Rich Blalock, Portsmouth City Council Candidate

Rich Blalock

Age (as of Election Day)

38

Position Sought

City Councilor

Party Affiliation

Nonpartisan

Family

Father: Jack Blalock, age 69, former Portsmouth Mayor; Mother: Pamela Blalock, age 67, Senior VP National Life; Sister Jackie Jensen, age 34, Math Teacher at Exeter High School

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

My grandfather Dick Blalock served on the Portsmouth City Council; my father Jack Blalock served on the Portsmouth City Council as Asst. Mayor and then as Mayor for two terms.

Education

Bates College - Economics/Math, Portsmouth High School - top of my class

Occupation

Owner Old Ferry Landing Restaurant, Asst. Coach PHS Football, Painter for JG Painting

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Portsmouth City Recreation Board, Blue Ribbon Committee for Portsmouth's Skatepark, Portsmouth Youth Football Board

Campaign website

none

Why are you seeking elective office?

I want to help the city that I grew up in and live in. I know I can help given the opportunity.

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

supporting our community's youth through education and outdoor recreation. I intend to support the school budget and the completion of Portsmouth's Skatepark and recreational fields.

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

I am from Portsmouth; I grew up here. I own a home and a small business in Portsmouth. I coach a Little League team and the football team at PHS. My father and grandfather served this great city and I hope to get the same opportunity.

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 created a very negative environment for city staff. I intend to return ethics and civility to the Portsmouth City Council. I intend to listen and respect my fellow councilors and all residents and city staff.

How do you think local officials performed in responding to the coronavirus? What if anything would you have done differently?

I believe the city has taken the proper measures thus far mitigating the spread of coronavirus. I think we need to encourage everyone to get vaccinated and continue to follow CDC guidelines.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Fiscally Conservative; balancing growth and services for future generations; supporting Portsmouth's youth; protecting our history

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

I have successfully owned and operated a small business in town with 50 employees. I coach 83 students at the high school that I graduated top in my class from. I held a 3.0 at Bates College while playing two varsity sports at the college level. I always give it my all!

The best advice ever shared with me was:

"You set your own limitations in life." - Paul McEachern

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

I promise to protect Portsmouth's history and unique artistic community. I think we need to be reasonable and responsible as we address growth in Portsmouth. We need to work with the PHA on affordable housing. I have no agenda. I want to help keep Portsmouth the town that i grew up in and love so much!