To the editor:
We must act now! I am hoping that everyone will consider supporting the warrant article and budget proposal for an EDA contractor. Peterborough needs the help of an expert in small business, strategic planning, labor force issues and self-sustainability. The expense would be about $48,000 for one year. The yearly cost per person would be roughly seven dollars or three large cups of coffee at Dunkin’ Donuts.
From my perspective, if we vote this in we will surely see a return on our investment. Peterborough cannot expect the state of New Hampshire to continue appropriating funds when its budget is uncertain and the citizens of Peterborough cannot depend on the federal government with its own challenges while it is $19 trillion in debt. I believe we must take action ourselves if we want our beautiful community to thrive.
In Peterborough the demographics have shifted to an older adult population. According to the 2010 census, there are 6,284 Peterborough residents; 30.3 percent were age 45 to 64 and 22 percent were age 65 or older. Mature adults do contribute to our economic vitality but we also need younger entrepreneurs to help our community to flourish. Keeping highly skilled younger residents from leaving our town is a must. Attracting new people to come and make Peterborough their home is also imperative.
Currently, many of the younger people with talent are relocating to the seacoast and to other states such as Texas and Massachusetts to find good paying jobs. We must reverse this trend. If nothing is done I feel this town will end up struggling for its financial survival.
We are all in this together. Vote YES on the warrant article.We must keep Peterborough “A Good Town to Live In.”
Gary Carpenter
Peterborough