Paige Trace, Portsmouth City Council Candidate

Paige Trace

Age (as of Election Day)

65

Position sought (including district number if applicable)

City Councilor

Party Affiliation

Independent

Family

husband - Jonathan Trace

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

BA Economics Smith College

Occupation

Antiques Dealer

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

City Councilor Portsmouth NH,
President NSCDA-NH
Board Member NHADA
Natl Board NSCDA
Gubernatorial Appt. Virginia - Board of Regents Gunston Hall

Campaign website

None

Why are you seeking elective office?

To work for the residents of Portsmouth. Representing the will of the residents in a fair and honest manner requires a council willing to work together in front of the residents. Meetings must be focused on the will of all residents, not just that of a few in the darkness of a nonpublic meeting. Portsmouth must maintain the historic character that draws visitors. It's the past that will help define our future. I spent much of my term as a City Councilor during Covid. That provided great challenges that came with equal rewards. I would like to work with others to provide the residents of Portsmouth with a realistic budget. We have numerous issues with wastewater still plaguing us. Part 2 B of Islington Street will be started this spring. I pulled the Islington St project forward on the CIP when I was a city councilor because I understood the importance of separating the sewer pipes from the storm water pipes. I also knew that some of the West End's drinking water traveled through 100 year old pipes. While I'm thrilled that people living and working in the surrounding neighborhood will have great new sidewalks, I'm far more relieved that their drinking water will be safe. I'm sorry for the dirt and mess but very glad that the city staff understood the importance of pushing forward on this long and large project. I look forward to the start of the sound barriers being built near Pannaway Manor in 2024. I would like to represent all the neighborhoods equally to help eight other councilors do the same. I wish to help Portsmouth be the best city possible.

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

The single most pressing issue facing our City is the need to create a fiscally conservative budget based on the needs of the residents. Whether focused on infrastructure, sustainability, housing, education or simply future generations inheriting a great historic Portsmouth, that is our charge. I intend to work with 8 other councilors openly to carry out this charge. There is always a way to meet someone else in the middle. I will listen to the will of Portsmouth to try to solve the issues before me.

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

I was a Councilor during a serious pandemic. While that may separate me from some, what separates me from others is my background in historic preservation and the arts. What makes me unique is the presidency I've held for a New Hampshire organization since the beginning of Covid. I understand the complexity of overseeing multiple properties in downtown historic Portsmouth. The organization owns a National Historic Landmark property (Moffatt Ladd House and Garden). It's my responsibility, along with a board, to guide and govern those who oversee this property, it's famous tree and it's collections for future generations. I understand that every action that's taken may affect future generations. I understand what it means to represent all in interpreting the history of Portsmouth.

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

The current council has failed to represent Portsmouth openly and honestly, governing from behind closed doors. The council has consistantly sought legal advice regarding their votes from behind closed doors before most every meeting. 64 non-public meetings and counting. I wish their decision process was held in public. I'm sure most of Portsmouth feels the same. How do any of us know if the councilor we voted for actually represents our views and wishes?

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Wastewater, Drinking Water, Education, Historic Preservation. Working for the residents to help Portsmouth work through the current budget and the residential real estate revaluation. Seeing to it that all possible solutions are looked into to resolve the 26 million dollar RFP for drinking water pipes under little Bay. Liners? And the shared bridge fiasco (82 million dollars)to rebuild with an emergency pipe for drinking water between Dover and Portsmouth must be solved.

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

I've served as a City Councilor previously in Portsmouth. I understand the complicated issue of affordable housing. That issue exists throughout New Hampshire. Having been President of the NSCDANH for the last 3 1/2 years, I understand the complexities of Historic Preservation in downtown Portsmouth. I understand the importance of uniting to solve a problem. I continue to focus on the importance of telling a "complete story". All history carries the same importance when facing the future. As we march on, we must not leave our history behind.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Listen - even if you don't want to.... Find a way to reach out.

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

I understand just how important it is to preserve as much as it is to move forward. We must understand that Portsmouth's 18th and 19th century history helps us today to move forward. If we loose that history, it's gone for tomorrow's generations. Historic Portsmouth is what makes much of Portsmouth fun, vibrant, and interesting. Portsmouth is complex and the difficulty lies with understanding the nuances as we move to handle climate change and it's affects. We have a great school system. It demands we find the ability to provide everything that our children need to meet the challenges of tomorrow. We have a finite amount of land and we need more playing fields. We must find a way to handle these challenges with determination and clarity.