Charter Review Members Ousted for Lack of Attendance

The Portsmouth Town Council voted to remove three members of the Charter Review Committee Monday night after they allegedly failed to attend several meetings. 

Salvador Carceller Jr., chairman of the Charter Review Committee, asked the council to remove three members due to a lack of attendance: Larry Fitzmorris, president of the Portsmouth Concerned Citizens; Kevin Gavin; and Stephen Larsen. 

According to Carceller, Fitzmorris has missed five consecutive meetings and attended five of the 13 scheduled meetings. 

Gavin missed six consecutive meetings and attended three of the 13. And, Larsen missed six consecutive meetings and attended only one of the 13. 

"I'm finding it harder to make quorum," said Carceller. "...It's not our responsibility to babysit adults."

Councilor Liz Pedro said she would not vote to remove members since "the people have not even been notified."

Careller pointed to Section 1-2 in the committee's bylaws, which says, "Status of members who miss unexcused more than three consecutive regularly scheduled meetings will be reviewed to determine the advisability of their continued service on the committee."

The council voted 4 to 2 to remove the three members. In opposition to the vote were Pedro and Paul Kesson.