To the editor:

Safe, clean water efficiently flowing to your tap is something you don't want to have to worry about. I’m John McDaid, and I want to help make that happen. I’m running for tax assessor in the Portsmouth Water and Fire District board election next Wednesday, June 13.

This is a non-partisan election for a largely technical administrative position, and I'd like to explain why I'm a good fit.

After doing doctoral work in communication theory and teaching at the college level for seven years, I moved to the private sector. In my 22-year career as project manager at a multinational firm, I ran multi-million-dollar software development efforts, negotiated contracts, reviewed technical documents, and worked with teams to analyze problems, generate the data to make decisions, and implement solutions. I would love to put this skill set to work to benefit the ratepayers of the Portsmouth Water and Fire District.

As a proud third-generation Portsmouth resident, I've tried to pitch in where I can. I currently serve on the Portsmouth Conservation Commission and PSD Technology Committee, and I was an appointed member of the most recent Charter Review Committee. I'm a freelance journalist, and for more than 10 years, I've run a web site, harddeadlines.com, providing news and commentary on local issues.

As a practiced communicator, I will always work to ensure transparency. My experience in business will help me be a good steward of both Portsmouth's precious resources and our tax dollars. And as a parent and proud resident of Portsmouth, I will always be guided by what's right for our town. 

I thank you for your time and your consideration, and ask for your vote next Wednesday, June 13, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the District office, 1944 East Main Road.

John McDaid

65 Gormley Ave.

Portsmouth