To the editor:

Congratulations to all newly elected Portsmouth Town Council members. If there is one message that is loud and clear in the election, both locally and nationally, is that voters want change from the status quo of the past.

And as part of that change I believe there is an opportunity to eliminate a problem of the past in town government, the lack of transparency. It may have been the result of legitimate concerns to keep many activities private. But it is my opinion that privilege was used far too often even when it was not necessary or wise.

When I first came to Portsmouth full-time and talked to many about getting involved in contributing to the town through committee work, I heard a theme over and over again. To be blunt, I heard, “That is a waste of time, they are all corrupt, they don’t listen and you’ll never get anything done.” As I got to know some of the individuals in the administration and elected-office, I felt that this was an unfair assessment as many of them were hard-working, dedicated individuals. However, some residents believed the worst intentions because of the lack of transparency.

People will always believe activities and decisions are “corrupt” when they are conducted behind closed door. If many residents first heard about a new roundabout after it had been approved and felt there were not adequate public deliberations before a decision was made, or if meetings took place on something as substantial as a wind power cable route through town long before any residents who investigated it were even listened to, something is wrong with government.

I’ve heard the argument that “it has to be done that way, because of legal requirements.” I totally disagree with that. As I learned in the private sector as a CEO, courage is to do the right thing even if there are some legal risks. Don’t just listen to the legal opinion, but also consider what is best for the residents, the owners of Portsmouth. That means debating and discussing everything in the open even if it may be difficult and take a bit longer. If you are an elected official or in administration and you believe in your position and what you are doing, then you should have no fear about debating it in a public forum. 

Transparency also a demonstrates respect for residents. I am so disappointed when I hear elected or administration officials make “smart ass” disrespectful remarks about residents who speak up at Town Council meetings. And I have heard that far too often. If Portsmouth were a business, the voters are stockholders of Portsmouth, and you shouldn’t be in office if you don’t respect and listen to them.

In conclusion, I am calling on all of you in your new role to lead by example and embrace a policy of transparency and openness in everything you and town administration, who are accountable to you, do:

• Only use executive sessions in rare cases when it is absolutely necessary. 

• Conduct business and share everything you are doing, including detailed budgets and plans early in their review. 

• Take advantage of the numerous committee volunteer’s skills by getting them involved in all aspects of administration, including contract negotiations. 

• Create a public discussion forum for residents to openly provide input to the TA and TC.

I am confident that with this commitment to transparency and respect for the residents of Portsmouth, there will be a greater appreciation for all the hard work that our elected leaders and administration do for Portsmouth. A win-win situation is always the best.

Joe Forgione

Portsmouth