Safiya Wazir, Concord State Representative Candidate

Safiya Wazir

Age (as of Election Day)

29

Position Sought

NH State Representative, Merrimack Dist. 17/Concord Ward 8

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Family

I am a married mother of three, a strong activist in my community on behalf of children and adults.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

Education

Business degree from NHTI; graduate of Concord High School

Occupation

Community organizer, 4+ years; office/retail management, 9 years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

NH State Representative (2018-2020)

Campaign website

https://www.facebook.com/Safiy...

Why are you seeking elective office?

I want to work to better the lives of the people in NH and continue the work of my first term. Important issues include access to affordable medical care, paid family and medical leave so no one has to lose a job to care for an ill loved one, raising the minimum wage to ensure everyone has a livable wage, providing an equitable, quality education to all, and solving the housing crisis. At the state level, we are also addressing important issues related to the pandemic, including unemployment, housing and evictions, safety, and access to education.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Ensuring everyone has a good quality of life involves many issues decided at the state level, from education to health care to retirement and pensions. I am here to help provide that good quality of life, ensure funds are spent fairly in ways that help working people and our communities, and that everyone has a voice in state decisions.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

My challenger in the general election supports Donald Trump's failed policies, and I support what's best for our community and state, which is crucial in this time of pandemic and always.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

n/a

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

I support paid family and medical leave, a livable minimum wage, universal health care, quality affordable education from pre-K through college, affordable and accessible housing, equal rights for all, and ensuring everyone who can vote has the ability to vote without obstacles.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I have been able to co-sponsor legislation, which passed in the NH State House of Representatives, over the past two years. I have worked in a bipartisan way, and our work is not finished. I serve on the children and family law committee for the House of Representatives. I also serve on the policy council for Head Start, the board of the Community Action Program of Merrimack and Belknap Counties and am its treasurer, and on the board of the Merrimack Valley Daycare Center.

The best advice ever shared with me was …

Be kind, be polite, be compassionate--but it's okay to also be a little bit pushy to get things done.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I will work hard on behalf of all of the residents of my district. I will always listen to them and work with them. I care deeply about this community my family and I call home.