Now more than ever: Public Service. Not Politics. 

View this email in your browser ([link removed])

Dear Portland Voters -

This past June - when the PPS budget was decided and Charter Commission candidates were elected only 14% of registered Portland voters ([link removed]) cast a ballot.
Let's not do that again. Please have your say.

You can vote early, in person at City Hall starting Monday, October 4th (that's tomorrow!).
You can request a ballot for mail-in, or drop off (at City Hall's drop box).
Or, you can wait - and vote in person on November 2nd.
Whatever you decide - Please Vote! (Details for all options, below.)

Now more than ever - we need independent thinkers committed to Public Service. Not politics.

I am supporting: Brandon Mazer for the At-Large City Council race, Sarah Michniewicz for District 1, Jon Hinck for District 2, and Sarah Thompson for School Board.
I believe all of these candidates have the work, life and public service experience to work effectively in pursuit of good and responsible outcomes for Portland. (Their campaign info is below.)

Please urge your friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers to vote! I welcome you to forward this email. And, if you know anyone who would like to be added to my email distribution - please email me (or have them email me!) at [email protected].

I'll be in touch again soon,
Kate Snyder

[link removed]

Brandon is no stranger to public service in Portland. He's the current Planning Board Chair. He's also involved with Maine State Music Theater, the Special Olympics, and Friends of the Eastern Promenade.

He's also a practicing attorney in Portland focusing on licensing and permitting issues, supporting breweries, wineries, and distilleries across the state. Brandon went to Bowdoin College and the University of Maine School of Law.

During his tenure on the Planning Board, Brandon has overseen the approval of thousands of units of much needed housing in our community - including affordable housing. Continued work, familiarity and expertise with Portland's ReCode and zoning regulations that allow for greater density is exactly what we need right now.

Brandon's website can be found here ([link removed]) .

[link removed]

Sarah Michniewicz is a longtime Bayside resident and homeowner and has deep experience with neighborhood work and advocacy. I have come to know Sarah as a compassionate advocate for both those experiencing homelessness and crisis, as well as people who work and live in Southern Maine's social service hub, and who seek a balance between residential, commercial, and social service. Sarah has proven her ability and willingness to listen, learn, engage constructively, and work with diverse stakeholders within some of the most current and challenging issues we face.

Here's what Sarah has to say about Portland's path forward: "I'm running for City Council because Portland needs committed and thoughtful non-partisan leaders who focus on common sense solutions that support the entire community. I take a balanced, collaborative approach to finding realistic solutions proportionate to Portland's needs.I will work as hard for all of District One as I have for my neighbors in Bayside."

Sarah's website can be found here ([link removed]) .

[link removed]

Jon Hinck has been a Portland City Councilor and a State Representative. He has a proven track record of working for Portland. He understands policymaking, and will bring significant experience to the work of the Council.

I've known Jon and his family for many years. He is a longtime Portland resident who has a clearly demonstrated record of public service. He is a progressive activist, laser focused on climate issues. I believe Jon's elected experience as well as his work as an attorney will serve our community well as we continue to navigate challenging days and difficult decisions.

Jon's website can be found here ([link removed]) .

[link removed]

I've knowing Sarah since 2007, when I was elected and became her colleague on the School Board.
Sarah has proven, without a doubt, her commitment to PPS students, staff, and our community. She understands clearly her role as a policymaker, and brings significant institutional knowledge to the table for her colleagues as they make important decisions.

As a school board member since before the 2008 housing crisis and recession, Sarah is no stranger to tough budgets, and difficult decisions. Yet, she has proven her ability and willingness over and over to seek investment in schools while understanding the role property taxes play regarding both housing affordability in Portland, and well as people's pocketbooks. Sarah is an advocate for great Portland schools - for all kids. Whether it's academics, athletics, health, or guidance, Sarah will continue to work hard so that our schools are excellent for all students.

Sarah's website can be found here ([link removed]) .

Voting Information - Early In-Person, By Mail, Election Day (November 2nd)
In-person absentee voting ([link removed]) will begin on Monday, October 4, 2021 in Room 24 of City Hall. The public must enter City Hall on Myrtle Street, and masks are required. Regular hours are 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. The external ballot drop box will be set up and ready to receive completed absentee ballots 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The last day to in-person absentee vote is Thursday, October 28, 2021, unless you have a special circumstance. Examples of special circumstances include an unexpected work trip, unexpected illness, or Island voter. The Clerk’s Office will be open until 7:00 PM on Thursday, October 28 only for voter registration and in-person absentee voting.

Absentee ballots must be returned by 8:00 PM on Election Day. Absentee ballots must be returned via mail or the external ballot box outside of City Hall and not to your normal polling place.

Absentee ballots can be requested online ([link removed]) , by mail, or by calling 207-874-8677. You can check the status of your absentee ballot request by using the Secretary of State’s new tracking system ([link removed]) . You can also use this tool to track your ballot once you have returned it.

Election Day ([link removed]) is Tuesday, November 2, 2021, and all polling places will be open on that day from 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM. Voters are encouraged to wear a mask or cloth face covering when voting at your polling location.

Important Voting Information

To learn how to register to vote, visit the City’s Elections & Voting page ([link removed]) .

Same day voter registration is allowed at your polling place on Election Day. Citizens must provide proof of identity and residency.

Find your polling place here ([link removed]) ; your ward equals your Council district.
Find the list of Portland polling locations. ([link removed])

If I get details of other candidate forums, I will send them along. For now, this is the only one I know of that has all details published.

Candidate Forum for D2 and At Large Candidates:
Western Promenade Neighborhood Association and the West End Neighborhood Association are co-sponsoring a candidate forum on Thursday, October 14th from 6:30 - 8:00 pm. The forum will include candidates for the City Council At-Large and District 2 races.

District 2: Jon Hinck ([link removed])
District 2: Victoria Pelletier ([link removed])
At-Large: Stuart Tisdale ([link removed])
At-Large: Brandon Mazer ([link removed])
At-Large: Travis Curran ([link removed])
At-Large: Roberto Rodriguez ([link removed]) (cannot attend)

When: Thursday, October 14, 2021 - 6:30 to 8:00 PM
Where:Zoom info: [link removed] ([link removed])

============================================================
This is the Footer for recurring info

This email was sent to [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
why did I get this? ([link removed]) unsubscribe from this list ([link removed]) update subscription preferences ([link removed])
Mayor Kate Snyder . 389 Congress St . Portland, ME 04101-3566 . USA

Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp
[link removed]