Portsmouth, NH – Highlighting her efforts to make a difference for people in Portsmouth, a group of Portsmouth Mayors and Assistant Mayors are endorsing Stefany Shaheen in New Hampshire’s first congressional district Democratic primary. Portsmouth Mayor Deaglan McEachern, Assistant Mayor Jo Kelley, former Mayors Jack Blalock, Tom Ferrini, and Bob Lister as well as former Assistant Mayor Jim Splaine, joined Stefany Shaheen at Cup of Joe Cafe & Bar in downtown Portsmouth, on Thursday in support of her campaign.
“Having the support of these trusted leaders in our community is both an honor and a responsibility. People in Portsmouth trust them because they are not afraid to tackle the tough problems facing the city – from supporting small businesses and our schools to adding affordable housing and protecting our natural resources. This is what congress should be focused on too,” said Stefany Shaheen. “Like the leaders who join me today, I know this place. This is our home. We raised our families here. No one fights harder than a mom for her kids and that’s how I will fight for all New Hampshire’s families, small businesses and communities.”
“When you walk through Portsmouth, you’re walking past someone’s dream, someone’s livelihood. New Hampshire runs on small businesses. Tariffs are driving up our costs. The increasing cost of housing means losing our workforce. Every decision we make affects our employees, our neighbors and the communities we love throughout the state, said Assistant Mayor Jo Kelley. “What business owners need from elected officials isn’t speeches, it’s steadiness, common sense, and a real understanding of how policy hits all at home, not in Washington. We need leaders who know that there’s a thin line between the making or breaking of the American Dream. I’ve seen Stefany take on complicated challenges with focus and follow-through. She understands that small businesses aren’t a talking point, they’re the backbone of this state. And we need representation that treats them that way.”
“Stefany and I both worked to bring the Foundry Place Parking Garage to life, a project that was vital to supporting our local businesses and reducing congestion. Residents and local businesses saw her as their advocate, someone who was fighting for them,” said former Mayor Jack Blalock. “It’s exactly what’s needed now to take on, and put a stop to, the tariffs, cuts to health care, and other harmful decisions coming out of Congress.”
“All of us were on the ballot at one point and we share a commitment to the City of Portsmouth. All of us – Stefany included – seized the opportunity to work together to solve problems for families and local businesses,” said former Mayor Tom Ferrini. “It’s why we are together supporting Stefany in this race too – she’s going to bring that same ‘get it done’ approach to Congress, where people with that kind of mind set are sorely needed. She has deep New Hampshire roots and understands firsthand the values and priorities of our communities”
“Along with my time on the City Council, I was the Superintendent for Portsmouth schools. I am passionate about my city and the families and students who live and go to school here. I want my member of congress to be just as passionate as I am. That’s why I am supporting Stefany Shaheen,” said former Mayor Bob Lister. “She is a relentless advocate for our community and the people who live here. With Stefany representing us in Congress, we know there will always be someone willing to stand up and fight for people in New Hampshire.”
“I greatly enjoyed serving with Stefany on the Portsmouth City Council for two years as we worked with our colleagues on the important issues of economic development, affordable housing, environmental protection, and education, as well as the dozens of other municipal problems faced by all New Hampshire towns and cities,” said former Assistant Mayor Jim Splaine. “Her leadership on PFAS pollution at Pease during hundreds of hours of meetings and workshops was especially crucial to tackling the serious health problem facing our residents.”
“The number one concern people in Portsmouth come to me with are costs. They need more money in their pocket, and yet every day the cost of everything from housing to health care to eggs is going up,” said Mayor Deaglan McEachern. “Stefany understands the urgency of this moment, to fight for families and local businesses who are getting crushed so billionaires and corporations get even bigger breaks.”
In 2013, Stefany Shaheen was elected to serve on the Portsmouth City Council, where she tackled key infrastructure challenges threatening local businesses. When PFAS contamination was discovered in the local water supply, she helped to ensure screening for those exposed to the dangerous forever chemicals and served on the Community Taskforce providing oversight of the clean-up. As Chair of the Portsmouth Police Commission, she successfully advocated for additional resources and reforms to protect public safety.
In addition to the Portsmouth Mayors Stefany Shaheen has earned support from Teamsters Local 633, former Governor John Lynch, environmental steward Dudley Dudley, former State Senators Jon Morgan and Tom Sherman, Testing for Pease Founder Andrea Amico, Mary Carey Foley, Portsmouth Police Chief Mark Newport, as well as hundreds of local small business owners, elected officials and community leaders.
For more information about Stefany Shaheen and her people-powered campaign visit StefanyShaheen.com.
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