10/22/2025
Dear Vineyard Citizens,
From the beginning, I made it clear that serving on the council was never my aspiration. I felt an obligation to get involved based on stories I heard about how the city was run—particularly about Mayor Fullmer and her alleged corruption. I was told she had to control everyone and everything, that nobody liked her, and that she had groomed people into running who she could manipulate.
However, I have found none of these things to be true—in fact, quite the opposite. She has stood tall and professional despite constant, inaccurate attacks. I’ve seen how hard she works to bring out the best for Vineyard. She has been on a relentless mission to maximize available state grant dollars for our city, securing many important opportunities. For example, she helped secure $10M for the 1200 N. bridge, $16M for the 800 N. expansion, $7M for the 300 W. bridge, and a $7M rail grant, along with $30M for double tracking that allowed for our Front Runner station. She assisted HCI in obtaining $75M and secured $3M for lakefront improvements. This is just a small sample—she has trained staff to seek out every available grant opportunity to help our city grow while operating within a relatively small budget.
When I first joined the council, our budget was around $12 million, with about one-third allocated directly to public safety. Consider all that has happened since Mayor Fullmer was elected: tree-lined streets, infrastructure for Vineyard’s future, miles of parks and trails, golf cart paths, Topgolf, many new businesses and restaurants, all within her time as Vineyard Mayor.
Sometimes, when someone continually presents a bleak story, we might miss what’s right in front of us. Vineyard is beautiful and growing in exciting ways. Look around—most of what you see is directly linked to Mayor Julie Fullmer’s vision. My respect for her is off the charts. And for those who say, “no one likes Julie,” I asked for a list of people who work closely with her to give me their opinion. It tells a very different story than what you’ve heard online.
Finally, the council doesn’t “vote with the Mayor”—the Mayor supports the majority decision of the council. Please let that sink in.
“Though I have not worked with her as long as some, I could tell from day one just how much she cares about the city and the work that she does. Everyday since she has done nothing but reinforce that belief.”
“I have observed Mayor Fullmer over several of the years that she served as mayor, and she has my full support.
“Working as a city employee, I see firsthand how Mayor Fullmer does things by the book after consulting with the city attorney and other staff. She has been an outstanding leader who has fostered relationships to bring economic development to Vineyard. I have been impressed with her ability to lead on issues, as well as how she presides at City Council meetings, even when under intense criticism, while she manages discussions, asks and answers questions, and explains complex city issues in a fair and respectful way. She has demonstrated an incredible amount of poise, even in the face of attacks from those who seem to prioritize working to disparage her character over doing the city’s business.”
“Whenever she has come into the office for a meeting, she always takes the time to touch base with the staff members and see how we are doing. She shows a genuine appreciation for what staff members do, even the little things.”
“Julie Fullmer is a strong, capable leader who is focused on making Vineyard the best it can be, and I stand with her.”
“The accusations being made have no bearing on Mayor Fullmer’s abilities, dedication, or commitment to her role. The events cited are from a time long before she assumed public office, and they are irrelevant to the service she provides today. What matters now is her record of leadership, vision, and integrity in office.”
“Mayor Fullmer has consistently demonstrated a commitment to the community through her actions. Her focus has always been on building a better future for all residents, and her efforts speak louder than any irrelevant accusations.”
“I categorically reject the baseless and unsubstantiated nature of these accusations. They are not grounded in fact or reality. It is important to question the motivations of those who seek to spread such misinformation. The people of Vineyard City deserve leaders who focus on the present and future, not on dredging up unfounded claims from the past.”
“In times like these, it is essential that we come together as a community, focused on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Attempts to undermine the integrity of our public officials with irrelevant, false attacks only serve to divide us. I call for a return to respectful discourse that centers on the work being done to improve our city, not on malicious personal attacks. Imagine if all of our elected officials chose to do good in their respective positions and the power that we have given them.”
“Mayor Fullmer is a person of immense kindness, compassion, and resilience. Despite facing constant attacks, she has remained unwavering in her commitment to the people of Vineyard. She has chosen to rise above the negativity with grace, always maintaining a positive focus on improving the community and addressing the real challenges we face. Her strength in the face of such attacks speaks volumes about her character and her ability to lead.”
“I’ve seen Vineyard City receive more that 2x the amount of Federal, State, and regional funds than cities 2x the size and with 2x the staff. Through the work of staff, I’ve seen Juile help champion staff’s efforts at these levels.
“I’ve enjoyed the time that Julie has taken to talk to me, providing mentorship on my understanding of public administration. These moments have amplified my ability to get things done.”
“As a staff member of Vineyard City, I can confidently say that Mayor Julie is an exceptional leader who has brought a remarkable level of ambition and emotional investment into the growth and development of our city. Her dedication to putting Vineyard City on the map has been nothing short of inspiring. Through her tireless efforts, she has elevated the city’s reputation, making it a place people aspire to live in or be affiliated with. Only BOLD LEADERHSHIP and management decisions can make this happen!”
“What stands our most about Mayor Julie is her genuine care for the city’s staff. She treats each of us with kindness and respect, creating a supportive and collaborative work environment. Her leadership is not only visionary but also grounded in compassion.”
“Her innovative ideas consistently focus on making a positive impact within Vineyard City and across the entire region. Under her guidance, the city continues to thrive, committed to delivering the best outcomes for residents and visitors alike. It’s a privilege to work alongside someone so dedicated to the success and well-being of our community.”
“Mayor Fullmer is so dedicated to helping Vineyard City thrive. Her vision is inspiring.”
“The reason I came to Vineyard was because of an article I read about Mayor Fullmer. “
“I have never seen someone who is so incredibly adept at being aware of someone’s potential and focusing on helping them develop that potential and giving people the benefit of the doubt.
“She is a visionary and knows how to incorporate a vision and direction that is both”
“incredible and inspiring.”
“Mayor Fullmer has done more for the city in getting funding for infrastructure than the other two mayors combined. She has brought millions of dollars to help the city grow and develop. She has my full support. “
