To the editor:

I formally protested Resolution #2026 — the establishment of a two-member town council advisory committee to assist with the finance director search — both in writing prior to and at the Aug. 11 town council meeting. Although I am satisfied with the outcome of the meeting, specifically the appointment of a well-qualified finance director, the process raised an important concern: administrative hiring should remain separate from political influence.

The Town Charter assigns the town administrator the responsibility for appointing department heads and other officers and employees, including the finance director. Creating a town council advisory committee for that purpose risks blurring those clearly defined roles.

I served as a volunteer member of Portsmouth’s 2019 Charter Review Committee. During that process, the committee reviewed the provisions cited in Resolution #2026. In my view, these provisions maintain guardrails against undue political meddling in what should be an apolitical, administrative hiring process.

Portsmouth residents are fortunate to have a strong town administrator in Richard Rainer, Capt. USN (Ret.). He was composed, meticulous and thorough in advocating for his appointment of a finance director in the execution of his duties under the charter.

The successful appointment of a qualified finance director is a positive outcome. Going forward, I hope we can preserve the charter’s intended separation between administrative responsibilities and political decision-making.

Jim Kitzmiller

Portsmouth