To the editor:

The Portsmouth Concerned Citizens (PCC) sponsored a Candidates Night at the Town Hall on Sept. 21 for candidates from House District 71. They held a second Candidates Night for Portsmouth Town Council candidates on Sept. 29, again at the Portsmouth Town Hall. 

The chairman of the Portsmouth Democratic Town Committee, Mr. Leonard Katzman, also a candidate for the Town Council, expressed his concern that both events would be stacked against Democrats and recommended that Democratic candidates not attend. The Portsmouth Democratic Town Committee has not organized or held any forum to allow citizens to compare the positions of their candidates.

Democratic attendance on Sept. 21 was sparse and none of their candidates showed up for the Sept.29 event. Both of these events were moderated by Mr. Tom Grieb, a member of the PCC. In his capacity as moderator, Mr. Grieb asked two questions:

• Appropriateness of future budget increases.

• Public input for consideration of the town’s Comprehensive Plan.

Both of these issues are very important for the residents of Portsmouth. It should be noted that the issue of taxes was the primary concern addressed by citizens of Portsmouth in the town survey conducted in 2013. This survey revealed that 82 percent of the citizens were concerned about taxes.

The reluctance of the Democratic candidates to participate in these public forums and their failure to sponsor/organize a similar event is unsettling. The positions of Republican, Democrat and independent candidates should be available to our citizens so that they can make the best choice on Nov. 8. Failure to attend these forums creates questions in the minds of voters especially concerning transparency. 

Bob Washburn

102 Ferry Landing Circle

Portsmouth