why are you running? How does your why for running delve into your bigger life purpose?
I often find myself feeling powerless regarding the state of the world and the inequities that exist within. This can be a heavy burden to carry. There is a disconnect between nature, governments, and its people. I would like to discover actions and solutions that are inclusive of all. I believe there is a vast demographic that is underrepresented here in Bar Harbor. It is my aim to give platform to those who otherwise would not be heard and stand for the core values that matter to me most.
The last year or so the news has been full of cruise ships, short-term rentals, and affordable housing. This isn’t saying that those aren’t all tremendously important, but what are some of the things that we might not be focusing on as a town that needs to be focused on instead?
Bar Harbor has been experiencing an onslaught of unprecedented weather events. The sense of community felt in response this past winter was palpable. However, from a policy standpoint, the town has immense room for growth. Our current economic system is extractive in nature. I would like to see priority put into creating livelihoods and alternative revenue streams. The transition to a smart grid, with a widespread interconnection of renewable energy sources and comprehensive waste to energy management solutions are deserving of our focus.
There’s a school bond on the ballot and a school that’s in dire need of repair. How have you educated yourself on the potential reconstruction of the school and what are your thoughts on how the council, the Warrant Committee, the town, and Conners Emerson School Board can work together to lessen the tax implication for the residents?
While everyone can agree tax hikes are not ideal or sustainable, there are overwhelming benefits the rebuild will provide our community. It has been powerful to witness citizens and members of the school board alike vehemently advocate for our school. In response to the needs of our residents, the Warrant Committee has a responsibility to support this project. If the school bond passes the elected bodies need to work together to alleviate financial strain for our citizens by means of working to acquire large donations and grant opportunities.
What have you done for yourself that you’re the most proud of? What have you done for the community that you’re the most proud of?
I’m proud of my ability to find strength in hardship and come through it with greater compassion. What I see everywhere are ordinary people willing to confront despair, power, and incalculable odds to restore some semblance of grace, justice, and beauty to this world. I’m just a regular person, but I believe it is with small, transformative acts that real change takes effect. I am proud of cleaning up litter along Bar Island on my daily walks, of volunteering my free time at the Food Pantry, of supporting my neighbor’s local business or enjoying an Open Table Community Dinner. I’m proud of the little moments that make me a part of the community of Bar Harbor.
The Warrant Committee considers, investigates and reports on all of the election warrant articles except for the candidates for Town Meeting. What particular skills do you have that you think will help you perform that role?
This would be a new role for me, but I feel my education paired with my fervent desire to be involved equips me to succeed in this role. My background in GIS, environmental policy and sustainability will be integral to my success as a member of the Warrant Committee. My age and work in the service industry would aid me in communicating with and representing my demographic of people.
What’s a question that I should be asking you that I’m not asking? Feel free to answer it if you’d like to!
I believe we should be asking why there is such a low involvement between young people and local politics within Bar Harbor—and how can we change that? I think clearer communication is key here, but I would be curious to hear what would make this space more inclusive to all residents.