To the editor:
The best chance you have to change anything with progressive politics is in your own community. That’s why I’m surprised and saddened to see that In Peterborough right now, in response to a repeatedly stated need of this community, a number of avowed Democrats are fighting to further restrict any new development.
They are most staunchly against infill development. But infill development creates the most desirable, walkable communities – the number one thing people seek most when deciding where to live. Restricting housing to large lots and single-family homes creates sprawl, prevents neighborhood living and increases timber cutting and clearing. It also doesn’t work for a growing number of people who can’t afford a $300,000 plus home, people already working multiple jobs to try to stay here.
It’s nice to say you stand for everyone, but restricting growth in your town to a type of housing only the wealthiest among us can afford is not reflecting progressive politics. Instead, such a move is willfully deaf to the needs of this community. The needs of single mothers. Of young families. Of elderly people trying to keep their homes. As progressives, aren’t we supposed to be looking out for everyone’s needs, not just protecting our own?
If you’d like to make a positive difference in your real life and community in a direct way that will help many of the real people you already know in Peterborough right now, your best bet is to vote against the upcoming Citizen Petition Article 15. Support your friends and neighbors struggling to stay here. Vote “No” on Citizen Petition Article 15 in Peterborough on Tuesday, May 14 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Vote against the repeal, for Peterborough’s future and for the needs of everyone in our town.
Seth Chatfield
Peterborough