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Chelsea City Mayor

The mayor shall preside at all meetings of the council. The mayor shall be a full voting member of the council but shall have no veto power. He or she shall be the chief executive officer of the city insofar as required by law and for all ceremonial purposes. The mayor serves a four year term.

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  • Candidate picture

    Julianne Chard
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Kate Henson
    (NP)

Biographical Information

What in your education and experience make you the best qualified candidate for this position?

What are the biggest challenges facing the City of Chelsea and how will you handle them?

What are your goals should you be elected and how will you work to accomplish them with limited resources?

What assets does the City of Chelsea have to offer families and businesses who might want to relocate to the area?

Number of years as resident 9.5
Master of Architecture, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI. Bachelor of Science in Architecture, Lawrence Technological University, Southfield, MI.

My professional career: University of Michigan as a field engineer, General Motors Real Estate throughout the country in pre-design and programming services and urban redevelopment with Detroit non -profits.

As director of construction for Ann Arbor Public Schools Bond & sinking fund 2004, $240 million program, I worked with teachers, administrators, parents on school improvement plans for over 3.5 million sq. ft. of educational facilities. I regularly presented to the school board, teachers and parents, the progression of work scheduled on specific schools, scope of work, timeline and budgets. I worked to achieve the highest quality of work product for the price. I would do the same for Chelsea residents and represent our city’s interest in all responsibilities as city mayor with the highest degree of integrity, based on my skills.
In the past four years we’ve had three city managers, five interim city managers, two financial directors two community development directors and we’ve lost talented staff. Since 2022 we’ve been without any city manager more than 30 % of the time which equates to more than a year in total.

Chelsea taxpayers deserve a mayor who will hire, inspire and retain a top notch City Manager, then partner with City Council to work as a team with that City Manager on behalf of all Chelsea taxpayers.
Chelsea needs to get politics out of city council. Our charter calls for a "non-partisan form of government". We need a return to stability.

Chelsea taxpayers deserve a mayor who has a track record for taking the time to master the details of what rules the city must follow, with procedures in place and enforced to prevent waste, incompetence, or violations of such rules.

The city must demand of itself the same compliance standard it expects of citizens it governs. Anything less undermines public respect for any laws. When those in charge either don't care or look the other way rather than enforce the rules: hard earned tax dollars are spent- not on important city programs but instead on fines, penalties, missed deadlines, and lawsuits.

As Chelsea mayor I will keep Chelsea taxes low and affordable while maintaining our infrastructure, roads, parks and pedestrian pathways and respect and be prudent with taxpayer dollars, because they are not at the table.
Chelsea is a warm and welcoming community to all.

Chelsea is a diverse community from young families living next to retired citizens on the same block. It has a vibrant downtown throughout the year and an expanding local city park system. It is a highly rated walkable community.

Chelsea Public Schools are highly ranked and childcare services are offered through private providers and the Chelsea school district young fives/kindergarten through fifth grade.

Chelsea Hospital is located within in the community and reinvests its profits into the community through programs to serve the poor and underinsured.

Chelsea businesses serve the city and surrounding townships in providing dining, grocery, entertainment and shopping exeriences that contribute to a lively downtown.
PHONE 734-476-7620
Campaign Phone 734-476-7620
Number of years as resident 30
I have been serving as an appointed council member for the last five months including being the liason on the city manager transition team.

In 2022 I was elected to the Chelsea School Board and served as President for two of my three years on the board. I served as co-chair on the city’s strategic planning group, playing a pivotal role in helping the new Chief of Police create the department’s first-ever strategic plan.

I hold an MBA and am the Director of Programs for General Systems Consulting. I’m responsible for partnering with client companies to customize and facilitate leadership development programs, strategic planning initiatives, and team building engagements.
In Chelsea we are fortunate to have a balanced budget, expert and dedicated staff and exemplary public servants. Historically our biggest challenges are more the everyday management issues of managing the budget, proactively managing growth and fostering vital relationships with neighboring townships.

The heavier lift will be managing misinformation and disinformation as well as any unpredictable changes that come down from the State and Federal levels. This can be accomplished by maintaining the public trust, maintaining and establishing clear lines of communication, and maintaining and fostering an engaged citizenry.

Having a clear vision for the city, understanding roles and responsibilities and fostering a culture of inclusion and curiosity will allow for the mayor and council to work cooperatively to come up with the most effective solutions in partnership with the city manager, staff and legal counsel.
As a committed advocate for people-first policies and sustainable local growth, I understand the importance of building a community where every voice is heard, and every resident has the opportunity to thrive. I am dedicated to championing and completing the vital work and initiatives already underway—efforts that promise to enhance the lives of all who live, work and play in Chelsea. With a clear vision to preserve the unique character and heart of Chelsea while fostering innovation, opportunity, and equity, I am ready to lead with purpose—and to lead for all of Chelsea.
Chelsea is the quintessential small town with many of the trappings of larger cities. For our size, we offer unparalleled public services, a nationally ranked public school system, unique and thriving local businesses, the award-winning Chelsea Senior Center, the 2008 Best Small-Town Library in America, a vibrant arts, entertainment and recreation scene that includes a diversity of restaurants, coffee houses, bakeries, music venues, places of spiritual worship, the Purple Rose Theater, grocery stores, and all that a family needs to navigate life.

With the recent approval of the Lofts at the Rockwell & Manchester Crossing Chelsea will also be able to begin offering attainable housing options for seniors looking to downsize, families looking to move for the school district, and the folks who are already commuting to Chelsea.