Writers offer strong words about Trump supporters in Prescott Park: Letters

City attorney Sullivan shows bias in favor of Trump supporters in park

Aug. 30 – To the Editor:

Portsmouth’s Legal Department has investigated the presence of Trump supporters in Prescott Park and Robert Sullivan, a city attorney, was interviewed on this topic, as reported in this morning’s edition of the Seacoastonline.

In my opinion, his obvious bias renders most of Mr. Sullivan’s statements suspect.  He spent an afternoon in the park and concluded that “…what most aggravated people (referring to those who have complained about the group’s presence and activities) is the mere fact they were supporting Donald Trump.” It is reckless, inflammatory, and misleading for our city’s legal representative to express such an opinion with no more basis that his own limited observations. If there is any real evidence to back up such a statement, it should be made available to the public.

According to the report, Mr. Sullivan also had this to say: “…at times the presence of the Trump supporters has led to ‘bitter verbal exchanges’ between the ‘individuals who are expressing themselves in the park in support of Donald Trump and more casual park visitors’.” What, exactly, is the definition of a “casual” park visitor, and how does such a visitor compare to a presumed “non-casual” Trump supporter? Do the casual visitor’s rights and opinions matter less in such a ranking? And from which side does the bitterness spew forth? One can only speculate that the behavior of the Trump supporters in the presence of a city attorney and/or Portsmouth police officers might substantially deviate from that seen without these observers present.

More: Trump supporters in Portsmouth's Prescott Park: Is there a problem?

There are many points to be argued before this matter is resolved, but I will leave that to others. Meanwhile, I encourage Mr. Sullivan’s potential bias to be evaluated and considered. If my assessment is born out, he should recuse himself or be excused from any further investigation or discussion.

Ann Birner

Portsmouth

The 'Bizarro World' of Trump supporter in Prescott Park

Aug. 31 – To the Editor:

One of the leaders of a group of Trump supporters who appear regularly at Prescott Park. ("Trump Supporters Spark Debate", Portsmouth Herald, Aug. 30, 2022) claims that while there with his Trump paraphernalia he’s been verbally abused by anti-Trump bystanders and that does not sit well with him.  “I’ve been called everything you can imagine. I’ve been cursed at repeatedly,” he said. “People swear at me, and they say all sorts of things.”  He says he intends to keep going to Prescott Park to support the former president “until Trump is back in office.”

Let me see if I understand the Trump supporter's position. He’s supporting a former president who has cursed, sworn at, and hurled cruel and childish insults at his opponents and the "Others" for years…. never a kind word other than for Putin.  In the meantime, he would like to be shown some respect by his fellow citizens.  Boy is that rich!

James T. Lalos 

Portsmouth

Pantelakos endorses Jackie Cali-Pitts for Portsmouth Ward 1 state rep

Aug. 30 – To the Editor:

The only primary contest in the Portsmouth is in Ward 1 between the incumbent and a person that is unknown to the people of Ward 1. Rep. Jackie Cali-Pitts  works very hard in Concord to protect the voters in Portsmouth. Please cast your vote for Rep Jackie Cali Pitts.

Rep Laura Pantelakos   

Portsmouth

Here's an example of Trump lining his own pockets

Aug. 31 – To the Editor:

A letter writer asks me to "provide any evidence" of Trump lining his pockets. Fox News reported on Sept. 17, 2020 that Trump's Bedminster Golf Course charged the Secret Service $1.1 million during the COVID lockdown, when the former president wasn't even there. This is the very definition of lining one's pockets. I am a board member of a few local nonprofits.  We have to sign conflict of interest agreements stating that we will not personally benefit financially from our service. Should I be held to a higher standard than the president of the United States?

Jay Lieberman 

Portsmouth

Katherine Harake for NH Executive Council

Aug. 31– To the Editor:

It is an under appreciated political office but the Executive Council makes decisions that have effects on all of New Hampshire's citizens. Katherine Harake will do the important work that Janet Stevens doesn’t!  Even though all financial evidence proves that Planned Parenthood uses no state or federal funding for abortion services, Ms. Stevens voted to cancel our state's contract and defund them.  Ms. Stevens voted not to accept federal COVID funding of $26 million.  Her reasons are not based on reading the information or following good judgment for our citizens. Her decisions are entirely political and self-serving.

When it comes time for your vote please choose Katherine Harake! Let’s have an Executive Council that is able to read and interpret science and knowledge rather than being ruled by the repressive, hard-right MAGA ideology.

Stephen Little

Portsmouth

Doug and Stella Scamman endorse Russell Prescott for Congress

Aug. 31 – To the Editor:

Russell Prescott is the only candidate in the first congressional

district primary who has the public and private sector experience necessary

to bring real change to Washington. In the state Senate, Russell balanced the

budget, cut taxes, and created local jobs. Russell also served several years on

the Executive Council balancing his experience of dealing with the executive

and the legislative side of government.

He is running for Congress in New Hampshire’s First District to bring his

wealth of experience to Washington.

As a small business owner for nearly 40 years, Russell knows that taxes and over regulation hurt the private sector. He also knows what it’s like to sign both sides of a paycheck and balance a budget which he did twice as a State Senator in Concord.

Russell will bring his decades of experience and New Hampshire values to

Washington. We support Russell Prescott for Congress and hope you will vote

for him on Tuesday, September 13.

Douglas and Stella Scamman

Stratham

Congressman Chris Pappas helped our family during an emergency

Aug. 31 – To the Editor:

Earlier this month, my family decided to go on an impromptu last-minute vacation to Montreal. What we didn’t realize is that my mother had let her passport expire. The next morning, I called the national passport hotline to try to get an appointment, and after spending two hours on hold, we were told nothing was available for the next week within many hours drive, and we were traveling in four days. I decided to contact Rep. Chris Pappas's office, to see if they could help. I was quickly connected with Rep. Pappas's constituent service team, and they got right to work. Within about an hour, they were able to reach out to the State Department, and get us an in-person appointment for my mom to get a new passport the next day. We are very lucky to have a congressman like Chris Pappas who puts together a team that provides excellent constituent services. While some run for Congress to become famous and get on TV, in Chris Pappas we have a congressman who puts his constituents' needs first. This is why I am excited to vote to re-elect Chris for another term this November.

John Tackeff

Rye Beach,

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Strong words about Trump supporters in Prescott Park: Letters