Andrea Pickett for City Council - Portsmouth NH

Today, I am asking for donations to support my run for Portsmouth City Council.

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.

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.

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".

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.

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.

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: https://tinyurl.com/TedTalkEndPoverty .

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!

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).