Final words

My final post before Tuesdays Election :

Portsmouth deserves real change — and that starts with your vote.

Over the past two months on the campaign trail, one request has stood out above all others — change.

But meaningful change in Portsmouth can only happen one way. This year, seven incumbents are running for re-election. On our City Council, it takes six votes to spend money — and five votes to create policies or make zoning changes.

If six of the seven incumbents are re-elected, I’m afraid that real change will be nearly impossible.

Over the past four years, this Council has too often moved forward while overlooking the values and requests of our neighborhoods. They’ve criticized volunteers on our land use boards for having different opinions. They’ve changed streets and zoning with little or no public support.

They’ve given away city land to sitting councilors with no clear justification, and allowed nearly $30 million in additional spending to be added to our budget in just four years. Zoning changes have been made at the request of individual property owners — without fully considering their long-term impact on the city as a whole.

This is not how Portsmouth should be governed.

If we want a City Council that listens, that respects neighborhoods, that values transparency and fiscal responsibility — then we need new leadership.

That’s why I’m asking for your vote on Tuesday, November 4th. Together, we can restore balance, integrity, and accountability to City Hall.

Real change only happens when voters stand up and make their voices heard. Please vote on November 4th — because Portsmouth deserves better.

Rick Becksted

Candidate for Portsmouth City Council

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