To the editor:

As a member of the Portsmouth School Committee, I am deeply interested in the Dec. 1 primary to fill the vacated District 11 Senate seat.

After careful thought, I’ve decided to support Portsmouth Town Council Vice President Jim Seveney.

Retiring Sen. Ottiano always demonstrated an active interest in education and the concerns of the Portsmouth community. This kind of representation is particularly meaningful when it comes to town budgets. Over the years state and federal mandates have placed considerable stress on school budgets, while state funding support continued to decline, placing additional burdens on local property owners.

Jim has served on the Portsmouth School Committee. He and both of his children are graduates of Portsmouth High School. Over his more than 15 years in elected office, he has demonstrated the ability to develop and manage budgets beneficial to the schools as well as the town.

He is fully informed on school and town issues, and can hit the ground running representing our concerns at the State House.  I believe Jim will be a hands-on senator available to the public and vitally concerned about issues that affect our town.

While I respect all the candidates who have filed, I believe that Jim Seveney is the best all-round candidate for election to this Senate seat. I urge all Portsmouth voters to come out to vote on Dec. 1.

Andrew V. Kelly

33 Pine St.

Portsmouth