Public Deserves Solution to Deadlock in Daily Times Building: Letters

Public deserves a solution to stalemate in Daily Times building

July 19 − To the editor:

Today I found myself at the intersection of Pleasant and State Streets. It was the first time I had seen the city erect barricades around the corner; the site of the 2017 fire that destroyed the then home of the State Street Saloon and an adjacent building that has since been demolished.

I do not know Peter Floros, the owner of the Daily Times building, and I have never dealt with the Historic District Commission, which denied Mr. Floros’ request to demolish the historic building. It seems that in the five years since the fire, the city and Mr. Floros could have come to an agreement. One wonders if this has become personal, if both parties are still actively seeking a resolution.

A recent letter from Bob Graham to this page may have mapped out a path to compromise. Mr. Graham suggested “If the facade of the Daily Times Building cannot be saved, I would propose to build a new facade that copies the original facade. Everything behind the saved or rebuilt facade can be demolished and replaced with 100% new design and construction.” Mr. Graham believes it could be a win-win for both parties. Seacoast residents would also be winners if this corner of our beloved downtown area were completed. It’s time.

Bess Mosley

Portsmouth

Trump Didn’t Think About Death Threats Against VP Pence

July 22 − To the editor:

President Obama supported his Vice President to become President. President Biden supported his Vice President to become President. Donald Trump thought nothing of his terrorist supporters wanting to assassinate his Vice President to prevent him from fulfilling his constitutional duty on January 6, 2021.

Eric Kane

Exeter

Beware of Fake Adderall Pills Containing Fentanyl and Methamphetamine

July 21 − To the editor:

There are times when I feel overwhelmed by the warnings shared by friends, TikTok, TV, our newspapers etc. Heat warnings, flood warnings, measles outbreaks, skin cancer… With all these warnings it can be difficult to decide how best to live your life while avoiding real danger and imminent danger.

On Friday I was notified that NH recently had a record breaking seizure of tens of thousands of counterfeit Adderall pills laced with fentanyl or meth. On Saturday we lost two boys on the coast of NH to this sudden flare up, or fire, embedded in an epidemic. Because this risk is real and imminent we must spread the word. I implore you to share this alert to ensure this information is not lost, overlooked or swept under the rug. For the safety of our community I hope you will all share this alert because the threat is undeniable and the loss is all too real.

Elisa Bolton

Concerned and sad community member, grieving parent

Rye

US must do more to address humanitarian crisis in Gaza

July 18 − To the editor:

For the past two hot Wednesday afternoons, I have stood with like-minded others outside the offices of Senator Jeanne Shaheen and Representative Chris Pappas, holding a banner calling for a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.

It was extremely uncomfortable for us, but we have enough safe water to drink, bathe, and wash dishes and clothes. While it is recommended that women drink 2.7 liters and men 3.7 liters of water per day to prevent dehydration, each person in Gaza is only given 3 liters of water per day for all purposes. The water supply has been cut off due to Israel’s refusal to sell to Gaza and the lack of electricity to pump it due to bombing. People are forced to drink brackish and polluted water. Children are the most vulnerable, many more die from diarrhea and other related diseases than normal.

There is a humanitarian crisis in the Middle East that we, as privileged citizens of the United States, cannot afford to ignore. What will we tell our grandchildren that we have done in this crisis? We must hold our elected officials accountable for their actions on this issue. To date, billions of dollars in military aid have been sent to Israel and far too little humanitarian aid has been sent to Gaza. Please contact your representatives and tell them how important the lives of all people are to you, including those in Gaza, and ask them to take action to save lives.

Mary J. Tyler

Stratham

Trump’s tactics are reminiscent of those of Joseph McCarthy

July 23 − To the editor:

Spreading lies, character assassination and fear-mongering as strategies are not new to our body politic. In 1950, Wisconsin Senator Joseph McCarthy vilified and ruined many fellow Americans by portraying them as communists, dangerous agitators and un-Americans.

Today, Donald Trump uses similar tactics to paint those who disagree with him as un-American and declare them enemies of our nation. Lies, fear-mongering, and inflammatory rhetoric are meant to provoke and intimidate, not inspire direction or leadership.

Maine Senator Margaret Chase Smith’s admonition could prove relevant today, as it did when she confronted McCarthy. She asked her fellow Republicans not to ride to political victory on the “Four Horsemen of Slander: Fear, Ignorance, Bigotry, and Calumny.”

Defamation, defined as a misrepresentation that deliberately damages another’s reputation, should be a filter in today’s political arena not only to uncover the truth, but also to judge a person’s character.

Kenneth Cohen

Kensington

Helping New Hampshire Homeowners Save on Energy Efficiency Upgrades

July 22 − To the editor:

It may be summer, but many experts say this is the most beneficial time of year to upgrade your old heating equipment to a new, highly efficient heating system that will help you save money and improve your comfort once the weather turns cold. New Hampshire homeowners can save on their heating system upgrades thanks to the Granite State Saves with Oil Rebate Program.

This incentive program has played a significant role in helping more NH homeowners upgrade to more efficient heating systems, providing immediate savings and encouraging a shift toward reducing our collective carbon footprint. The Granite State Saves with Oil program offers a $500 rebate toward the purchase of a new oil heater or boiler and a $300 rebate toward the purchase of a new oil tank.

In addition to the immediate financial incentives, high-efficiency heating systems generally provide significant long-term savings. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, homeowners can save up to 30% on their energy bills by upgrading to high-efficiency systems. High-efficiency heating systems also require less maintenance, reducing the likelihood of costly repairs, and because they emit less carbon, they align with our state’s commitment to a more sustainable future. All told, New Hampshire homeowners have saved $653,500 by using ultra-low-sulfur heating oil in new high-efficiency heating systems and through equipment rebates since 2019.

Clearly, the Granite State Saves with Oil Rebate Program has made it easier for homeowners to switch to high-efficiency heating systems. Readers can learn more about rebate programs for high-efficiency heating equipment installations and all the benefits at CleanOilHeatNH.com.

Joseph Sculley

New Hampshire Energy Marketers Association

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Please keep letters to 250 words or less. Submissions must include the writer’s first and last name, city or town, and a daytime phone number (this is for verification purposes only and will not be published). Send letters or comments to [email protected]. Letters from Seacoast area writers covering local issues will be given priority for publication.