April Fournier
April Fournier (she/her), Portland resident and educator, has announced her candidacy for the open District 4 City Council seat being vacated by Councilor Justin Costa as he runs for the open At-Large seat. April is the mother of four children, three who currently attend Portland Public Schools, and one recent graduate.
Fournier says, “I am excited for the opportunity to bring a new voice to the council. I am energized and inspired by the community action taking place, but frustrated at the pace of change. I am committed to listening to our community members, working to understand their concerns, and using that insight to work with the council for improvements. I want our city to work better for all of our residents.”
Pious Ali, At-Large City Councilor: “I have had the opportunity to engage with April both in my capacity as an elected official and as a resident of Portland. Her passion and advocacy for our youth and her empathy for marginalized members of our community is invaluable. When elected, April will bring a unique lived experience that resonates with many of our neighbors. I am looking forward to serving with her.”
Roberto Rodriguez, Chair, Portland School Board: “As a member of the school board, a parent, and a resident of Portland, I believe we need people on the council who will make the connection between our Portland Promise goals and the council’s role in advancing them. We cannot narrow equity gaps in our schools if equity gaps in our community are widening. I believe with April’s work experience with vulnerable families, her understanding of the “system,” and, of course, as a parent herself, she will understand those connections and work to close the gaps. April is a board member’s dream candidate for council.”
Crystal Cron, Community Activist: “April is the leader Portland so urgently needs: one who is rooted in community, grounded in the needs of the most vulnerable, and committed to centering racial justice at every table. We need leaders who listen deeply and work directly in partnership with us to amplify community voice, as I have seen April do countless times among diverse groups of people. She understands that to advance, marginalized communities cannot and must not be left behind. I know that April will bring us with her when she is elected, and I am proud to support her candidacy.”
Kelly Masters, District 4 Resident: “I have known April for 9 years as a neighbor, friend, mother and tireless advocate. We both have twins, born 6 months apart, and share the joys and challenges of having children on the Autism spectrum. I believe April to be an excellent person to represent our district on the City Council. She is an involved member of our community and will be an asset to the City and its residents.”
Fournier, a member of the Dine’ (Navajo) Nation, currently works in early childhood education, managing special education, mental health and behavior support services. She is a member of the Portland Police Citizen Review Subcommittee and is an Emerge Maine Alumna.
