I am proud to support Crystal Paradis for Mayor of Somersworth!
Now, you might be wondering, why should I care about that race if I don’t live in Somersworth? What does her race have to do with me?
Here’s why:
Because when women lead, everything changes.
In today’s world, gender equality is an economic imperative, and supporting women’s leadership opportunities will drive growth for our state and for our communities, AND ensure a more equitable recovery. The urgency for increasing women’s leadership is more pronounced than ever after the last legislative session in New Hampshire. Although the data is clear that the recent pandemic and the ensuing economic uncertainty disproportionately impacted working mothers and women of color in New Hampshire, the majority in power ignored these startling statistics and instead used the session to assault our most fundamental rights, give tax breaks to the wealthiest Granite Staters, and ignore the needs of working families.
WE CAN DO BETTER. Because when women lead, we all do better. There is a wealth of evidence that shows that when women lead within government, at all levels, they are more likely to prioritize health and well-being and our natural resources. In other words, they don’t leave ANYONE behind.
Need another reason? If we support strong, brave and capable women running for office, that means OTHER women will run for office. I ran for office after seeing other women run. I ran for office because women before me were brave enough to throw their hat into the ring, take a risk, and put themselves out there to run for office and serve their community. I know that this is a uniquely vulnerable, yet exhilarating experience. We need to do all we can to support women taking this leap!
I feel so fortunate to know Crystal and have relied on her several times as I’ve navigated my first year in office. Crystal is not only kind and smart, she’s also an encourager and finds space in her busy life to support others doing hard things. She showed this when she first ran for City Council and is showing it in this campaign. Most importantly, Crystal is showing us a NEW way of politics – one filled with integrity, joy, inclusivity, accessibility, and collaboration – and I’m so excited she is stepping up to run for Mayor of Somersworth. Crystal currently serves as a City Councilor and now Somersworth has the unique opportunity to elect someone who deeply understands the needs of the community and can translate that understanding into action.
I hope you’ll join me in supporting Crystal’s campaign for Mayor of Somersworth!
In solidarity,
Becky