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Dear Portlanders,

Portland's Rank Choice Voting system gives us the option of ranking candidates in order of choice. This is a great opportunity to think about multiple candidates, and show support for more than one.

I've been asked how I will vote in the Mayor's race.
I will vote for Mark Dion #1 and Andrew Zarro #2.

Mark Dion
is a veteran public servant. He has a lifetime of experience that includes serving in the Maine Legislature, as a police officer, as an elected Sheriff for Cumberland County, and as a Portland City Councilor. He's a lawyer. He's a dad who sent his kids to Portland Public Schools, and he's a granddad. He thinks creatively and critically with broad context that brings much needed perspective. Mark is not flappable; I have come to admire and respect his pragmatism. Mark's approach to problem solving is what I believe Portland needs right now in the face of evolving and unprecedented challenges.

Andrew Zarro epitomizes a hard working public servant. He joined me on the City Council three years ago and hit the ground running. He is dedicated, smart and anchored in integrity. He cares deeply. He often says, "neighbor is a verb". He's right, and he demonstrates his commitment to communication, relationship building and collaboration every day. Andrew's experience owning and operating a small, local business gives him a lens that most of us don't have. He understands the important role of employer in our city, and therein, the complicated landscape faced by hourly employees working in our valued service economy. Andrew is thoughtful, and dedicated to policy that reflects our community's diverse priorities.

I have come to know both candidates over the past three years. I work closely with both, and have come to regard them both as colleague and friend.

I encourage all Portland voters to check out all of the candidates for Mayor - and please make your plan to VOTE!
* In-person absentee voting ([link removed]) is in the State of Maine Room, adjacent to the City Clerk’s Office, on the 2nd Floor of City Hall. Regular hours are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday.
* The last day to in-person absentee vote is Thursday, November 2, unless you have a special circumstance. The Clerk’s Office will be open until 7:00 PM on Thursday, November 2 only for voter registration and in-person absentee voting.
* 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.
* For those who have requested an absentee ballot be sent to them, the external ballot drop box will be set up at City Hall and Canco Road, and ready to receive completed absentee ballots 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
* 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 Canco Road, and not to your normal polling place.
* Election Day ([link removed]) is Tuesday, November 7, and all polling places will be open on that day from 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM.

Thank you to all who raise their hand for public service - and to all who cast a vote!

Kate Snyder

PS:
Please read the job description for the position of Mayor in the City of Portland: Scroll to the bottom of Page 6 of the City's Charter, linked here ([link removed]) .
As an informed citizenry, I think it's important to understand how we define the role and responsibilities of Mayor in Portland, Maine.

Here are some resources I have found helpful:
WGME TV Candidate Debate_Sept 19th ([link removed])
Oct 17th article re: Candidate responses to Homelessness ([link removed])
Oct 18th article re: Candidate Responses to Affordable Housing ([link removed])
PPH Candidate Profiles ([link removed])
Portland Townsman Platform Interviews with Candidates ([link removed])

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Mayor Kate Snyder . 389 Congress St . Portland, ME 04101-3566 . USA