Francesca Marconi Fernald, Portsmouth Police Commission Candidate

Francesca Marconi Fernald

Age (as of Election Day)

59

Position sought (including district number if applicable)

Police Commissioner

Party Affiliation

Republican

Family

My immediate family includes my husband of 30 years Jim Fernald 58, and my daughter Emily, 28. My grandparents migrated from Italy to Portsmouth in the early 1900s and had 8 children. My dad was a WWII vet, operating landing craft in the pacific. My mom worked at the shipyard during the war as a pipe fitter. They married in Portsmouth and settled on Marcy Street, then moved to Mechanic Street in the 1960s. My dad was a lobster fisherman and my mom was a city councilor and restaurant owner. I am a native and lifelong resident of Portsmouth.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

My daughter Emily works for the NH Department of Homeland Security. My brother Geno is the Port Director for the State of New Hampshire, and his wife is a NH Supreme Court Justice.

Education

MacIntosh College, Dover, NH, Business Degree

Occupation

I grew up waiting tables at my mom’s restaurant and have owned and operated it for the past 30 years.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

None

Campaign website

None

Why are you seeking elective office?

My mother was a City Counselor for a number of years. She instilled in me the importance of serving the community, giving a voice to those who may not be heard, and representing those that could be harmed by the very government that represents them.

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

I think there are multiple issues facing our Commission. The Police Commission’s focus is to provide civilian oversight to ensure safety, ethical behavior, accountability and operational responsibility. The City Working Group has done a great job in considering the needs of the Department in its site selection process as well as keeping the finances and future growth in mind. I’m sure the Group will make sure the new facility improves the operation of the Police Department. There are also resource challenges. As everyone knows, finding, hiring and keeping the right people has become more difficult in the past few years. This includes police officers and staff. In addition, the officers that we do have need the right equipment and training to protect and serve Portsmouth.

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

As a lifelong resident, local business owner and taxpayer, I offer a unique perspective to work with the Board, City Council, and Police Department to continue to keep the residents and visitors of Portsmouth safe.

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

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

I would like to continue the direction of the current board: new facility, filling department positions and technology upgrades to better serve our community. Our approach of community based policing is the way to go. Police are an integral part of our community from service to protection and they deserve the best equipment and technology that we can provide.

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

As a business owner I’ve gained many skills over the years: being able to make good decisions that affect many people/employees, practicing fiscal responsibility while growing a business, especially during Covid. I’ve learned to prioritize needs and systematically implement them on a tight budget.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

My mom Evelyn Marconi told me “Always tell the truth, then you don’t have to keep notes”.

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

Running for Police commissioner will give me the opportunity to serve my hometown. I have raised a family, grown a business and cared for an elderly parent, Now I have time to give more back to the city I love.