Occupation: Account Executive
Education/Background: Have worked in the packaging industry for 14 years. Have managed teams across various functions ranging from customer service to supply chain and am currently working as an account manager. I also have a bachelors in Marketing and some professional certifications.
How Long Have You Lived in Manchester?: Lifelong Manchester resident, with the exception of my college years. Have been in the south end for over a decade.
Hobbies/Fun Fact about you/other biographical info: I like to get out and take advantage of everything Manchester and our state have to offer. I like to paint, explore new places, read and started a bookclub. I live with my husband and 9 year old son, and our cat, Olive.
Why should someone vote for you?
Lifelong Manchester resident now raising her family here. 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 life in this city.
If elected, what steps would you endorse to address the issue of homelessness in the city?
We need truly affordable housing options and programs to help transition people back to a stable living situation. We also need better safety nets and resources to prevent people from becoming homeless in the first place.
If elected, what steps would you endorse to address the issue of housing costs?
There needs to be more mixed zoned housing options to help spread the cost of mortgages and property taxes. There is a lot of burden placed on residents to fund everything with rising property taxes. More education and communication on programs for homebuyers/owners and credits available to them.
If elected, what steps would you endorse to address the issue of attracting and retaining quality city employees?
Ensure they are supported with career advancement and training opportunities, be creative and competitive with benefits available to them if they work for Manchester.
What is your perspective on the city’s roads, transit system and parking? If you believe improvement is needed, how would you accomplish that?
I think the city roads could be better maintained and parking can be a challenge particularly downtown. I would like to see more parking options to better support the city.
What is your opinion on the city’s parks, library and entertainment offerings/public events? If improvement is needed, what should be done?
I think the city has a great offering of parks and events at multiple locations. I would love to see more communication about the different events that occur in the city to improve turnout to them.
What is your opinion on the city’s policies regarding property taxes and other fees (i.e. – pet licenses, parking meters, etc.)
I would like to see the city look for some alternative revenues rather than placing the burden for funding entirely on tax payers.
What are your thoughts on the city’s business climate and how would you attract more businesses to come to Manchester or convince more people to start businesses in Manchester?
The process to opening a business can be confusing, time consuming and overwhelming, adding more clarity and expediting this process would go a long way to attracting business owners to Manchester.
What is your opinion of the state of education in Manchester and what should the relationship be between the Board of School Committee and Board of Mayor and Aldermen?
Manchester has done a lot to improve the education environment recently. Board of School Committee and Board of Mayor and Alderman should be trusted partners, advisors and supporters of the Education dept, but they are ultimately not the experts when it comes to education.
Anything else you’d like to add not mentioned here and what is the best way voters can reach you if they have more questions?
Please visit my website, goodfor8.com for more information and ways to contact me!