We have assembled a voters’ guide for the municipal election based on questions solicited from our readers and formulated by Assistant Editor Andrew Sylvia.
All candidates received our questionnaire. The deadline for responses is Oct. 22. Candidate responses will be posted live here as we receive them.
MAKE YOUR VOTE COUNT!
- BE PREPARED: We have added a full copy of the revised New Hampshire Voter ID Law below.
- POLL LOCATIONS: To find out where to vote using your address, click here.
- GET CHECK-LISTED: For info on how to register to vote, click here.
- SNEAK PREVIEW: To review a sample ballot for your ward, click here.
Mayoral Candidates
Jay Ruais: Candidate for Mayor
Candidate did not respond to questionnaire.
Jessica Spillers: Candidate for Mayor
We should always be examining efficiency throughout city hall and city services. That being said, we are at a critical moment where cuts at the federal and state levels are threatening funding to some of those services.
At-Large Candidates
Alderman-At-Large (Vote for 2)
Dan O’Neil: At-Large Aldermanic candidate
The city needs to invest funds in creating housing, not just say we support. Also need to look at various types of housing.
Joseph Levasseur: At-Large Aldermanic candidate
Trusted, experienced and passionate about Manchester. I am well know fighter that always stands up for the little guy over powerful government. have never voted to override the tax cap and I never will.
June Trisciani: At-Large Aldermanic candidate
I’m running for Alderman At-Large to make Manchester a city that works for everyone. With a track record of results, I fight for safe streets, modern infrastructure, affordable housing, and strong schools.
Will Infantine: At-Large Aldermanic candidate
The most significant variable costs for housing are the time and cost of permitting and zoning restrictions. These need to be streamlined and revised to allow for quick approvals and new housing ideas such as cluster housing and workforce housing…
School Board-At-Large (Vote for 2)
Cindy Stewart, School Committee At-Large candidate
I am driven to pursue public service out of genuine concern and a deep belief in public education as a pillar of democracy.
Jim O’Connell: School Committee At-Large candidate
I have served on the board for 5 years and I am deeply committed to driving excellence in Manchester Schools. I don’t accept that we can not have the best schools in the state for Manchester’s students and families. There…
‘Elizabeth Ann Moreau: School Committee At-Large candidate
Unlike my oponent and current chair of the school board, I stand with Charlie and against portraying that free speech and belief in one’s religious or political view points should be labeled as hateful rhetoric or have consequence.
Kathleen Kelley Arnold: School Committee At-Large candidate
I’ve been a homeowner and small business owner in Manchester. I’m the proud mom to two children and have been actively involved as a parent and coach at every step of their education.
WARD 1
Alderman (Vote for 1)
Bryce Kaw-uh: Ward 1 Aldermanic candidate
I’m not a career politician – I’m a young professional who is invested in our community and fully dedicated to making Manchester a better place to live, work, and play.
Kevin Cavanaugh: Ward 1 Aldermanic candidate
I was born and raised in Manchester. My wife Kerri and I raised our 3 kids here and we want to make Manchester affordable for them. I will always run on supporting public safety and public education.
School Board (Vote for 1)
Julie Turner: Ward 1 School Committee candidate
With 4 1/2 years of experience as the current Ward 1 BoSC member, a teaching degree and students in the district, I am qualified to weigh in on important decisions like policy, facilities, curricula, budgets, and staffing.
Philip Tuttle, Ward 1 School Committee candidate
Every parent wants their child to succeed. But in Manchester, despite spending over $16,000 per student, our schools rank near the bottom statewide.
WARD 2
Alderman (Vote for 1)
Ben Prescott: Ward 2 Alderman candidate
My core mission for Ward 2 is responsible governance focused on quality of life and smart resource management. My campaign is about bringing transparency to City Hall operations so residents can see the direct impact of their tax dollars, and…
Dan Goonan: Ward 2 Alderman candidate
During my time as Ward 2 Alderman, it has been an honor to serve. I truly enjoy helping residents with ward and city issues and do my best to answer every question and request.
