Petra Huda, Portsmouth City Council Candidate

Petra Huda

Age (as of Election Day)

Position sought (including district number if applicable)

Portsmouth City Councilor

Party Affiliation

Irrelevant - candidate in a non-partisan election

Family

1 Spouse, 2 dogs

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

- Bachelor of Science in Accounting
- Masters in Business Administration- Accounting/Finance

Occupation

Retired Principal Financial Analyst:
I retired as a Principal Financial Analyst with over four decades of experience in Accounting and Finance, including positions in accounting, payroll, treasury, budgeting, and planning & analysis. I have accumulated a wealth of knowledge across a diverse range of 9 business sectors.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Portsmouth City Councilor 2020-2021

Campaign website

petrahudaforportsmouth.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am seeking elective office to leverage my extensive and diverse background in accounting and finance, with the goal of addressing critical areas and advancing the well-being of our community.

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

Unsustainable Budget Growth:
My primary goal is to rein in the excessive budget increases of the past two years, ensuring fiscal responsibility for our community. During this period, despite no population growth in Portsmouth, the City Manager requested total budget increases of approximately $18.2 million, along with 36 additional employees which the Council unconditionally approved. Unfortunately, the current Council's actions have resulted in unsustainable two-year budget increases. With a citywide property reassessment/revaluation being mandatory this year, the residents and taxpayers are looking at an imminent property tax hike to fund these budgets.

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

The critical differences between me and the other candidates seeking this post lie in my unique qualifications and unwavering dedication to our community.
First and foremost, I bring extensive and diverse experience in accounting and finance, spanning multiple business sectors, which showcases my adaptability and expertise. This breadth of knowledge allows me to offer a fresh perspective and innovative solutions to the challenges our community faces.
Additionally, my commitment to representing the best interests of residents and taxpayers, prioritizing their well-being over financial gains for others, sets me apart. Over the past two years, I have remained steadfast in my dedication to the residents and taxpayers. I have diligently conducted in-depth research on complex issues and actively advocated for their interests, by participating in more than 100 City meetings. This hands-on experience has only reinforced my unwavering commitment to serving and improving our community.

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 the community in the following ways:
1. Unsustainable Budget Increases: Over the past two years, this Council has approved budget increases and additional staff levels that are financially unsustainable. These decisions, especially in light of the mandatory property reassessment/revaluation this year, will result in property tax hikes that unfairly burden our residents and taxpayers.
2. Missed opportunity with McIntyre Property: One of the most significant failures has been this Council's inability to seize the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to regain control of the 2.1-acre McIntyre property, located in the heart of our historic district. This 2.1 acres holds immense value for our community and should have rightfully been returned to the people of Portsmouth.
3. McIntyre Developer Settlement Agreement without Exit Clauses: The negotiation of this settlement agreement was delegated by this Council to the City Manager. The City Manager and the new City Attorney presented a settlement agreement that did not include any exit clauses for the City. Regrettably, the Council approved it without question. This decision resulted in the same developer initiating a new lawsuit shortly afterward, once again claiming 'bad faith by the City. As a result, our residents now face the potential of significant financial liability of millions of dollars, with the full extent remaining uncertain. This lack of foresight and oversight has put our community's finances at risk.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Preserving Portsmouth's Historic Character:
I am deeply committed to preserving the unique character and charm of Portsmouth, particularly within our downtown Historic District and Waterfront. This commitment extends to all initiatives, including the new Master Plan.

Seeking Viable Solutions for Affordable Housing:
Another critical issue I'm dedicated to addressing is affordable housing in Portsmouth. It is essential to actively pursue realistic solutions to make housing accessible to all residents.

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

In my 2020-21 term on the Council, I demonstrated my ability to handle this job through the following accomplishments:
1. Budget and Property Tax Stabilization: Successfully restraining budget and property tax increases. Notably, in FY21, I played a pivotal role in achieving a flat budget, breaking the trend of continuous increases over the past decade. Then in FY22, limited the budget increase to less than 4%.
2. Financial Transparency: I championed greater financial transparency by requesting comprehensive reports that shed light on various aspects of the City's finances. This included insights into bond funding for multi-year Capital Improvement Projects, the management of cash and short-term investment fund balances following bond funding, and a comprehensive account of the City's receipt and expenditure of CARES Act funds.
3. Audit Committee Establishment: I led the establishment of the "Audit Committee" to ensure compliance with the City Charter and address the issue of the same external auditor reporting to City management for over 27 years. This initiative aligns with accepted standards that recommend changing auditors every 3-5 years, enhancing transparency and accountability in our financial processes.
4. Project Support and Advancement: I actively supported and advanced several critical projects during my term, including:
• Mold remediation at the police station.
• The skateboard park - from its inception to construction.
• The Sagamore Creek Sewer Extension Project.
• Improvements to the Peirce Island Waste Water Treatment Plant.
• The redesign of the McIntyre Project.
• The replacement of the Great Bay Water line.
• The acquisition of the Community Campus, a 34-acre property for the City of Portsmouth.
• A crucial role in reconfiguring Middle Street's bike lanes to ensure compliance with the "Safe Routes to School for Grades 1-8 Program."
These accomplishments reflect my dedication and ability to effectively address the responsibilities of this role.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

The best advice ever shared with me was, 'Trust but verify!' Trust is a valuable currency, especially in positions of final responsibility and management. Applying this advice throughout my career and as a previous City Councilor has been both a guiding principle and a practical necessity.

As a City Councilor, you must trust that the information and data presented by city staff are accurate and complete. However, my journey in public service has revealed that blind trust can lead to unintended consequences. In the past, I have encountered situations where the information provided was not entirely trustworthy, or where critical aspects were omitted.

In these moments, I have relied on the wisdom of 'Trust but verify' to navigate these challenges effectively. It means that while I start with trust, I also conduct due diligence to verify the accuracy and completeness of the information. This process includes seeking second opinions, consulting experts when necessary, and scrutinizing the available data.

My experiences have reinforced the importance of this approach. It has allowed me to make informed decisions while holding staff accountable for the information they provide. It's not about assuming a lack of trustworthiness, but rather recognizing the importance of rigorous oversight and accountability in ensuring the best outcomes for our community.

So, 'Trust but verify' has been more than a mere adage for me; it's a guiding principle that keeps the decision-making process transparent, responsible, and in the best interest of the people I serve.

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

I would like voters to know that the above areas align closely with my core values and my vision for a more prosperous and sustainable Portsmouth. Your support in this endeavor would be immensely appreciated.
A vote for me on November 7th signifies your endorsement of a more financially sustainable future for Portsmouth.