April Fournier

April Fournier graduated from Cibola High School. She earned a graduate degree from the University of Maine in 2018. Her career experience includes working as a managing director.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Hi, I’m April. I am Diné, a citizen of the Navajo Nation, a mom, an organizer, a leader and a friend. I have been a member of the Portland City Council since 2020 and have raised my family here in Portland since 2006. I’m a child of two coasts (even though the desert isn't a coast) who grew up between Arizona, Maine, New Mexico and again Maine for good in 2001. I have worked in the insurance industry, customer service, early childhood special education and community organizing. I have an incredible husband, four amazing children and two very attention-seeking dogs.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I am running for the Maine State House because I believe that our city and community is best served when we have leaders who have spent time in community building relationships, listening to many different voices and actively working to develop policy and actions that reflect our values.I believe that Maine should be affordable for everyone. Right now we're struggling with affordable housing, fuel, food, healthcare, childcare and too many individuals and families are finding it hard to make ends meet every day. We have to right the ship. Long term health and wellness begin with having our basic needs met. That should be the focus of our time, energy and investments.We are living through a climate crisis. Every year is a new record for the hottest and our energy systems, our housing and infrastructure can't keep up. Our environment continues to suffer and the current federal administration is rolling back protection after protection that would allow us to mitigate the impacts of climate change and instead would see us speed ahead to climate catastrophe. We are smarter and more innovative than that. When we put people ahead of profits we will find a longer term solution.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Affordable and accessible healthcare. Defense of reproductive rights and access to reproductive services including abortion, because abortion is healthcare. Defense of the rights of our LGBTQ+ community members and their access to healthcare that meets their needs as they determine what they need. Creating more equitable tax policy that shifts the burden from struggling families to wealthy individuals and corporations who receive rigged tax breaks. Upholding and defending tribal sovereignty in Maine and beyond. Creating greater mental health and wellness systems to move people out of crisis and into long term recovery.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Wabanaki Alliance, MSEA SEIU, Maine People's Alliance, Maine Conservation Voters Action Fund, Advance Native Political Leadership, Maine AFL-CIO, Maine Education Association, Planned Parenthood Maine Action Fund PAC, Sierra Club, Equality Maine Political Action Committee