| Name: | Julia Qesteri |
| Year of birth: | 1974 |
| Municipality: |
Kauniainen |
| Town: | Kauniainen |
| Title: | LLM in Public International Law / Project adviser |
| Email: | Julia4Grani@gmail.com |
Member in:
Julia
Qesteri
Kauniainen
"Grani shall remain the small bilingual town with a big heart."
I have lived in Grani since 1997, and as someone who enjoys walking or running, I am intimately familiar with every path in our beautiful little town. This has made me appreciate both the natural surroundings and the sense of community we have here.
I am a mother of two teenage children, which has given me also insight into the needs and challenges that families face today.
I have always been passionate about learning and have pursued higher education with a focus on Political Science and International Law at Helsinki University. During the last 4 years I have worked as a project adviser for a cultural and information centre, Luckan Helsingfors, where I have gained valuable experience in strategic planning, cross-cultural communication, and fostering community engagement. My work has shown me the importance of sustainable development, both in terms of environmental conservation and the well-being of people. I believe that sustainable growth requires collaboration across various sectors, ensuring that we can preserve natural resources while also enhancing the quality of life for everyone in Grani.
What I love most about our community is that we are a bilingual town and not afraid of speaking other languages too! Our ability to speak multiple languages not only enhances our cultural richness but also enables us to bridge gaps between generations and backgrounds. I am fluent in five languages, which allows me to connect with others effortlessly, whether it’s overcoming language barriers or fostering understanding between generations. This linguistic ability strengthens my skills to listen and communicate effectively, which is essential for building strong, inclusive communities.
I am deeply committed to ensuring that Grani remains a place where everyone, regardless of their background or language, feels welcomed and heard. I hope to contribute to a future where sustainability, inclusion, and opportunity are at the heart of Grani’s development.
Important political topics
Children, Youth, and Families
The Covid years and the volatile political situation in the world have put and are putting a lot of pressure on families, youth and children. There is a need to support our children both in concentrating in learning and in having faith for a brighter future. I intend to work so that both the Swedish and Finnish language schools get the funds they need to remain as some of the best schools in the country. I will also work in strengthening the links between home and school, as I have done in the past within Hem och Skola.
Housing and Construction
There needs to be a variety of housing options in Grani to meet the different needs of its residents. Families still require larger units, just as before, but as the Grani’s population ages, it is also important to develop housing adapted for seniors. There should be modern and accessible housing solutions that enable older residents to live at home for as long as possible, with support and services available when needed. This kind of house planning contributes to a more inclusive and sustainable community where residents thrive at all stages of life.
Many ongoing and future major project like the Rail line, the area around Bensow (old Esso slot) and the demolition of City Hall and the development of that area have and will create several building fronts close to and in the centre of Grani. It important to plan well, inform in good time, and minimize negative effects for the town residents.
Thriving citizens
I love living in Grani and want to work to ensure that everyone feels the same. The small town’s sense of community and safety allows us to be ourselves and feel at home. I want to live in a town that values equality and inclusion. Our schools and early childhood education should give every child a good start in life.
Grani has beautiful nature that we must preserve for future generations. The town also offers excellent opportunities for culture and sports, which promote both physical and mental well-being.
Grani is a place where we care for each other and together create a community where everyone can thrive. For me, well-being means safety, inclusion, and the opportunity to grow.
Candidate's answers in election machine
1 / 14
We should have a swimming hall in Kauniainen.
Swimming is a basic skill, and it should be easily available to all. Grani needs its own swimming hall.
2 / 14
The Swedish-speaking municipal daycare should continue to be concentrated at Kasabergets daghem daycare center.
3 / 14
Both Finnish- and Swedish-speaking early childhood education and schools should continue to be governed by their own committees.
There is no good reason why there should be only one. It is likely that the language of this committee de facto then becomes Finnish, the majority language. If everything must be translated into Swedish and/or Finnish, then it definitively becomes expensive. There is no money to be saved here. It also runs against the idea of Grani being a bilingual town.
4 / 14
Early childhood education should be free for everyone.
Free early childhood education ensures that all children, regardless of their family\\\'s financial situation, get an equal start in life. No one should have to forgo educational opportunities due to costs. Free early childhood education is not an expense – it is an investment in children\\\'s future, an investment in a more equal and prosperous society.
5 / 14
Schools should prioritize traditional textbooks over digital learning materials.
Both traditional textbooks and digital learning materials have their advantages and can complement each other well in education.
6 / 14
One of the municipality’s most important tasks is to invest in sports facilities and opportunities for exercise and recreation.
Our children and youth need to move and participate in sports more. The grown ups too! The town could develop new ways of making this possible.
7 / 14
It is important to provide all residents with equal opportunities for cultural activities.
Access to culture strengthens the community and gives everyone the opportunity for personal cultural development.
8 / 14
The municipality should introduce or improve opportunities for residents to influence how municipal funds are used through participatory budgeting.
9 / 14
The municipality should invest in public transportation.
Investing in public transport reduces emissions and improves air quality. Fewer cars on the roads protect green spaces and promote a more environmentally friendly community.
10 / 14
It should be possible to be a resident in more than one municipality, for example, through digital municipal citizenship.
11 / 14
The municipality should better facilitate the expansion of renewable energy, such as solar and wind power.
Wind power might be difficult in such a small municipality as Grani, but solar power could be possible in more open space areas.
12 / 14
The municipality should mix more housing types in planning than is currently the case.
A variety of housing types allows more people to find a home that suits their needs. At the same time Grani still needs to keep its character as a small villa town
13 / 14
The municipality should introduce anonymous recruitment.
Concealing the candidate’s gender, age, or ethnicity is a good thing. Focus is then placed on skills and experience. This reduces the risk of discrimination and increases diversity in the workplaces.
14 / 14