Peter Whelan, Portsmouth City Council Candidate

Peter A. Whelan

Age (as of Election Day)

69

Position sought (including district number if applicable)

Portsmouth City Council

Party Affiliation

Family

wife Karen and son Peter

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

BA History Randolph Macon College

Occupation

Retired Executive Pepsico /Frito -Lay 25 years
Small Business Owner : Captain Shoals FlyFishing and Light Tackle.. Charter Fishing 10 years to present

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Portsmouth City Council
New England Fisheries Management Council
New Hampshire Advisory Board on Marine Fisheries

Campaign website

None

Why are you seeking elective office?

Portsmouth needs experienced leaders to serve on their City Council. I feel my corporate and small business experience lends itself to helping my community where I have lived for 30 years.I believe I have the experience to move Portsmouth forward and tackle the complex issues we face. The issues moving forward are the budget, affordability and keeping our historic fabric as a community. My corporate and small business experience I feel will be an asset to our community.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

City spending and affordability in our community . The past two years the current council has increased our Budget by 16.2 million dollars and hired 36 new employees, while our population in Portsmouth is flat. These types of increases are unsustainable.
Every line item needs to be questioned in the city budget . This current council did not question or cut one thing from the budget. We are facing a full reaasement after the election . The next council will have to deal with many budget problems as the residents will receive substantial increases in their tax bills . Like all residents in Portsmouth we all are feeling the pinch from inflation, we must closely watch ALL city spending.
We must continue to keep Portsmouth affordable for everyone !

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

My experience in the corporate world managing large organizations with complex budgets. I have also managed and negotiated union contracts . I understand the collective bargaining process and its implications to our city and its residents for the longterm.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

This current council has not been transparent in its decision making the past two years. Holding over 66 non public meetings during this council term does not bode well for transparency for the residents. As has been said many times "sunlight is the best disinifectant " Everything should be done in public !

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Keeping the historic character of Portsmouth . We are very lucky to have the 18th century neighbourhoods and buildings which tourists come from all over the world to see and experience. We must continue to preserve our character. Development in Portsmouth always works well when we are deliberate and go slow . Making sure it is appropriate and fits into current historical character. There are plenty examples of great buildings both old and new in Portsmouth . We must make sure we preserve our heritage .

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

My corporate background dealing with complex issues on a daily basis. It gives you the experience to analyse and make thoughtful decisions grounded in fact and data.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Listen very closely to everyone and make your decision based on facts and data, which in some cases may not be apparent right away.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I love Portsmouth and am happy to serve my community.
My last time on the Portsmouth City Council was at the time of COVID , it was not an easy time ,but we successfully navigated Covid and kept the city fiscally strong and was able to come out the other side stronger.
I pledge if elected I will be a fiscal advocate for you the residents and while moving the city forward !