The Issue: Recall election of Councilman Marty Mohr

Our View: 6th Ward can make statement about recalls

Once again, voters in a Portsmouth ward find themselves voting on an issue that shouldn't even be on the ballot.

On Tuesday, voters in the 6th Ward will decide if Councilman Marty Mohr should be recalled from office. The recall circus is back in town.

This is not an election between Mohr and 6th Ward resident Richard Noel. The question should only be if Mohr deserves to be recalled from office.

He does not.

Some of Mohr's critics claim he should be recalled because of unflattering remarks he made toward a group of citizens at a City Council meeting earlier this year.

He was later fined by Council for his remarks. But that criticism is mere propaganda for the real reason behind the recall.

This is just another example of how a vocal minority of citizens are attempting to shape city government. Mohr's correct opinion that the city should proceed with its plan to pursue the Marting's building is the real reason behind his recall attempt.

After all, Mohr shared that view with Solicitor David Kuhn and Councilmen Howard Baughman, David Malone and Jerrold Albrecht, who had unsuccessful recall petitions passed against them.

The 6th Ward has a great opportunity in this election. The people of the 6th Ward can send a definitive message that this city has had enough of this recall nonsense.

It can send a message that Portsmouth citizens want a stable government, one where elected officials are chosen through regular elections. It can send a message that political factions with their own agendas will not disrupt government every time a councilperson disagrees on a key topic.

We hope the people of the 6th Ward see this recall for what it is. We hope they vote against it and bring stability back to city council.