Here's why I support Keno and these Portsmouth candidates: Letters
Here's why I support Keno and these Portsmouth candidates
Oct. 31 − To the Editor:
When we served in the N.H. Legislature together, Paul McEachern and I were assigned to sit next to one another in the 400-member House Chamber. Mostly we agreed on issues. One we didn't was expanded gambling. He supported it, I opposed. Whenever the topic came up, there was much whispered chatter between us, sometimes too loud!
Each of us got elected in our younger lives − my first term was 1969, but he served in the early 1960s. He voted for the nation's very first lottery law that started right here.
Locally, he was for Keno. It took a while, but he convinced me. His simple advice was that people are going to gamble if they want. Keno gives freedom to do as they wish and helps our business community as well. That advice, and the passionate support for Keno by another amazing Portsmouth leader, George Remick, made me a believer.
About the upcoming election, I admire all the candidates, old and new. They care about Portsmouth and our residents. Of the ones I know personally, I like each of them. All good, caring people. For my choices, I think we have a good City Council. Mistakes? Some. It happens. Good hard work? Yes, moving Portsmouth ahead. I'll vote to re-elect.
In addition, I think Jackie Cali-Pitts, one of the best public servants I've known, will make an excellent Fire Commissioner. I'll vote for David Leigh Hudson, Pip Clews, Byron Matto, and Bill Blum for School Board. We can't go wrong with either Gary Dozier, my old PHS and UNH friend, or Jay Lieberman for Police Commission.
Jim Splaine, Former Assistant Mayor
Portsmouth
It's important to re-elect John Tabor to Portsmouth City Council
Oct. 30 −To the Editor:
Portsmouth is lucky to have a civil servant like John Tabor willing to continue as a City Councilor. John’s dedication to our community, his integrity, and his willingness to listen to all opinions are valuable assets to a successful Council.
John Tabor’s leadership in forming the Energy Advisory Committee in 2021 and then working hard to lower our electricity rates and provide more renewable energy options by developing Portsmouth Community Power, proves his ability to get things accomplished.
I am impressed by his determination to knock on as many doors as if possible before the upcoming election (perhaps close to 700?) so he can listen to the voters in all parts of the City. As a founder of Portsmouth Listens, he knows from experience the power of citizen input and creating solutions from grassroot participation.
John Tabor has been a good friend for nearly 35 years. I have watched and admired him in action as a businessman, a non-profit board member and as a political leader. I urge you all to support his re-election to City Council on November 7th.
Jameson French
Portsmouth
A quiz for City Council candidates
Oct. 29 − To the Editor:
All who attended the Greater Portsmouth Chamber Collaborative and Seacoastonline City Council Candidate Round Table at Strawbery Banke had the pleasure to meet the candidates in a forum that allowed for questions and answers. I know I enjoyed the event as it presented the opportunity to ask a simple and fundamental question to the incumbent council members and candidates that is a core responsibility of anyone who wishes to hold the position of a city councilor. The question presented to each candidate that was not disguised in any manner was – What is the projected 2024 city budget? It also did not warrant a “horseshoe / hand grenade almost” answer and was not a matter of opinion or conjecture but a precise figure of importance to all taxpayers and one would think a fundamental fiscal responsibility of anyone who desires to be a city councilor.
The exact answer would be a staggering $138,273,375 but $138,000,000 would suffice.
I assumed that any incumbent councilor would have had an edge to the answer as their knowledge and vote to the 2024 budget is on very recent record. I recorded each answer as stated by each candidate with the following results. Incumbent Councilor Rich Blalock and candidate Andrea Pickett could / did not give a figure. Incumbent Councilor JoAnne Kelly stated $132,000,000, incumbent Councilor Andrew Bagley stated $135,000,000, candidate Kathleen Soldati stated $137,000,000, incumbent Councilor Beth Moreau stated a range of $132 thru $138,000,000 and candidate Kevin Coyle stated $144,000,000. Incumbent Councilor Kate Cook, incumbent Councilor John Tabor and Mayor Deaglan McEachern stated $138,000,000. Candidates Rick Becksted, Peter Whelan, Petra Huda, Paige Trace, and Esther Kennedy all stated $138,000,000. Incumbent Vince Lombardi who did not attend because of an illness was called and in deference maybe to his condition did not answer and instructed me to go to the city web page. Incumbent Councilor Josh Denton also did not attend due to illness and was asked on a separate date with an answer of $137,000,000.
I feel the question deserved a precise answer because it reflects each and everyone’s fiscal responsibilities and because of the large city budget increases that have occurred under the present city council. Granted there are a variety of other issues of importance that frame this election but there should never be a casual position on the fiscal structure of this city, recall or not. It frames a candidate's knowledge of fiscal detail that I think is necessary in the principal duties of a city councilor to the taxpayer’s of the city.
For the current incumbents it had more bearing because in watching their deliberations during the budget sessions, final approval and adjustments, not one penny was reduced from the city manager's request and set the mark of fiscal fortitude to this current council for future budget considerations if elected. I trust and hope that the residents of Portsmouth have concern and interest in this subject as our wallets are tired and the terms of affordable housing are constantly changing with the tax increases that we have absorbed. As property owners with our desire to remain in Portsmouth and no intentions of moving what we thought to be an asset is taking the face of a growing liability.
Erik Anderson
Portsmouth
Bagley: Here are my priorities if re-elected to Portsmouth City Council
Oct. 31 − To the Editor:
As the city council elections draw near, your vote will shape Portsmouth's future. I'm seeking your support for my reelection, not for my own aspirations, but to advance a vision of a more equitable, fiscally responsible Portsmouth. Here's why I would like your vote:
Close Educational Gaps: Our kids are our future. I'm dedicated to reversing learning loss by supporting proven educational programs. Examples include new staff roles in schools and the upcoming mobile library.
Zoning Reforms for Affordable Housing: A diverse community is essential for a thriving city. I'm pushing for sensible zoning reforms that increase affordable housing options, like the ones we’ve achieved with Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).
People-Focused 10-Year Master Plan: Planning should serve residents, not bureaucracy. I aim to create a 10-year plan focusing on community well-being, with affordable housing and walkability as top priorities.
Maximize Value for Taxpayer Dollars: You work hard for your money; it’s our job to use it wisely. I pledge to scrutinize all expenditures to ensure value and necessity.
Cost-Effective Police Station: Safety is crucial, but shouldn't be a financial drain. I propose a budget-conscious approach for a new police station, considering both functionality and affordability.
Avoid Costly Mistakes like the McIntyre: I was the lone vote against the failed McIntyre settlement and will continue to prioritize due diligence to avoid unnecessary city involvement in projects.
Focus on Core Government Functions: I'll keep the city’s priorities aligned with community needs.
Your vote is more than a ballot; it's a declaration about the community you desire. I'm asking for your support for a second term on the Portsmouth City Council to continue building a city that serves everyone.
Andrew Bagley
Portsmouth
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Here's why I support Keno and these Portsmouth candidates: Letters
