To the editor:

Jeffrey Richard recently encouraged Portsmouth residents to join Portsmouth Concerned Citizens, describing the PCC as a nonpartisan organization and a presence for “moderation, civic involvement and discourse.”

Civic involvement? Absolutely. But “moderation” is where our experiences differ.

I believe strongly in residents questioning government, watching how taxpayer dollars are spent and holding elected officials accountable. Those things make Portsmouth stronger. But accountability and distrust are not the same thing, and I believe the PCC has too often contributed to a culture in which suspicion and conflict replace constructive disagreement.

That matters because local government depends on people being willing to serve — professional staff, volunteers, board members and elected officials. We should challenge decisions and ask hard questions. But we should also be able to disagree without assuming bad motives or treating the people across the table as adversaries.

Mr. Richard also describes the PCC as operating beyond the interests of political parties. Portsmouth residents can look at the organization’s leadership, advocacy and record and decide for themselves whether that description fits.

His argument for nonpartisan elections deserves scrutiny as well. He cites an article from a political action committee promoting goals such as reducing polarization and focusing on local issues. Those are worthy goals. But changing how Portsmouth elects its government deserves a fuller examination of both benefits and unintended consequences.

Removing party labels does not remove politics. It removes one piece of information voters currently have.

Portsmouth does not have to choose between accountability and collaboration. We can protect taxpayers, question decisions, respect professional staff and still disagree passionately.

That is the civic culture I want Portsmouth to strengthen.

Conley Wake Zani

Portsmouth

Editor’s note: Conley Wake Zani is a candidate for Portsmouth Town Council this November.