Letter: Survey results do not support additional funding for McIntyre

Sept. 28 – To the Editor:

I read a very concerning article today (Sept. 28, front page) titled “Portsmouth Officials Question McIntyre Statement”.  It seems that City Councilor Cliff Lazenby and Assistant Mayor Jim Splaine question the accuracy of the statements made by the McIntyre Sub-Committee to the National Park Service in their recent presentation. Lazenby and Splaine point out that; the entire City Council was not aware of the presentation until after it was made to the NPS and that the City Council did not vote for increased financial support if needed.

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I feel it is a bit beyond reality when the 2020 survey results are interpreted to mean “a lot of them said yes” when residents were asked if they would  be willing to spend more money if there was more open space in the project.  I don’t see it as a lot of people.  Only 18% of all registered voters responded to the survey (about 3,495).  So if 37% responded ‘yes’ to more financial support, that’s a pretty low number of responders (1,293).   It actually represents only 6.5% of ALL those polled at the outset.   Just sayin’  BTW, thank you so much to Lazenby and Splaine for your service and dedication to the city.  Much appreciated!   Now ONWARD we go.

Cheri Bach

Portsmouth