To the editor:

I look forward to reading your weekly paper. While I do not agree with all that appears in the paper, I respect the notion that many voices should be heard. The paper from the third week in June was thrilling for me to read. Why?

You reported that the new council was passing a budget that took the taxpayers into consideration. For years our town councils have pushed to the limit in spending. Those folks are gone now. (Unless you want to elect them to the senior center board! Please don’t.)

The creation of office hours was a great idea. Having easy access to our leaders helps get over the rules of Town Council meetings. There are no limits to what you can talk about. Bravo Zulu.

The use of the high school tennis courts for pickleball is a great idea. We do not have enough courts in Portsmouth to satisfy demand. This is an enormous step forward as the School Committee has resisted using the school facilities for the many things that other towns have used their school facilities for. Let’s find other ways to use the school facilities. 

The election at the water board brings two very smart people into the mix. Dave Reise continues while Murray Norcross joins the team. This board has maintained a tight ship over the years as it has been managed by people who pay attention to costs. Water and fire services are as important to community health as anything. As an independent agency in Portsmouth, the board answers directly to the water users — not the politicians in town. 

The importance of our local newspapers can never be underestimated. I recall the golden days when Newport Daily News reporters were always present at our meetings — no longer. Today we have your paper and the Portsmouth Concerned Citizens to keep us appraised of the goings-on. 

Jeffrey L. Richard

Portsmouth