To the editor:

It is important when people go into a voting booth that they know if the candidates are affiliated with a party: Republican, Democrat, Independent or other. A candidate’s party affiliation has always been information noted on our ballots. 

The current Republican-led Portsmouth Town Council has put forth a referendum to be on the ballot in November that would eliminate this information. They will call it “non-partisan elections,” but it is really a “hidden party” election. It appears they wish to hide their affiliation with the Republican Party, and for this I cannot blame them, as their national leader, Donald Trump, has taken our country in a direction that a great many people find objectionable.

It has always mattered to me if a candidate for public office was affiliated with a particular political party. Though I have long considered myself to be a Democrat, there was a time when I understood why someone might support a Republican candidate. I myself have supported Republicans, though it has been a long time since Gov./Sen. John Chafee.

We live in a time when the undisputed leader of the Republican party is not someone I respect. Why? Here’s a few examples of things Trump did this past year: He posted a video of himself flying in a fighter jet spreading excrement over demonstrators. He badmouthed Rob Reiner after his murder and portrayed the Obamas as apes. These, of course, are not my greatest concerns regarding the president. Much more importantly he has disdained the U.S. Constitution and does not appear to be committed to the execution of due process or of the rule of law.

At this time, I cannot vote for anyone for local or national office who has an “R” after their name if they are unwilling or unable to acknowledge that Trump is not infallible. I don’t understand why anyone would support each and every thing that Trump has ever said or did. The only elected Republicans officials who appear to be willing to offer even gentle criticism of Trump are those who are not running for re-election. 

People deserve to be fully informed when they vote. If approved, this referendum would shield candidate’s party affiliation from the eyes of the voters.

Mark J. Katzman

Portsmouth