School Board (Vote for 1)
Sean Parr: Ward 2 School Committee candidate
As a teacher, I know how important education is. I believe strong public schools help each and every one of us and I want all Manchester students to have the best education possible. In my time on the Board, I…
Melodye Smith: Ward 2 School Committee candidate
As a long time resident, parent and advocate for quality education, I believe every child deserves a high achieving school environment.
WARD 3
Alderman (Vote for 1)
Avery Cyr: Ward 3 Aldermanic candidate
If you want an Alderman that will fight everyday for the issues that matter to you then vote for me, Avery E. Cyr. In every meeting I’ll work with the board to aggressively come up with new solutions to city…
Dana Dexter: Ward 3 Aldermanic candidate
I am running for Alderman to work for the people of Ward 3, focused on practical solutions that improve everyday life.
School Board (Vote for 1)
Cali Rojas: Ward 3 School Committee candidate
I’m asking for your vote to serve the children, parents and staff within Ward 3, because I believe in restoring transparency, truth and accountability within the Manchester School district.
Sarah Georges: Ward 3 School Comittee candidate
I believe in our kids, I believe in our teachers. I know when students and teachers are supported, how it changes things for the better, and for themselves. For the past five years, that is what I have been doing.
WARD 4
Alderman (Vote for 1)
Christine Fajardo: Ward 4 Alderman candidate
I would like to thank the residents of Ward 4 for your continued support. I’m certainly not perfect, nor do I consider myself the model alderman, but I do my best to show up, put politics aside, respect others, ask…
Paul LaFerriere: Ward 4 Alderman candidate
Addressing homelessness in Manchester requires a comprehensive and strategic approach. The city has implemented various initiatives, including providing information and resources to individuals at shelters and maintaining contracts for shelter facilities, such as 39 Beech Street.
School Board (Vote for 1)
Jason Hodgdon: Ward 4 School Committee candidate
Candidate did not respond to our questionnaire.
Leslie Want, Ward 4 School Committee candidate
It is more important than ever to elect people who actually believe in public education. As a former student, teacher, parent and current volunteer in pubic education I will always stand up for what is right for our students and…
WARD 5
Alderman (Vote for 1)
Jason Bonilla: Ward 5 Alderman candidate
As Alderman, our job is to lead by example. To lead is to respect and give feedback so that our city leaders can do their job better, and most importantly all while being respectful to one another.
Kathleen Paquette: Ward 5 Alderman candidate
My goal is to give Ward 5 the strong voice it has long been missing. Constituent service and public safety are areas where I excel, and I remain deeply committed to addressing the concerns of our residents.
School Board (Vote for 1)
Jeff Taylor: Ward 5 School Committee candidate
I am deeply grateful for the public education that I received growing up, and a strong believer in the importance of public education to our community.
Mark Millet: Ward 5 School Committee candidate
Why should someone vote for me? Manchester schools: We can and will be the best.
WARD 6
Alderman (Vote for 1)
Crissy Kantor: Ward 6 Aldermanic candidate
I would be honored to be reelected to continue my work of bringing more transparency, accountability and problem solving to City Hall.
Maxine Mosley: Ward 6 Aldermanic candidate
Occupation: Retired Manchester public school counselor, 40 years; certified school counselor and principal. Education: BA from Westfield State College, master
School Board (Vote for 1)
Chastice Cocchiarella: Ward 6 School Committee candidate
I’m passionate about ensuring that every child in Manchester has access to a quality education and the resources they need to succeed. I bring the perspective of a parent, community member, and professional who values collaboration, transparency, and thoughtful decision-making.
Dan Bergeron: Ward 6 School Committee candidate
Candidate did not respond to our questionnaire.
WARD 7
Alderman (Vote for 1)
Thomas Bozoian: Ward 7 Alderman candidate
Ross Terrio: Ward 7 Board of Alderman candidate
School Board (Unopposed)
Chris Potter: Ward 7 School Committee candidate
Candidate did not respond to our questionnaire. He is running unopposed.
