Election Central

RE-ELECTED

Andrew Bagley lives in Portsmouth with his wife and daughter. Educated at the University of New Haven, he works as a technical sales engineer. Beyond his day job, Andrew takes on a civic role as a member of the Portsmouth City Council. He also serves as Chamber Liaison and chairs the Parking, Traffic, and Safety Committee. His community involvement extends to being part of the YMCA of the Seacoast Advisory Board, serving as Secretary for PopUpNH, and participating in the Athenaeum as a Proprietor and a member of its Nominating Committee. Balancing these varied roles, Andrew is committed to both his family and his community.
Candidate Facebook Page
Seacoastonline candidate profile
Video of candidate addressing housing needs during council work session.

RE-ELECTED

Hello Portsmouth!
I’m Rich Blalock. I grew up here. My family has a long tradition of giving back and serving our community. My education started at Children’s Garden; continued at Dondero Elementary, Portsmouth Middle School, Portsmouth High School, and led me to study economics and math at Bates College. Currently I co-own the Old Ferry Landing Restaurant with my family. I started working there when I was 12 years old. This is my 8th year coaching football for Portsmouth, 6th year coaching for Portsmouth High School and am currently a volunteer Head Coach for our Freshman Football team. I am also a coach for Portsmouth Little League. I am in my second year on the City Council, Historic District Commission, Safe Water Advisory Group, Skatepark Committee, Land Use Committee as well as 6 years on Portsmouth’s Recreation Board.
Candidate Facebook Page
Seacoastonline candidate profile
Portsmouth Patch

RE-ELECTED

I was committed to civic volunteerism at a very young age. My post-secondary education focused on conflict resolution and management (bachelor’s), secondary education (master’s), and public and international affairs (master’s). In my early career I taught public school, worked as the Director of a nonprofit serving unhoused children, and as a legal researcher and grant writer. After my second master’s degree, I was hired as a U.S. Political Affairs Adviser serving in the United Nations Security Council, where I gained direct experience in international negotiation, policy analysis of complex international challenges, and peacekeeping and governance best practices.

After the birth of my daughter, I taught Political Science and coached Model United Nations at Washburn University, then worked as a private educational and nonprofit consultant, while serving on numerous non-profit Boards of Directors. I bring my ability to research and understand complex issues, and my experience translating those challenges into manageable work, to the job as a City Councilor. I have overseen complex budgets, so as a City Councilor I spent considerable time asking hard questions about the budget process and the need for various capital projects. I will continue to bring a critical viewpoint to my ongoing work.

Finally, I am a parent. As a mom to a teenager, I am particularly concerned about the issues facing parents in our current workforce climate, from finding childcare to balancing the difficulties of our modern societal expectations to make sure a child receives the support they need. I bring this understanding of the unique issues families face to every decision I make as a City Councilor, and I will continue to examine policy choices through this lens.
Candidate Facebook Page
Seacoastonline candidate profile
Portsmouth Patch

cookkc@gmail.com
603-502-6454

RE-ELECTED

I fell in love with Portsmouth as a UNH undergrad, thought about the city often while I was in the Army, and moved here upon returning from Baghdad, where as a twenty-five-year-old Captain, I served as a combat adviser to an Iraqi infantry battalion. I lived our affordable housing crisis as I waited tables while earning my Masters of Public Administration and again as I returned to waiting tables as I successfully studied for the Bar Exam to become an attorney, after using the GI Bill to graduate law school.

I lost my first bid for City Council after working my heart out knocking on every voter’s door in 2013, knocked on every voters’ door again in 2015 to defeat incumbent Esther Kennedy by just twelve votes despite not being on any Political Action Committee candidate slate, and was easily reelected in 2017. During those two terms, I led numerous successful individual initiatives such as creating the “All Veterans” tax credit, banning Styrofoam containers, and conceiving, recruiting, and chairing the Renewable Energy Committee that created Portsmouth’s Net Zero Energy Policy along with the framework to achieve it.

Even after my 2019 reelection defeat, I continued to better Portsmouth by leading the 501(c)(3) PopUp in the Bridge Street Parking Lot to keep residents employed during the first summer of covid and then as Commander of VFW Post #168, a position which I still hold today. Since being sent back to the City Council in 2021, I have helped restore competency to the policy board, continued to push Portsmouth forward, and used my duel positions to vocally stand-up for democracy in the face of growing extremism.  Unfortunately, I will not be able to knock every door this year due to recent knee surgeries that became necessary after successfully backpacking the Pemi Loop.
Seacoastonline candidate profile
Portsmouth Patch

RE-ELECTED

I am a dedicated individual with a diverse background. I served my country during the Vietnam war and then attended Boston University, where I studied science and computer technology. Throughout my career, I have contributed my skills and passion to various roles, each allowing me to grow and make a positive impact on the community. My commitment to service and my love for preserving history have been constants in my professional life. As a Park Ranger for the Boston National Historical Park, I developed a deep appreciation for preserving our nation's historical landmarks. This role instilled in me the values of preservation and education, which have remained at the core of my professional pursuits.

