I took office to represent all of the people in Laconia's Ward 4

To the editor,

I usually avoid reacting to another writer's thoughts on a subject I have taken a position. Back and forth arguments in the paper rarely change anyone's mind. We all have opinions and not all will be the same. That is the way it is supposed to be.

I wrote my letter on recycling just to put out there where I stand on the subject and to explain some of the details to the public. It was not written as an elderly person for the elderly people, except that they do represent a huge percentage of our population and the numbers are growing each day. An article in the The Senior Citizens League reported that the seniors have lost 34 percent of their buying power since 2000. I also am not speaking JUST for Ward 4. This is a matter for the whole city.

I also speak for the average working person, earning just enough to get by, and they too represent a good percentage of our population. Like the seniors their buying power has also diminished due to high costs.

I have worked tirelessly for the residents of Ward 4 to restore Wyatt Park for the benefit of our children and their parents.

Then, there is indeed a poor segment of our population, many of them young people.

A point to make is that our school system receives a greater amount from the state than a lot of cities and towns because Laconia has 70 percent of its students eligible for free lunch based on family income.

Finally, I don't claim that mandatory recycling is the panacea to our problem. It is just another alternative and we are also considering the PAYT proposal and perhaps there will be other solutions. In the end, the more information we have will help me and others to decide which path to take. At this time I do not favor the charges in PAYT.

I took office eight years ago to represent ALL of Ward 4, and ALL of Laconia regardless of age, gender, politics, or financial worth.

Councilor Brenda Baer

Ward 4 - Laconia