WARD 8
Alderman (Vote for 1)
Cristina Goodwin: Ward 8 Aldermanic candidate
I am committed to Manchester’s success and ensuring it is a great place to live. I would like to bring fiscal responsibility and common sense to the role and am committed to helping my constituents have a great quality of…
Ed Sapienza: Ward 8 Aldermanic candidate
No responses were provided to our candidate questionnaire as of press time.
School Board (Vote for 1)
Malinda McKusker: Ward 8 School Committee candidate
As a graduate and lifelong resident of Manchester I have seen a lot of changes in our district and not necessarily for the better. I believe our kids should feel safe at school, and deserve a quality education.
Nicholas St. John, Ward 8 School Committee candidate
As a former teacher with two master’s degrees and now an engineer, I bring both classroom experience and fresh ideas.
WARD 9
Alderman (Vote for 1)
James Burkush: Ward 9 Alderman candidate
We have been working on solutions to address the issue. We are moving our winter warming shelter and engagement center from 39 Beech Street to 190 Elm Street. We are looking for alternatives to help people get out of the…
Troy Micklon: Ward 9 Alderman candidate
Serving as Alderman is about listening, learning, and finding practical solutions that work for the people of Manchester. I am running to bring more transparency, accountability, and measurable results to City Hall so residents can clearly see how their tax…
School Board (Vote for 1)
Jose Marte: Ward 9 School Committee candidate
Candidate did not respond to our questionnaire.
Bob Baines: Ward 9 School Committee candidate
I believe that you can’t have a great City without a great public education system. I am committed to help our school system become great by ensuring our students are obtaining 21st Century skills and that all students are meeting…
WARD 10
Alderman (Vote for 1)
Bill Barry: Ward 10 Alderman candidate
Why should someone vote for you? I have a proven record of strong constituent service. Since 2014 I have had
Robert Rivera: Ward 10 Alderman candidate
I am a strong advocate for reducing crime, better quality education, improving infrastructure, and lower taxes. I have developed practical solutions to address these issues that WILL deliver results.
School Board (Unopposed)
Gary Hamer, Ward 10 School Committee candidate
I want to be Ward 10’s voice on the board as well as to be available to help all constituents in Ward 10 with any issues they are facing regarding the Manchester School District.
WARD 11
Alderman (Vote for 1)
Lawrence Bryant: Ward 11 Alderman candidate
As alderman for Ward 11, I will do my best to respond to citizens’ needs and work with my fellow alderpersons and community members to find solutions to issues that affect us all every day. Some of you will probably…
Norm Vincent: Ward 11 Alderman candidate
Manchester is the only city I’ve ever considered home. It has been a privilege to serve as Alderman, and I assure you that I will keep working for the residents of Ward 11 and strive to do my utmost for…
School Board (Unopposed)
Liz O’Neil-Wong: Ward 11 School Committee candidate
I am a proud Manchester born and raised resident and proud Central High School grad! I have been inspired by the Manchester School District teachers throughout my entire career-many of them are the reason I became a teacher myself. It…
WARD 12
Alderman (Vote for 1)
Kelly Thomas: Ward 12 Alderman candidate
If I am re-elected, I will continue to take the necessary steps to help support individuals to gain housing and obtain treatment.
Bradley Conway: Ward 12 Alderman candidate
Candidate did not respond to our questionnaire.
School Board (Vote for 1)
Julie Smith: Ward 12 School Committee candidate
I’m a retired teacher and have taught, elementary, middle, special education, driver’s ed. and adult education.
Carlos Gonzalez: Ward 12 School Committee candidate
A bipartisan environment needs to exist among all the interested parties: school board and board of Mayor and Aldermen of the city of Manchester.
NH Voter ID Law
In-person voting requirements for the 2025 election:
- Photo ID is required: All voters must present a valid photo ID to a ballot clerk before receiving a ballot.
- No more affidavit voting: An individual without a photo ID will be turned away from the polls and must return with an acceptable ID to vote. This eliminates the previous option of signing an affidavit and having a photo taken at the polling place.
- Acceptable IDs: Accepted photo identification includes:
- Driver’s license or non-driver ID issued by any state or the federal government.
- U.S. armed services ID card.
- U.S. passport or passcard.
- Student ID from an approved New Hampshire college, university, or high school.