Genevieve Becksted Muske, Portsmouth School Board Candidate

Genevieve Becksted Muske

Age (as of Election Day)

50

Position sought (including district number if applicable)

School Board

Party Affiliation

Family

Husband Shawn and daughter Sloan

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

BS-Business Admin-Industrial Organizational Psychology

Occupation

Processing Supervisor-Real Estate Lending

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

None

Campaign website

None

Why are you seeking elective office?

I have no prepared agenda for this position. My main priority will be to provide an opportunity for all individuals coming before the board to be understood and heard.

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

I believe there’s a difficulty in communication. I hope to offer a calming and listening ear, creating an environment where everyone feels heard, and understood.

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

I am sure they are all wonderful people and have different strengths of their own. What I intend to offer is a listening ear for those seeking to be heard before the school board. In addition to listening, I can also be decisive and direct. I’m not afraid to make the right decision in the given situation.

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

The school board has seen a great deal of hurdles these past few years. I hope to be given the opportunity to create more calm and unity in an effort to face future decisions. I feel that civil dialogue is a must to maximize communication.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

I believe safety is a priority, it’s important to create an environment where children and teachers both feel safe and secure. This can be created with an elevation of communication and transparency.

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

A recent accomplishment of mine was obtaining my bachelors degree last year. I was able to obtain my degree in addition to maintaining my position at work and still manage to spend time with my family and friends. I believe this position will require me to balance my priorities, this is some thing I experience on a daily basis.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

You’re never wrong to make the right decision.

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

If elected to this position, my intention is to be a listening voice. I promise to hear all that come forward and will use my voice to support their wants and needs.