Jerry J Hejtmanek     
Age: 66, yrs. in Portsmouth: 16
Occupation: Retired. Ex CEO and president, U.S. operations of The Bossard Group AG
Public Experience: Planning Board; Historic District Comm.; Capital Improvement Plan Sub-comm.; Master Plan, natural resource, cultural and housing subcommittees

-As the cost of living in Portsmouth rises, what can be done to provide affordable housing for working families and people with moderate incomes? 

We must keep a lid on budget increases, because the resulting property taxes represent a very major component in any affordability calculation. Rising taxes will destroy affordability faster than any program can create it. We should consider the use of density bonuses as an incentive for developers to build affordable living units.

-What would you do to manage growth in the city’s Northern Tier?

Rezoning in the CBA district will provide for useable open space, pedestrian friendly surroundings, sight lines to the water and incentives for green building construction. If a landowner complies with the zoning rules, short of a building moratorium, we cannot stop development.

-What kind of new businesses would you like to see opening in Portsmouth?

Certainly, with the increasing number of residences in downtown, a drug store and a food market would be appropriate. We need to diversify our economy and as such, I would encourage any non-tourist business.

-What would you do to promote sustainable practices and green building in the city?

Considerable education about all the actions a citizen can take to improve sustainability (air, water, energy, chemicals etc.) should be a first step. Incentives or mandating that buildings be green should be considered. If we believe it is important, why not just mandate green?

-What was the last cultural or artistic event you attended in Portsmouth?

Frequent art galleries, last was the last Wentworth Coolidge Show. They told me the Coolidge Gallery had a very successful season.

-It was largely the artistic community that made Portsmouth a popular destination, but now most artists will tell you that they cannot afford to live or work here. Have we killed the goose that laid the golden egg?

I expect not. My oldest daughter and her husband are artists (photographer and furniture builder) and while they cannot afford to live in NYC, they do. I’ve heard this concern for 15 years but it appears the arts are stronger than ever. That said, we could look to help out by allowing live/work spaces in our various zoning districts.