I moved to Portsmouth to assume the role of Associate Director at Strawbery Banke Museum. Here, I honed my leadership skills, overseeing the museum's operations and fostering a sense of historical appreciation among visitors. I then wanted to use my computer skills and accepted a position at Phillips Exeter Academy as a Systems Administrator. In this role, I maintained the faculty, students and the administrative computers and networks. Seeking a more meaningful role, I joined Odyssey House to provide technical support to the five recovery programs across southern New Hampshire.

In the early 90’s, I founded Data Archive LLC, a business that provided data security through off site backup and technical support. I ran this company for 25 years. Beyond my professional pursuits, I actively engaged in community service, joining The Rotary and local boards such as Prescott Park Arts Festival, Crossroads House, and the Feminist Health Center. Additionally, I dedicated my time to preserving our city's heritage, serving as a member of the Historic District Commission for seven years and as chair for five terms. Currently, I am honored to represent the people of Portsmouth on the City Council, a role I am seeking re-election for. I am committed to enhancing the quality of life in our city, advocating for responsible governance, and championing community initiatives that bring about positive change. In summary, my journey has been marked by a dedication to community service, a commitment to preserving history, and a passion for community engagement. I look forward to continuing to serve and make a meaningful impact on our beautiful city of Portsmouth.
Seacoastonline candidate profile

RE-ELECTED

Deaglan McEachern was raised in Portsmouth. He lives with his wife, Lori and daughters, Tiernan and Aurelia across the street from the house his grandfather built in 1940.  McEachern is currently serving his second term on the City Council and his first term as Mayor of Portsmouth. He works in the technology sector, focusing on enterprise software. He received his BA in History from the University of California, Berkeley and his Masters in History from Cambridge University. 

Before working in the technology sector, Deaglan spent 10 years on the United States rowing team where he represented the United States at the World Championship level.  During this time, Deaglan received his Masters degree in History from Cambridge University in the United Kingdom. At Cambridge, Deaglan was elected President of the rowing team, where he led the University to victory against Oxford in the famous “Boat Race” in 2010. Deaglan received his undergraduate degree from the University of California, Berkeley.

McEachern is the son of Paul and Shaun McEachern and a proud resident of the Creek neighborhood. 

Candidate website
Seacoastonline candidate profile

RE-ELECTED

Beth is a lifelong New Hampshire resident. Raised in Dover, she has loved living in Portsmouth for the past 23 years. Beth holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Southern New Hampshire University and a Juris Doctor from New England School of Law. Beth is a licensed attorney in both New Hampshire and Maine and focuses on residential real estate title and closing services. Beth is a successful owner of a Portsmouth-based business that she established in 2012.  Beth and her husband share their home with two cats they adopted from a local shelter.

Beth served as a member of the Portsmouth Planning Board from 2013 to 2021, influencing smart growth and affordable housing initiatives in the city.  She also serves on the Rockingham Planning Commission as the vice chair, ensuring that regional development issues that may affect Portsmouth are fully understood and mitigated. Beth has worked with other councilors and city staff in evaluating the issues facing the city, and developing policies and solutions that work best for the citizens of Portsmouth.  Beth will continue to work on many different fronts towards more affordable housing and support efforts to combat climate change and continue to support sustainable development. Positive change starts with a common vision. Together, let’s continue to move Portsmouth forward. 
Seacoastonline candidate profile

RE-ELECTED

I am one of four generations of Tabors in public service. Our family believes government can be a force for good in people's lives. Prior to serving as a city councilor, my bio included: 

- Newspaper publisher and President of Seacoast Media Group from 1997 to 2018. Our team expanded the business from a $12.5mm to a $29 million company with 200 employees.

- Co-chair of Portsmouth Listens for 20 years. Jim Noucas and I were given the Mayor's Award for the 2005 public dialogue process that shaped the city's Master Plan using small group "study circles" of 271 residents.

- Board chair of the Prescott Park Arts Festival, past Chamber president, United Way Campaign Chairman, and past board chair of St. John's Church among others. As a councilor, I chaired the Energy Advisory Committee that launched Portsmouth Community Power, as well as the audit committee and ethics committee. I have been council liaison to Pease and the new police station project. I also serve on the Legislative Affairs and Governance Committee, and previously on Mcintyre Subcommitee.

Betsy and I are 36-year residents. Our daughter Laura and son Max attended Portsmouth schools. We were active parents in PTO, and I coached youth lacrosse. I graduated from Yale in 1977. You can occasionally catch me at open mics at the Book and Bar or Press Room, playing guitar and singing blues and country music.
Candidate Facebook Page
Seacoastonline candidate profile
Portsmouth Patch