To the editor:

Several years ago, a few of us gathered to consider forming a group to champion the cause of all taxpayers. We talked about establishing an organization that would reach beyond the special interests of the major parties and instead focus on a group without organized support in our community — the taxpayers.

Rather than calling ourselves the Portsmouth Taxpayers Association, we decided to broaden our reach to include aspects of community activity that were peripheral to taxes but that everyone should be aware of, so we chose “Portsmouth Concerned Citizens” as our name.

Over the years, the PCC has accomplished many things that most would champion as going above and beyond. Those who have participated in PCC activities do so without compensation other than the occasional “thank you.” I am not aware of anyone being rejected from membership.

The basic concern of the PCC has always been how much it costs to live in Portsmouth. Focusing on all things monetary meant we needed to be involved in the planning, discussions, meetings and negotiations that influenced taxation. Whether we were physically present when allowed or filming important civic events, the PCC has been a presence for moderation, civic involvement and discourse.

The recent front-page article covering the latest candidates forum recalled several such forums the PCC has sponsored over the years. When no other forums were being held, the PCC filled the gap.

Because this forum was not formatted as a debate, answers to the few questions asked were not sufficiently informative to move opinions. The apparent disagreements you highlighted did not help form enough of an image to help voters. For example, you quoted specific views about the “nonpartisan” ballot question.

I did some research by doing the AI thing and asking about nonpartisan elections. I recommend everyone do that search before Election Day. Here are the paragraph headings from one article I read: 1. Focusing on local issues over ideology. 2. Encouraging diverse candidates. 3. Reducing polarization. 4. Prioritizing community needs. 5. Promoting accountability. The article was written by One Temecula Valley Political Action Committee. It is well worth the read.

Many Rhode Island communities, including all the towns around Portsmouth, have gone nonpartisan. Initially in Rhode Island, it was done with school committees, but it has moved swiftly to town councils. Considering how many unaffiliated voters we have in Rhode Island, it seems reasonable to get those folks more involved.

One-party states suffer from a lack of the noise of loyal opposition. The PCC fills a gap in Rhode Island and Portsmouth’s political discourse. Considering the negative views many Americans have about their political parties, it is encouraging to know we citizens have alternatives for the presentation of our views.

Join the PCC today if you want to help keep government accountable.

Jeffrey L. Richard

Portsmouth