To the editor:

In response to the recent letter to the editor, “When did disagreement become disrespect?” (The Portsmouth Times, Aug. 20), I would like to take this moment to discuss my own experiences with such behaviors.

I have served on the Portsmouth Parks and Recreation Committee since March 2025. One only needs to review that town council meeting and judge for themselves the level of disrespect on record. From the beginning of my appointment, the nature of these committee meetings has not been what I envisioned when I decided to serve.

On several occasions, committee members, the council liaison and even guests have been the recipients of disrespectful dialogue. In fact, it is because of this type of atmosphere that there have been several departures, including committee members who submitted letters of resignation shortly after joining, citing these behaviors.

The chair of the Portsmouth Parks and Recreation Committee is responsible for maintaining order and ensuring that everyone feels comfortable, even when there are items we do not agree on. Instead, the chair and a few other members do not hesitate to raise their own voices or verbally attack people when someone’s opinion does not align with their own.

This is not an example of respectful discourse and, ironically, is the very opposite of everything that was written in “When did disagreement become disrespect?” While he raises letters of respect and the value of our volunteers, they all appear to be empty words! No one deserves this kind of treatment, but the reality is, many have been subjected to it during these meetings.

Mutual respect for one another should be a given. I am hopeful that there will come a day when we will be able to resolve our differences amicably.

Debra Faber

Portsmouth