Bio
My name is Peter Whelan, and I am honored to be a candidate for Portsmouth City Council.
Since 1991, my wife Karen and I have resided on Gates Street in a historic house, where we
raised our son Peter and share our lives with our black lab, Angus. After more than 34 years
in Portsmouth, I am deeply committed to the city and its future.
Professional Experience
My career began after college with a corporate position at Norton Simon / Hunt-Wesson
Foods in New York City as an Area Manager. I later worked for Exxon Corporation in the
marine tanker division with Butterworth Systems, focusing on sales and marketing
internationally. My next step was with PepsiCo/Frito-Lay, overseeing business operations
across New York and New England and managing hundreds of employees. My professional
background also includes sales, marketing, and labor union negotiations and I eventually
moved into corporate turnarounds in the high-tech industry before retiring.
Currently, I own Shoals Fly Fishing and Light Tackle, a charter fishing business based here in
Portsmouth. I am a licensed Coast Guard Captain and Registered Maine Guide. I am also a
gubernatorial appointee representing New Hampshire on the New England Fisheries
Management Council—a federal fisheries organization. I serve on the New Hampshire
Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee, vice-chair of the Atlantic States Striped Bass Advisory
Board, and I am currently a board member and former president of the Coastal
Conservation Association of New Hampshire. I also serve on the board of the American
Saltwater Guides Association . As a former member of the Portsmouth City Council, I chaired
the Parking, Traffic, and Safety Committee and served on the Portsmouth Planning Board.
My involvement with fisheries management and conservation has taught me the
importance of stewardship and long-term planning, principles I will apply to civic decision-
making as well. I believe that balanced policies and inclusive discussions strengthen our city
and safeguard its unique character for future generations. It is this perspective, shaped by
both professional experience and personal investment in Portsmouth, that drives my desire
to serve in Portsmouth.
My experience in resource management has helped build partnerships focused on
sustainability and public interest. I will work to support thoughtful development, small
businesses, and environmental initiatives, with the goal of keeping Portsmouth vibrant and
inclusive. This practical, stewardship-driven perspective informs my vision for the city’s
future.
As a candidate, I bring not only a record of leadership and collaboration but also a
willingness to challenge the status quo and engage with tough issues. I understand that true
progress means listening to a diverse range of voices, weighing options carefully, and
making choices that reflect both the values and needs of our community.
Why I’m Running
Reason for Running
Over the past three decades, I have witnessed significant changes that have shaped
Portsmouth’s unique character. Unfortunately, many recent city decisions have favored
special interests over the voices of residents. Transparency has diminished, with more than
30 non-public council meetings in the past four years, a $30 million increase in the city
budget, and the addition of 33 new positions without thorough oversight. Such trends risk
Portsmouth’s affordability and place extra pressures on renters, homeowners, and those on
fixed incomes. This must be addressed as it is an unsustainable path for our Portsmouth
residents.
My Commitment
I am running to bring balance, accountability, and genuine representation for residents back
to Portsmouth’s government. My philosophy is grounded in practical solutions, responsible
budgeting, and thoughtful growth that honors our city’s heritage. I am committed to
keeping Portsmouth accessible for seniors, young families, and everyone who calls it home.
Transparency and responsible financial management are essential so that every decision
and dollar can be accounted for.
Portsmouth deserves a city government that puts residents first, demands accountability,
and makes decisions in the open. I am deeply concerned by the direction in which our city
has moved—where critical choices affecting our future are made outside the public eye and
without robust debate. I am committed to reversing this trend. My promise is to advocate
tirelessly for fiscal responsibility, transparency, and genuine community engagement in
every aspect of city governance.
We need leaders who are not afraid to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and prioritize
the long-term well-being of Portsmouth above short-term interests. I pledge to foster an
environment where every resident feels heard, decisions are explained, and the impacts on
our city’s affordability are always front and center.
Now, more than ever, Portsmouth needs elected officials who understand that stewardship
is about listening and leading with principle. I am ready to work with neighbors, partners,
and city staff to restore trust and build a future that honors our city’s spirit and heritage.
Governing Philosophy
Having previously served on the City Council, I know that Portsmouth succeeds when there
is open dialogue and true public input. I will work to restore inclusive and transparent
representation for all residents.
Experience That Matters
My experience across both corporate and small business management has given me a
pragmatic approach to city governance—living within our means and protecting taxpayers.
If elected, I will be a strong advocate for residents and help ensure Portsmouth remains an
inclusive and thriving city.
Call to Action
Portsmouth requires leadership on the City Council that is both experienced and diverse. I
am committed to engaging in thoughtful inquiry and seeking solutions beyond routine
consensus. Sound decisions are achieved through transparent and sincere public discussion.
I respectfully request your support at the polls on November 4th.
Position on Issues
Answers to Seacoastonline questionnaireSeacoastonline Questionnaire
Q1. What is the biggest problem Portsmouth is facing, and how would you solve it?
