William Gladhill
Age: 30, yrs. in Portsmouth: 30
Occupation: schedule writer
Public Experience: Economic Development Comm.; board of directors of the Portsmouth advocates; Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Comm.

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

One idea of affordable housing that needs continued exploration is building workforce housing and limiting its selling price to a percentage of the fair market value that working families and people with moderate incomes can afford. This method would continue on, even to the next generation of owners to the property.

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

I would manage growth by looking at the 1998 Northern Tier Study to see if it is still relevant today. I believe that the redevelopment of the Parade Mall is a fine example of what I would want to see in the Northern Tier; an extension of the downtown area where “pedestrian friendly” is more than just a phrase.

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

To promote sustainable practices and green building in Portsmouth, I would want to see the city continue with building LEED certified buildings. I would also want to continue educating the public on sustainable practices, small and large, and encourage private developers to follow suit, possibly with incentives.

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

Portsmouth has been the starting ground for many new independent businesses, and this has only increased with the vitality of our downtown and the creation of the Pease Development Authority. I would want to see businesses that retain our educated young people in the area so they do not have to seek employment elsewhere.

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

The last artistic event I attend was the showing of the French movie “La Vie en Rose” at The Music Hall. At first, it was hard to watch the movie, as I was memorized with the beautiful artwork on the newly restored ceiling, one of many hidden artistic treasures in our city.

-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?

We have not yet killed the goose, but its head is on the chopping block. The artistic communities and service workers, that have served this city well, are being priced out of it. We need to do something so they, too, can enjoy the fruits of their labor by living in Portsmouth.