Julia Robins resigns as Greenport trustee, citing move to new home outside village lines

Longtime Greenport Trustee Julia Robins will step down after moving to a new home outside the village, officials announced Monday.

Her resignation is effective Sept. 1.

“It’s been an honor to serve,” Ms. Robins told The Suffolk Times on Monday. “I’ve found it challenging, interesting, and have learned a lot of different things.”

Ms. Robins, who was currently in her fourth term, worked alongside committees on affordable housing and the downtown business district, and acted as board liaison to the Carousel Committee.

“I was one of the people who brought the carousel to the village, which was very exciting,” she said.

A temporary replacement for the vacant seat will be appointed to fill the role until the next election in March 2027. A special election could have been held, but with timing being so close to the next election and significant added expenses, it doesn’t make sense with this short window, Mayor Kevin Stuessi said in a village announcement.

“I know I speak for the whole board in sharing our deep appreciation for the time she has given our village and our work together on a variety of issues over the last three years,” Mr. Stuessi said.

Next year’s election will now have four seats up instead of three. Mr. Stuessi’s mayoral seat will be up, Trustee Lily Dougherty-Johnson’s seat will be up for a four-year term and Ms. Robins’ seat will be up for election for the remainder of her four-year term, which has two years remaining.

Trustee Patrick Brennan’s seat will also be up for a four-year term. Mr. Brennan is also currently appointed as deputy mayor, which is a one-year term.

Anyone interested in serving as a trustee, a position requiring the person to live in the village, can send an email to Mr. Stuessi at [email protected] and Clerk Candance Hall at [email protected]. The deadline is Wednesday, Aug. 26, at 4:30 p.m.

Applications should include a few sentences about why they wish to serve and any relevant experience, whether in public service, charitable or professional work. The mayor and fellow board members will review the submissions.

Mr. Stuessi aims to announce a replacement next month.