Oddly colored lobsters, contradictions on Portsmouth open space and more: Letters

Oddly colored lobsters another sign of climate change

July 6 − To the Editor:

Ellen Goethel had a great story on colored lobsters in yesterday’s Herald.  Blue, orange and calico lobsters are noticeably showing up.  Like any good scientist, which Goethel clearly is, her story presents possibilities as to why this is happening, changes in genetics, food in particular.

There is another possibility I think worthwhile considering, climate change.  Climate models have long said that warming of our oceans will likely impact many species.  The Gulf of Maine is warming faster than 99% of all waters on the planet. This warming is driving lobsters north and likely impacting those that remain.  These changes are only going to accelerate according to the models.

It is time to put a price on carbon and make polluters pay.  The problem is so big that the only way to price carbon, is with the help of Congress.  Every other developed country except one is pricing carbon.

You can make a difference by letting Senators Shaheen and Hassan as well as Representative Pappas know that you want polluters to pay.  Senators Shaheen and Hassan have been pretty active in fighting climate change, Representative Pappas not so much.  They can all use your support.

Thank you for considering my view.

Wes Tator, member Citizens Climate Lobby

Portsmouth

Does Portsmouth need more green space or less?

July 9 − To the Editor:

In a recent guest column, Portsmouth City Councilor John Tabor told us that if we build workforce housing at Pannaway Manor, this will solve our city's problem of having vacant positions for fire and police dispatchers.  I don't understand his reasoning because generally applicants for this type of housing would have to prove that they already had jobs with a certain income in order to qualify.  It is highly unlikely that these individuals seeking housing would suddenly quit their jobs to apply to become fire and police dispatchers.

Councilor Tabor's thinking is confusingly inconsistent.  At a recent City Council meeting, he proposed that Portsmouth should purchase the McIntyre property, "split the parcel, sell the federal building to recoup costs, and put a park on the rest" so that our city would have more open green space (Portsmouth Herald, April 20, 2023, "Portsmouth council debates purchase of McIntyre property").  Yet now he is supporting a plan which would take away a great deal of greenery and open areas in the Pannaway Manor neighborhood.  Which is it?  Does Portsmouth need more open green space, as his actions implied in the past, or does it need less, as he's telling us now?

Christina Lusky

Portsmouth

NH Attorney General's office is clearly stretched too thin

July 10 − To the Editor:

The NH Attorney General's office is a State agency funded by taxpayer dollars.  One part of the office exists to investigate and prosecute alleged violations of our criminal statutes.  Another is assigned the task defending the State, its various Departments, employees, agents and elected officials against claims of misfeasance or wrongdoing, in addition to upholding laws adopted by the legislature. Society is successful only when the law, both criminal and civil, is enforced fairly and promptly, and we feel comfortable in knowing that the resources are available to carry out this obligation.

Recently, someone contacted the AG's office with an inquiry about the numerous claims that have been filed regarding alleged sexual and physical abuse of minors while in the custody of State agencies and related organizations.  The answer that was received is as follows: "We appreciate your taking the time to submit a question or concern.  Because of the volume of emails we receive, we are unable to respond to every one.  However, your email will be reviewed and a response provided if appropriate."

This should raise some serious questions.

First, it indicates pretty clearly that the office does not have adequate staffing to properly review and respond to legitimate communications from members of the public. More than likely this is not the fault of the agency, but an issue relating to proper funding to meet the growing demands of NH's increasing population and the complexity of the problems that are within the jurisdiction of the AG's office.  It may be that the budget recently signed into law will be sufficient to meet this need, with employees added to the staff, and the above message will no longer be needed. This is a big "maybe", however.

Second, assuming this is an ongoing situation, the question arises…who decides which of the "questions or concerns" will be answered?  Who decides what is "appropriate"?  What are the criteria?  And how many of the inquiries are actually answered and how many end up in the round file?

This is a serious issue for those who are tasked with the burden of deciding "who", "what", and "if ever"?  The failure of the Governor and legislature, over many years, to fully fund our various State agencies not only does a disservice to the people of NH, but also to the employees in fulfilling the responsibilities of their positions.  We and they deserve better.

Anthony McManus

Dover

Urging Sen. Collins to protect Maine kids against flavored smoking products

July 10 − To the Editor:

As a concerned parent, I am writing to urge Senator Collins to support Maine kids and take action to protect their health by supporting the FDA proposed regulations banning flavored cigars and menthol cigarettes.

The use of flavored cigars and menthol cigarettes has been found to be particularly harmful to young people, who are at increased risk of developing nicotine addiction and related health problems. In Maine, we have seen an alarming increase in the use of these products among our youth, and it is imperative that action be taken to protect their health and well-being.

The FDA proposed regulations would ban the sale of flavored cigars and menthol cigarettes, which have been found to be especially addictive and harder to quit. By taking this important step, the FDA will help to reduce the availability of these harmful products to young people, and ultimately protect their health and well-being.

I hope Senator Collins publicly supports the FDA proposed regulations. By doing so, she will demonstrate her continued commitment to the health and well-being of our youth, and send a strong message that their health matters.

Kaitlyn Ross

Kennebunk, Maine

Calling all woodworkers: Enter inaugural New England Woodworking Competition

July 10 -- To the Editor:

Calling all woodworkers - professional to amateur - to enter the first First Annual New England Woodworking Competition Saturday October 21, 2023 from 5-10 pm at McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center & Planetarium in Concord NH. Hosted by the nonprofit Guild of NH Woodworkers, the competition is the first of its kind in New England, which has a rich history of furniture and cabinet making since the 1600s. People should not feel hesitant to enter; we are seeking involvement from both professional and amateur woodworkers and emerging artists at all levels.

The judges will be evaluating the entries in 11 categories relative to ability and experience. Three members of the New Hampshire Furniture Masters will serve as judges: Owain Harris; David Lamb; and Garrett Hack. The emcee for the evening is Tom McLaughlin of Epic Woodworking and host of Shop Night Live, a weekly live stream program on YouTube. The keynote speaker is acclaimed furniture maker Dan Faia, the 2023 recipient of the top award from the Society of American Period Furniture Makers.

We have many prizes in cash and merchandise to offer and you don’t have to make something just for this event. It could have been made years ago. This is an opportunity for woodworkers to display and discuss their craft and for the community to view the best in high quality woodworking design and construction from across the region. The pieces that will be on display are furniture, turned bowls and vases, lamps, boxes, carvings, all made by a craftsperson, from beginners to the advanced.

Participants can register on the Guild’s website and purchase tickets at  https://gnhw.org/register/

Elliot Savitzky

Event Chair

Guild of New Hampshire Woodworkers

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Odd lobsters, contradictions on Portsmouth open space & more: Letters