Rich Blalock, Portsmouth City Council Candidate

Rich Blalock

Age (as of Election Day)

40

Position sought (including district number if applicable)

City Council

Party Affiliation

Family

I am Jack Blalock and Pam Blalock’s son. I am also Jane Blalock’s nephew, and Jimmy Blalock’s nephew.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

Not currently. My grandfather, Dick Blalock, served on the Portsmouth City Council in 1970. My father, Jack, served one term as Assistant Mayor and 2 terms as Mayor of Portsmouth.

Education

Portsmouth High School, Bates College

Occupation

Old Ferry Landing Restaurant, 29 years experience

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Portsmouth City Council, Historic District Commision, Recreation Board, Land Use Committee, Safe Water Advisory Group, Skateboard Park Committee

Campaign website

N/A

Why are you seeking elective office?

I love Portsmouth and my family has taught me the importance of civic duty and giving back to the community that raised me. I also believe the youth of Portsmouth need a voice. They are our future.

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

Affordability! Unfortunately as Portsmouth continues to flourish, especially compared to other communities, it becomes more expensive to live here. We need to continue to help create affordable housing for those that work here or have lived here all their life and are possibly on a fixed income, such as maximizing tax credits for seniors or veterans, which we did as a council.

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

I am very fortunate to have grown up in Portsmouth. I attended Children’s Garden on Peverly Hill Rd, Dondero Elementary School, Portsmouth Middle School and Portsmouth High School, just like my father, aunt and uncle. I grew up playing Little League baseball at Plains field, now I coach for Portsmouth Little League. I played Quarterback for Portsmouth High School, like my father, and for the past 8 years I have coached football for Portsmouth. I grew up working at the Old Ferry Landing; I still own the restaurant with my family. I really care about Portsmouth and I always will! Please give me the opportunity to pay the it forward.

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 will continue to work hard to keep our tax rate as low as possible, while retaining the quality level of services we have today. I will continue to advocate for our youth and their participation in local government. I will continue to support recreation and education in our community for all ages.

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

Over the past 2 years as City Councilor, I have brought back Student Government Day, protected our Historic District, changed zoning laws to encourage workforce housing, supported our Fire Fighters and Police Officers, overseen the completion of our new skatepark, lighting of new turf fields, ensured safe drinking water is available to our community for years to come, helped return civility and transparency to the council chamber, all while retaining our city services and city staff.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

“Never be dead right. Always listen” - My mother

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

I believe in listening first! I believe in listening to the residents of Portsmouth. I will always listen and gather all the facts and opinions before I speak or make any decision.