Local business owner Julie Kast was elected city clerk last week by the people of Hillsdale. She grew up in Hillsdale and moved back to the area in the last few years. The self-described “doer” is a mother of five and the owner of three separate businesses.
What made you want to run for the city clerk position?
I am a business owner in the city of Hillsdale and what happens here is very, very important to me. I know a lot of people in the city of Hillsdale. I want to do more, I want to serve. I was born here, I grew up here. We need to continue to thrive. We need to move forward.
What businesses do you own?
I have Coney’s and Swirls on Bacon Street, I have State Street Market, [and] I’m also in partnership and do all the accounting with RJ’s Hair Care. So I actually have three businesses.
Wow, busy woman.
[Laughs] Yep, yes I am. That’s just the way I like it.
So is the city clerk job going to add a lot to your workload then?
No, actually. I also do real estate part-time, so I’m going to end up putting that in escrow and do this instead. It will work out well with my businesses because I am flexible. This position cannot be for someone who works full time because you have to be able to be flexible in your hours so you can be here when the citizens of Hillsdale need you.
How often do you need to work as city clerk?
I’ll be in here almost every morning, five days a week. My mornings are free and I do plan on spending the time down here at city hall.
What does the city clerk position entail?
It’s the keeping of the city records and [Hillsdale City] Council meeting minutes. Also, certifying the vote whenever we have a vote in the city of Hillsdale. I am the the keeper of the city seal; it’s kept in the vault here. All those are a few of the things the city clerk does.
How long have you owned your businesses for?
I have had [Conies and Swirls] for three years and State Street Market for one year –– that’s out on State Street by the airport. It’s been one full year. Before that I was actually a director of quality. I was over two plants up in Vicksburg –– that’s by Kalamazoo –– and I drove it every day [a 90-minute commute]. I’ve had up to six plants I’ve been in charge of. I was a corporate quality manager. I lived in Chicago for a few years, so I’ve done quite a bit of extensive travelling. I know how to keep records because quality is all about record keeping. I’ve done ISO, the QS-9000, and I worked for the automotive [industry]. Keeping files and paperwork, and following rules and regulations, is what I do best.
So you grew up locally and moved back. Were you excited to come back to Hillsdale?
Absolutely, that’s where all my family and friends are so I wanted to come back.
Tell me about your family.
I’m married, I have five children. They are all grown. My youngest goes to Central Michigan [University], but he is also in the Marines and he is getting deployed this summer. He’s going to Afghanistan so he’s going to end up having to take a year off of college. That was his choice. All my children have served in the military – well all my sons. My husband also. I’ve been married for 21 years.
So do feel excited to be here and ready to serve the city?
Oh absolutely. I’m very excited. This is a great opportunity for me.
