To the editor:

As a Portsmouth Town Council member and one of the five who voted to move forward with the housing lawsuit, I disagree with the claim that this decision is fiscally irresponsible or reflects a lack of concern for affordable housing.

Our state representatives criticize the council for not requesting a meeting. Yet, after the resolution was passed unanimously by the council, they neglected to address our concerns or offer meaningful support on Portsmouth’s housing challenges. If preserving affordable housing is the priority, protecting existing residents and their homes must be part of that conversation. It was not.

I support affordable housing. I also believe Portsmouth residents deserve a meaningful voice in decisions affecting our town, its infrastructure and its future. Supporting housing and stopping state legislation are entirely compatible positions.

For me, housing insecurity is personal. I live in Sunny Acres, where residents face uncertainty surrounding an out-of-town investor seeking to purchase mobile home parks in Portsmouth. These homes provide affordable housing for people who already live here, including residents with low and moderate incomes.

Taxpayer dollars deserve careful consideration. So do the potential long-term consequences (like traffic and utility infrastructure) of laws affecting local housing decisions. I supported moving forward with the lawsuit because I believe these concerns warrant a legal challenge, which it is clear will not come from the representatives who voted for these laws.

I welcome constructive dialogue with our state representatives. Collaboration brings with it listening to the council and helping residents facing housing uncertainty today.

Portsmouth needs both responsible housing development and protection for affordability that our residents choose, rather than the State House!

Sharlene Patton

Portsmouth Town Council

Editor’s note: Patton is running for re-election to the council.