To the editor:

I am writing in response to the letter by Ms. Debra Faber Cardoza, posted on Oct. 18. 

While she noted that three residents spoke in favor of curbside pickup during the last Portsmouth Town Council meeting, 917 residents responded to a survey that went out prior to the meeting — and 50 percent of them said they would or definitely would prefer curbside pickup, while just 44 percent said they would or definitely would prefer to keep the transfer station. 

It is possible that the survey better reflects the preferences of Portsmouth residents than the opinions voiced by those able to attend the town council meeting, but in any case, elected officials need to represent the wishes of the people who elected them, basing their decisions on all available evidence.

Simply put, I voted for curbside pickup not only because I thought it would better control costs, increase recycling and decrease illegal dumping, but also because, based on the survey, I believed a majority of Portsmouth residents concurred.

Some issues inevitably are more contentious than others. I am hopeful that going forward, we will all engage in open, fact-based and respectful discussions that move us to do what is best for our town.

Linda Ujifusa

Portsmouth Town Council

155 Adams Drive

Portsmouth