To the editor:

At the Portsmouth Town Council Meeting on Feb. 11, 2019, council members Katzman, Ryan, Ujifusa, and Abbott voted in the majority to constrain the free speech of residents at council meetings to only three minutes. 

All residents at the podium on the 11th spoke in opposition to this three-minute time limit. Councilman Katzman stated he brought forth the agenda item as a campaign promise to many voters who complained about some residents monopolizing the podium. If this were indeed true, and I believe it is not, where were all these residents to support Mr. Katzman on the 11th? 

Councilors usually mention letters or e-mail that they have receive either in favor or against an agenda item. The only e-mail mentioned that evening was my e-mail to the council opposing the new guidelines.

This change in policy to limit the public comments to three minutes was equivalent to a no-confidence vote on Council President Kevin Aguiar and his ability to control our meetings. This is particularly ironic, as only 12 weeks before, newly elected councilor Katzman had nominated Mr. Aquiar to be the new council president. 

Mr. Aguiar, along with councilors Keith Hamilton and Andrew Kelly, voted against this policy change and had the courage to stand up for the rights of Portsmouth residents. Kudos for this show of nonpartisan politics on the part of Messrs. Aguiar, Hamilton and Kelly.

I believe that The Feckless Four (Katzman, Ryan, Ujifusa, Abbott) have fired the first salvo in their war against the rights and concerns of the residents of Portsmouth. So much for their new transparency. Be on alert; I expect there will be more to come!

Nancy Grieb

110 Thayer Drive

Portsmouth