Say no to Keno and yes to these local candidates: Letters

Keno gambling is wrong way for Portsmouth to support its charities

Oct. 25 − To the Editor:

I am writing in opposition to the city ballot issue legalizing Keno. Relying on gambling to support local charities is a misguided attempt to solve problems. The idea of sitting in a restaurant with our families and playing Keno would be sending the wrong message to our children.  Combining gambling and drinking is historically a very bad combination.  Like state and national lotteries, the bulk of the money being spent on this type of gambling often comes out of the pockets of those who can least afford it. Passing this law would be taking the easy way out - solving one problem by possibly creating another. Portsmouth has a history of coming together to fund programs for our children and those in need and I see no reason to believe that would change.  Please vote NO on Keno for Portsmouth.

Pamela Gordon

Portsmouth

Here's who I'm supporting in important city elections

Oct. 24 − To the Editor:

Our local elections have always been non-partisan, focusing mostly on those issues of concern to the local citizenry. As many of us recently learned, two years ago, outside influences tilted the outcome of that election. Since that time, I became very involved in matters concerning our city's governing bodies.  I  concluded that changes are needed as this current City Council has failed to address issues relevant to our community such as:

•  Budget increases of almost $18.5 million without much push- back from the City Council.

• Voting 9-0 to approve pretty much anything City Hall wanted to pass through.

• More non-public than public meetings (64) and of course, minutes of the former are never available due to their sensitive nature, or so we’re being told.

• Thirty four new positions have been created which is a huge future liability falling squarely on the shoulders of current and future taxpayers to bear.

• A poorly handled agreement with SoBow-Square  leaving no off-ramp for the city costing us millions.

As our city rapidly becomes unrecognizable -looking more like little Boston of the north-  many worry about losing the Portsmouth we remember.

With that in mind, I will be supporting the following candidates in the November 7th election.

For City Council:   Rick Becksted, Petra Huda, Esther Kennedy, Paige Trace, and Peter Whelan. These candidates are truly dedicated to Portsmouth and know the issues well.

I will also be voting for Genevieve Becksted-Muske and Trish Campbell for School Board.

For Fire Commissioner, I will support Jackie Cali-Pitts who represented this community in the legislature for almost thirty years.  And for Police Commissioner, I will cast a vote for Francesca Marconi-Fernald.

The government  closest to you is the one that can affect you the most. This November 7, don’t stay home.

Sue Polidura

Portsmouth

Does Chuck Denault think we've forgotten his behavior on Kittery Town Council?

Oct. 24 − To the Editor:

Does Charles “Chuck” Denault think we all forgot what happened two short years ago when he was a Kittery Town Councilor?

In 2021, while serving as a Kittery Town Councilor:

·       Chuck conducted private surveillance of women employed by the town. If this was not illegal, it was certainly creepy and unethical. For more details, please read: https://www.seacoastonline.com/story/news/local/2021/03/22/kittery-manager-ex-councilors-surveillance-denault/6958408002/

·       Chuck communicated directly with town staff rather than go through the Town Manager as the town’s form of governance dictated (and still dictates);

·       He berated many town employees — especially female employees.

At the “Meet the Candidate’s night” last week, Mr. Denault said that he had been accused of violating the charter and therefore resigned. What he didn’t mention was that he was about to be censured along with Councilor Lemont who accompanied Mr. Denault on one of his “surveillance” missions. These censures would likely have led to Mr. Denault’s expulsion from the Town Council.

What is most alarming is that Mr Denault still thinks he did nothing wrong.

Now Mr. Denault wants back on the Town Council so that he can continue where he left off. No thank you. Many of us remember his damaging tenure.

I will be voting for Cameron Hamm and H. Scott Mason.

Holly Zurer

Kittery, Maine

I support Kathleen Soldati for Portsmouth City Council

Oct. 24 − To the Editor:

It is my pleasure to endorse Kathleen Soldati for Portsmouth City Council.

Kathleen’s Soldati’s resume is incredibly impressive but it is the reason why she is running that has resonated with me.

Kathleen Soldati believes that…”when women lead, communities succeed.”

As a woman who owns a small business in Portsmouth,  I greatly appreciate her vision and look forward to seeing her leadership.

Liz Forkel

Portsmouth

Denault quit Kittery Town Council to avoid being expelled

Oct. 25 − To the Editor:

When you ran a headline across the entire page saying Kittery was unfair to Denault, you were being unfair to the people of Kittery.

Chuck Denault violated the Town Charter. He made employees feel unsafe, particularly women. He cost the town thousands of dollars as they hired an independent investigator to look into his charges and found NOTHING.

Chuck was going to be expelled from Town Council because of his actions, but quit before that vote happened. His colleague, Ken Lemont, who participated in following and photographing female employees, also resigned (stating health reasons) before he could be censured.

It’s important for voters to remember why Chuck (and Ken) is no longer on Town Council.

Lyn Rosoff

Kittery, Maine

Rich Blalock understands Portsmouth and represents us well on council

Oct. 25 − To the Editor:

I would first like to thank all of those who have chosen to run for elected office in the upcoming municipal election. I know that it takes a significant commitment of time, energy and resources to run for elected office and our community owes a debt of gratitude to all of you for your involvement in this process.

As we head to the polls to choose our elected representatives, I would like to suggest that Portsmouth voters may want to examine the candidacy of Rich Blalock for City Council.

Rich is a life-long Portsmouth resident who brings to the City Council a unique balance that combines a respect and understanding of the city’s history with the practical experience of a local, downtown, business owner.

Rich was first elected to the Council in 2021 and during his first term he has learned a great deal about how local government works. With this experience and our support, he stands ready to represent us during the next two years.

This is an important time in our history Portsmouth and I believe that Portsmouth will benefit from the qualities and experience that Rich has to offer. He understands Portsmouth, he knows how to listen to and respond to his customers, and he understands how government can serve its citizens.

I know that Rich will make an excellent member of our next City Council and I ask that you consider Rich when you think about who you will vote for in the upcoming election.

John O’Leary

Portsmouth

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Say no to Keno and yes to these local candidates: Letters