Affordability coupled with city spending is the number one problem facing all Portsmouth residents.The city budget has grown from $119 million in 2019 to $150 million in 2025 with this current council's 26% increase in four years. This is unsustainable and has had a major impact on all residents. The rental stock in Portsmouth is 47% of the total. landlord has been forced to raise rents driving out residents. Home owners are seeing their taxes increase to unsustainable levels. The city of Portsmouth has a spending problem. All home owners have felt it this year with the re-evaluation and the shift of the tax burden from commercial to residential solutions. 1. Hiring freeze on all city positions immediately. 2. Look at all available city property which could be used for housing — Community Campus area. 3. Developer incentives to build more affordable housing which work! 4. Ask the hard questions and evaluate all city department on their budgets with a look toward consolidation of work.
Q2. Portsmouth’s budget has reached nearly $150 million and its payroll has 260-plus people earning $100 000-plus. As a city councilor, what steps would you take, if any, to address the tax burden on residents?
The current budget growth is unsustainable as this council has made no effort to protect the residents from major tax increases No one on the current council is asking the hard questions to drive efficiency in all departments. A hiring freeze should take place immediately in all departments except police and fire. The next budget cycle should start with the goal of a flat budget for all departments to drive savings forward in the budget discussion. This will force efficiency across the city departments. This would be a start in changing the culture at city hall to align their priorities with what is happening in the real world with Portsmouth residents.
Q3. With affordability being such a challenge in Portsmouth, what would you do to make it more accessible to people with a wide range of incomes?
Provide tax incentives to developers and current property owners to build and or include affordable housing/apartments in their projects. The private sector needs the economics to work. Controlling city spending would go a long way in protecting our current private rental market as rents continue to rise as taxes go up on our private landlords.
Q4. The Portsmouth Housing Authority has projected rents for the apartments the agency is building on city-owned land at the former Sherburne School will range from $1,580 for a one-bedroom unit to nearly $2,200 for three bedrooms. Are those rates low enough for working people? If not, what can be done to lower them?
The rents are lower than the current market rate rents in Portsmouth as they should. Currently single family homes make up 52% of all housing in Portsmouth. The balance are rental units. The PHA rents are competitive as the average household income in Portsmouth is $105K - 30% of that translates to $2,625 rent per month which puts both rents at the Sherborne school competitive. More government support in the form of subsitites could drive the rent numbers lower. Currently Portsmouth property taxpayers do support rents at PHA as PHA does not pay the full assed value on their properties, but pay an amount in lieu of taxes.
Q5. Should the city commit to using more city-owned land to build truly affordable housing or has Portsmouth done enough?
There are still properties that the city owns which could be used for housing — the Community Campus area has several parcels which could provide more housing opportunities for PHA or other private developers.
Q6. Should the city reconsider the scope of a potential police station and City Hall renovation and upgrade project with a projected $42 million cost?
Currently there is a mayor's Blue Ribbon Committee, which is studying the entire City Hall and police station. An architect has been hired to study and provide plans which is due in December/January for the new council. A stand alone police station for $42 million is a non-starter for the Portsmouth taxpayers based on what has been happening with the budget and bonding in this city. I support a new police station in combination with a revamped City Hall and await the cost. Our police should be in a building which is not substandard and reflects or community values. I am very aware of this issue as I had several tours of the current police station with our former police chief in prior years.
Q7. Should Portsmouth do something to encourage development at the McIntyre building site, where the owner says city zoning has made redevelopment difficult?
No. The current building area is zoned CD 5. Losing the McIntyre parcel was a travesty for this city as it was sold for $9 million! The current owner needs to follow the current zoning in developing this property.
Q8. The City Council has put forward ideas to address traffic flow and walkability in high-profile locations like State Street and Congress Street. What is your opinion on these efforts?
A total waste of taxpayer dollars — full stop!!!
Q9. Should the city begin looking for a site where it can build its third municipal parking garage? If so, what part of the city makes the most sense? If not, how can the city meet its increasing parking demand?
We are already in a parking deficit. Both garages are full! This is a priority for the next council. There are several empty parking lots downtown along with the Bridge Street lot which could house a parking garage. The Zoning Board keeps approving new projects downtown with zero parking — where is everyone going to park? Perhaps the McIntyre parcel when developed could be a public-private partnership for parking. The council must address this issue or we will have chaos in the neighbourhoods which are near the downtown.
Q10. What else would you like voters to know about you?
Operating Shoals Fly Fishing and Light Tackle, I spend about 120 days on the water off our coastline a year. The environment is extremely important to me as I live it each of those days. We currently have a very fragile ecosystem which we must protect. Climate change is real and effecting us daily. On the water I am seeing new species of fish, changing conditions for lobsters and many other new habitat changes. Our city must step up and address these same issues in terms of stronger storms, warming waters, drought conditions. I often look at all the development in our city and question how will our water and sewer infrastructure keep up with this rapid growth and climate change. I am ready and prepared to address major issues in our city — I will ask the hard questions on the budget, personnel and capital projects while keeping an eye on affordability for all.