Bio
I am a local kid that graduated from Portsmouth High School and currently co-owns the Old Ferry Landing restaurant with my father and sister. I coach for Portsmouth Little League (6 years) and Portsmouth High School Football (10 years.) My grandfather and father taught me the importance of giving back and serving the public; they also taught me how special Portsmouth really is.
I know how to work hard. I am a true public servant. I am here to listen, look at all the facts, and make sound, fiscally responsible decisions that benefit us all and keep Portsmouth safe and healthy.
Why I’m Running
This November I ask for your support and ultimately your vote. It’s been a true honor and pleasure to serve the people of Portsmouth for the last 4 years, but I am not done. I want to continue to support our youth (Portsmouth’s future), promote affordable housing, help increase solar arrays to help fight Climate Change and the rising cost of energy, celebrate our history, and help create more art.
It takes a village. Help me give back to village that raised me; vote for Rich Blalock.
Position on Issues
Seacoastonline Questionnaire
Q1. What is the biggest problem Portsmouth is facing, and how would you solve it?
The balance between keeping Portsmouth affordable and maintaining the current level of services, while maintaining our facilities and infrastructure is the biggest challenge we currently face. I will continue to advocate for affordable housing for our residents and workers.
Q2. Portsmouth’s budget has reached nearly $150 million and its payroll has 260-plus people earning $100 000-plus. As a city councilor, what steps would you take, if any, to address the tax burden on residents?
Portsmouth is very lucky to have the quality of staff it has today. I believe the city manager, Police Department, Fire Department, public works and most of all our School Department is the best in New Hampshire. I will continue working to keep the budget as low as possible.
Q3. With affordability being such a challenge in Portsmouth, what would you do to make it more accessible to people with a wide range of incomes?
I’m proud of the work we have done so far on the Sherburne property. I look forward to seeing it come to fruition. I am also proud that our dialogue has encouraged others in our community to help build below market rate housing. I will continue to limit any budget increases and ensure we have the maximum discounts for seniors and veterans.
Q4. The Portsmouth Housing Authority has projected rents for the apartments the agency is building on city-owned land at the former Sherburne School will range from $1,580 for a one-bedroom unit to nearly $2,200 for three bedrooms. Are those rates low enough for working people? If not, what can be done to lower them?
It is really difficult to build below market rate housing. I have definitely learned that over the past four years on the Council. Those rates are below market price.
Q5. Should the city commit to using more city-owned land to build truly affordable housing or has Portsmouth done enough?
As a council, we have looked at this extensively over the past 4 years. We had a rare opportunity to help create affordable housing at Sherburne School. I look forward to members of our community calling Sherburne their home. If another school closed, I would consider supporting housing; however, I don’t see that happening in the near future.
Q6. Should the city reconsider the scope of a potential police station and City Hall renovation and upgrade project with a projected $42 million cost?
I am confident in the work the Municipal Building Committee has done to ensure all the space in the City Hall complex is used efficiently and effectively. These efforts will hopefully lead to a smaller price tag for any renovation or upgrade. The main goal is to provide the Portsmouth Police Department with better working conditions, in a healthy space that provides their needs without wasting any taxpayer funds. There is no question that upgrades are needed to the Police Station. I am concerned of the rising cost of construction materials.
Q7. Should Portsmouth do something to encourage development at the McIntyre building site, where the owner says city zoning has made redevelopment difficult?
I am hopeful that the owner of the McIntyre building will develop the building site sooner than later. I look forward to seeing a proposal come before the land use boards.
Q8. The City Council has put forward ideas to address traffic flow and walkability in high-profile locations like State Street and Congress Street. What is your opinion on these efforts?
This issue has been raised many times before. After seeing the cost and little benefit of changing State Street to two-way, I voted against spending $50,000 on another study. The change would cost millions and a lot of headaches. As a small business owner, I am aware of all the deliveries that need to be made to the businesses on both streets and worry of the cost and negative traffic impacts any change would make. On most weekdays food delivery trucks, linen delivery trucks, beer delivery trucks, U-Haul’s and blue Amazon vans fight for loading zones end up blocking one lane or the other. The proximity to the bridge and parallel parking on both sides of State Street also complicate the traffic issue. I believe we have enough to worry about and our limited time and resources should be saved for the police station or upgrades to New Franklin School or finding more paraprofessionals to work at the high school.
Q9. Should the city begin looking for a site where it can build its third municipal parking garage? If so, what part of the city makes the most sense? If not, how can the city meet its increasing parking demand?
Parking will also be an issue in Portsmouth. That’s why I prefer to ride my bike when possible. It took a lot of planning to build the last one.
Q10. What else would you like voters to know about you?
I love Portsmouth. I was lucky to grow up here. I’ve explored other places, but I’ve always returned to Portsmouth. I am proud to be from here and to have graduated from Portsmouth High School. I am proud to be a local, small business and homeowner. I continue to coach Little League and the freshmen football team for Portsmouth High and Oyster River High School. My family taught me to work hard, listen, give back and to serve the community. Please give me the opportunity to continue to serve you and the community I truly love. I have more work to do.