Council candidate: Julian R. Mei
Julian R. Mei was born and raised in Martinsville and is a real estate salesperson. He graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University and lived and worked for many years in Manhattan, New York.
"I'm a supporter of the revitalization and current renaissance underway in Martinsville," said Mei. "I work, campaign, take care of my elderly cats, and enjoy gardening."
Regarding his top three priorities, Mei said: "Keeping Martinsville safe, clean and stable."
The city has an annual budget of $82 million and employs between 300 and 400 people. Mei said he's suited for the task.
"My profession requires me to be mindful of fiduciary responsibilities. Our operations require me to produce results efficiently," said Mei. "I have to be mindful of money. Hundreds of clients have trusted me with real estate assets, and handling financial decisions wisely. I have a general understanding of budgets."
Mei said he considers himself a "bridge between the old and new."
"I don't want to preside over a boil-water notice again and I don't want to do it from my Facebook posts," Mei said. "We need more direct engagement with the community. The lack of transparency is mind-boggling. Too many people have no idea what's going on."
Mei said, although he considers himself "relatively engaged," many senior citizens are not invested in Facebook to the extent the city depends upon it for the dissemination of most of its information.
"We need to resuscitate the neighborhood watch. Our aging population feels left behind," said Mei. "We need more community engagement."
Although not a proponent of litigation, Mei said the $9 million lawsuit with the Henry County Public Service Authority is one that "might be necessary."
The discussion surrounding an influx of $15 million to the city in America Rescue Plan Act funds post-pandemic spurred Mei's interest in local government.
"There was frustration and confusion about who would get it, but for the most part, I'm fine with it," Mei said. "During COVID we had people from outside coming here wanting to have access to this funding. It was wise that it went to essential services, but I don't know that we needed to spend the money we did on the baseball field [Hooker Field]."
Mei said the city was limited in what it could do about electric rates because it did not generate its own power, but alternatives needed to be explored. With the average age of residents in the city decreasing, more opportunities for young people and families needed to be created.
Said Mei: "I don't regret opposing reversion. I don't think it would have worked."
Bill Wyatt (276) 591-7543
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