<div>Today, I am asking for donations to support my run for Portsmouth City Council.
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<div>Portsmouth, NH, is my home. It's the "Big City" I frequented in my youth, from where I lived in nearby Eliot, Maine. It's the place I moved to soon after leaving the house I grew up in and where I chose to rebuild my life when it needed a clean sweep seven years ago. I am drawn to Portsmouth by more than its proximity to beaches and ample shopping and dining options. I was, and still am, drawn here because of the people.
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<div>I have watched Portsmouth grow at the hands of wonderful community members who love it like I do. I have witnessed events like the unveiling of the Black Heritage Trail, the Prescott Park Arts Festival, our beautiful state-of-the-art library coming to be, and the Connie Bean Center changing location, but not changing its legacy or path forward. These community assets are sources of pride for our City.
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<div>In the spirit of this growth, knowing that change is possible here, I have joined in community-building efforts whenever possible. Which is why I have been contemplating a run for City Council for some time now. When I was contacted twice by respected community members, who also thought I could serve the City well, that was the impetus I needed to throw my name in the proverbial "hat".
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<div>Why do I want to run? That's a great question! As I mentioned before, I believe in civic service. I have co-founded a community garden at the Portsmouth Housing Authority, started a bike drive for our family property residents, helped plan a preschool, and started anti-hate campaigns in our City (you may have seen the stickers - Hate is UnWelcome Here). I am in support of community-minded progress.
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<div>I am not the typical candidate that runs for office in Portsmouth. I am a single mother on a sole income. I have lived in the Portsmouth Housing Authority, where I now work closely with residents to manage resources and navigate systems. I bring these experiences to the table as a voice for equity embedded in the progress we make as a City. I believe I have a unique perspective and a lot of passion to bring to the position of Councilor. I am hopeful that I will be given the chance to serve the community and be elected not despite my differences but because of them. 
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<div>If you take the time to watch my TEDx Talk, you will hear a more thorough explanation of why I believe varied socio-economic representation is vital for policy making. View it here: <a href="https://tinyurl.com/TedTalkEndPoverty" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://tinyurl.com/TedTalkEndPoverty</a> .
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<div>Thank you for taking the time to read this, and thank you to everyone who has shared my excitement to run and offered their support. I look forward to seeing you at campaign functions and the grocery store between now and November 7th. Please say hi and tell me what issues are most important to you! 
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<div>Funds raised throughout this campaign will go to items like printed materials, meals I won't have time to cook at home, and the golden ticket of a single parent's productivity - babysitters (but only for events I can't bring Penelope to with me). 
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Anonymous

Sean Reardon

Alice Wahl

James Shanley

Brenda Parlin

Annis Benn

Jennifer Morris

Peter Furst

Victoria Stella

Felipe Oviedo

Cindy Bishop-Alex

Judith Nunez

Laurie A McCray

norma Laurent

Krista Gilmore

Karen Marzloff

Mary Tebo

Kathleen Soldati

Andrea Pickett for City Council - Portsmouth NH

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