Councilor
Laura C. Pantelakos
Age: 72, yrs. in Portsmouth: 55
Occupation: part-time waitress and N.H. legislator
Public Experience: City Councilor; N.H. State Rep.; Portsmouth Fire Commissioner; vice chair of N.H. Criminal Justice Comm.; vice chair of Rockingham County Delegation; director of Rockingham Community Action

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

I think that has to be a state and city and federal combination, because everything’s picked up on the backs of the taxpayers, so we need to have some help from both the state and federal levels. But, I would like to see that done as soon as possible. I know it’s difficult for people to live here.

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

I think the conference center will be the cornerstone for the Northern Tier, and I think the Planning Board and the Master Plan have already set that in stone, as to what can go there and what can’t. I think that we can, as a Council, if we find something we don’t want to go in there, that we could deter it from going in there. I think the Planning Board is really on top of this, because this has been in the works for 20 years.

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

I like to see diversity in the city. I’d like to see some high-tech with better paying jobs.

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

I have been very proud of the library, the way that was built. I would follow what the Sustainable Commission is doing right now. They are looking into everything from light bulbs to just about everything there is to look at, to make things more cost effective.

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

I went to a play in downtown Portsmouth, and I went to the children’s ballet that’s held by Portsmouth Ballet. I’m not much of a night-goer. I’m a widow, so I have to go alone. To tell you the truth, I’d rather go out and watch a football or baseball game.

-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 don’t think they were the people that brought everyone to the community. I think Portsmouth has always been a very beautiful city to come to. I think our decks on the waterfront play a big part. I don’t think just one person or group of people made Portsmouth what it is. Portsmouth comes from a very hardworking group of people that were fishermen, lobstermen, Shipyard workers. I’m sure artists played a part, too, and I’m sorry that the artists can’t find someplace to live. I’ve talked to a lot of young people who are finishing high school and leaving for college and know that they can’t come back here to live, unless they move in with family. I’m sure (artists) played a good part, but we have to give credit to everyone.