I am writing to express the hope that you will ignore our “local” newspaper’s editorial myopia, show independence from the city administration that seems to respond to its own not-so-publicly-visible agenda, reconsider plans to expand the sewage treatment facility on Peirce Island, have the foresight to save Peirce Island for our children and grandchildren– and expand the sewage plant at Pease where it belongs instead.
The drive to save Peirce Island from becoming the city’ toilet is sprouting posters and buttons
NEWS VACUUM IN ONE-NEWSPAPER TOWN LEAVES CITIZENS UNDER-INFORMED
Sadly, it does not help that all this is happening in a near news-vacuum or that citizens have been poorly-informed about the choices by our sole surviving but underperforming news “watchdog,” the Portsmouth Herald. In the last few weeks, hundreds of concerned citizens have met repeatedly at the public library about this issue, but coverage has been highly selective and misleading. The only news that emerged about a recent big meeting there was a biased news story claiming that a regional solution is impossible. In fact, our sewage treatment plant is already regional, serving several communities. And the latest Herald editorial trumpets an unenlightened “solution” that will inevitably harm the city as it runs out of room.
Any claims that the EPA and CLF want the plant at Peirce Island are incorrect—some of us have spoken to them. The argument that after many meetings, the plant should go on Peirce Island because we’re out of time and therefore we have to make a move even if it’s the wrong move are wrong too. Nothing justifies making the wrong move. Any claims that expanding the plant on Peirce Island will foster job growth at Pease fly in the face of common sense. Any claims that Peirce Island will be cheaper reflect only creative math. In the long run, it’s cheaper to put it at Pease, where it belongs. Peirce Island is the wrong move for an enlightened 21st Century City Council.
Whatever you decide, make no mistake: we voters will hold you accountable for your vote (Mon March 7, 7 pm) on this four to five-year project as it drags on and on in coming years.
Opponents say the city wants to put a giant toilet in its front yard and chop down and artificially “landscape” the trees
The threat to Peirce Island is causing one frustrated citizen to question the direction of current city management and its stewardship of the city. “What’s wrong with City Manager John Bohenko? This is one of the highest-paid municipal officials in the state and this is his legacy? An overbuilt downtown, blocked water views, cheap-looking oversized new construction that erodes the city’s character, a move to unravel land use regulations that took years to build up to protect the city, a rash of demolitions, permissive land use boards and the city toilet in the wrong place?,” asked one vexed citizen. “Is this enlightened leadership? Why are people so afraid to take him on?”
Want to help? Show up, speak, and/or click on the Save Peirce Island button.
Get involved via: http://www.trendingportsmouth.com/
Or email your elected officials individually at:
Mayor Jack Blalock: mayorblalock@gmail.com
Assistant Mayor Jim Splaine: jimsplaineportsmouth@gmail.com
Councilor Josh Cyr: jcyr@joshuacyr.com
Councilor Brad Lown: blown@nhtrialattorneys.com
Councilor Nancy Pearson: votenancypearson@gmail.com
Councilor Rebecca Perkins: rebeccaforportsmouth@gmail.com
Councilor Josh Denton: joshuadenton@hotmail.com
Councilor Chris Dwyer: cdwyer@rmcres.com
Councilor Eric Spear: ericspearportsmouth@gmail.com