Occupation: Retired, Justice of Peace, Notary for State of NH
Education/Background: Military/Law Enforcement/Chef/Closing Agent & Notary.
How long have you lived in Manchester? July 11, 2014, prior to this I was off and on.
Hobbies/Fun Facts/other biographical info: I have been married to my wonderful wife, Teresa, since 2019, and we have been together since 2014. We settled in Manchester in 2014. Our family includes a Bengal cat named Hunter, a daughter, and two granddaughters.
I lost my son to fentanyl in 2019.
There are many others that are a part of my life that I care for that make me the person I am. I have retired as a chef and caterer after owning my business for 21 years, and cooking remains one of my greatest passions. My cuisine is diverse. I enjoy preparing meals and sharing my love of food with others. It’s probably a good thing I rarely bake anything!
When I was 14 years old, I started hunting with my father. Even though he has passed away, I have continued to enjoy my time in the woods, whether successful or not. I donate some of my harvest to the local food banks, and share with many friends and family. When registering my harvest at Wildlife Sports at the circle, there would be a cup there to accept donations, I would always financially donate to the NH Food Bank. Since they are gone, I will now make direct donations to them. Many hunters do this. My mother introduced me to fishing when I was just 6 years old.
My wife and I also enjoy boating, snowmobiling, and ice fishing together.
I believe in conservation. Volunteering is very important to me. I have a lengthy history of that. I take pride in tutoring children, and teaching them how to cook, helping them develop valuable life skills.
I am both a guitarist and a vocalist, and I have had the opportunity to provide guitar lessons to many people.
If elected what steps would you endorse to address the issue of homelessness in the city?
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. Further expansion is planned with the opening of a new location in the spring. Currently, the high cost of leasing properties poses challenges; therefore, collaboration with property owners to identify additional viable locations is essential to enhance the city’s capacity to support homeless individuals. It is recommended that shelters designated for homeless residents operate as High Barrier Shelters to ensure occupant safety. Establishing clear rules can help foster a secure environment for all clients. While municipal efforts play a crucial role, it is also important for individuals to actively engage with available services to facilitate their progress toward independent and responsible participation in society.
If elected, what steps would you endorse to address the issue of housing costs?
When new residential properties are constructed, it is advisable to establish legal policies that require developers to allocate a fixed number of units for low-income housing, supported by incentives such as tax breaks. For instance, in a 30-unit building, five units could be reserved specifically for affordable housing. Further research will be necessary to refine this policy and draft appropriate ordinances.
If elected, what steps would you endorse to address the issue of attracting and retaining quality city employees?
1. Employee Formal Recognition Programs to keep and maintain quality employees and bring in new recruits.
2. Training, enforcement training: To make sure the employees are always trained with up to date policies and training materials with their responsibilities in performing their jobs, with enforcement training in case there are issues where the employee is having a hard time with tasks assigned.
3. Incentives: As a Retired Federal Employee, one way to keep qualified and dedicated employees are incentive programs. These programs need to be developed that will encourage the employee to do their best in order to receive the incentive. This is based on the employee’s performance ratings and reports.
What is your perspective on the city’s roads, transit system and parking? If you believe improvement is needed, how would you accomplish that?
Many infrastructure improvements and repairs are determined through the budget allocation process. Ward 4 has it’s share of crumbling infrastructure. Each city road should undergo semi-annual inspections that include assessments of sidewalks, line painting, and curbs; citizen complaints should be incorporated into developing actionable plans to bring streets up to an acceptable standard. I would like to know how many riders are utilizing the MPT, especially in Ward 4. Is it a valuable tool and can we save money on this expense. I propose the implementation of a volunteer program whereby shelter residents contribute their time to help maintain the cleanliness of public transportation bus interiors, helping with keeping the parks and cemeteries clean, and any other areas where they could help and be an important part of the growth of Manchester and Ward 4. This initiative would foster a sense of community involvement and pride among participants by allowing them to give back in recognition of the support they receive. A shortage of downtown parking spaces and within Ward 4 continues to impact access to local businesses. To better support low-income individuals, veterans (including those with disabilities), people with disabilities, and seniors aged 65 or above, I propose a reduction in parking fees and the provision of the first two hours of parking at either a complimentary or reduced rate for eligible people.
What is your opinion on the city’s parks, library and entertainment offerings/public events? If improvement is needed, what should be done?
Most complaints regarding our parks and public areas relate to issues such as discarded needles, drug use, public defecation, and vandalism within parks and cemeteries. To address these concerns, it is recommended that enforcement measures continue to be implemented to maintain designated opening hours, impose significant fines and penalties where appropriate, and require responsible parties to participate in clean-up efforts through community service programs. While the prohibition of tents and camping in our parks has been beneficial, additional steps are needed. It is essential to hold individuals accountable for these actions, ensuring that those responsible contribute to remediation. However, when financial penalties are ineffective due to inability to pay, alternative methods should be considered. The consideration of installing cameras in parks, on trails, and in cemeteries raises important questions about safeguarding Manchester’s valuable recreational resources. Ideally, such measures would not be required to ensure the continued enjoyment and security of these areas. But it’s an idea that should be discussed. There are numerous high-quality events available to the public in our Queen City. While I support further additions, it is essential to remain attentive to the event budget to ensure responsible stewardship and maintenance.
What is your opinion on the city’s policies regarding property taxes and other fees (i.e. – pet licenses, parking meters, etc.)
Property taxes are too high. Taxing many out of their homes, especially our elderly and veterans/disabled veterans. Credits need to be discussed and raised to help. I will always support the tax cap in our city.
1. Yard Sale Fees: Raise the limit to 4 times a year, with three consecutive days, instead of twice a year. And remove the fee. Charging to have a yard sale is ridiculous. Yard sales have been around forever. Those that abuse this, properly investigate it on reported complaints and handle accordingly.
2. Pet Registration: 65 and older, Veterans, Disabled Veterans, 1st dog free. An additional dog would be $3 per one time charge, until animals are deceased or no longer with owner. They still need to follow the dog registration ordinance, but at no additional costs. This includes licensed service dogs only as defined by law.
3. Parking meters for elderly 65 years and older and disabled: Free first 2 hours. Then $0.50 every 2 hours, max to 10 hours. Monthly parking permits in garages for elderly and disabled veterans should be capped at $20.00/month.
4. More investigative work needs to be done to calculate other rates of fees. We need to find ways to reduce fees of the taxpayer or eliminate them all together.
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?
Security is one of the most important issues I have heard of as a complaint of business owners. Keeping their business clear of vagrants and homeless in front of their entry ways and in their alley ways. More patrols around the Ward 4 businesses at night would help. The business climate in Manchester remains strong and diverse, reflecting growth across multiple sectors since 2022. A significant advantage for the city is the absence of a sales tax, which should continue to be advocated at the State House and with our State Representatives. I propose for Ward 4 up to 5 businesses a month featured locally to help drive more consumer interests to their locations. To further support the restaurant industry, consideration should be given to reducing the Room and Meals tax to 7%, as the proposal for a 6% rate was not approved in 2024. Additionally, it is important to promote awareness of the Manchester Young Professionals to local businesses in Ward 4, providing greater opportunities for engagement and contributing to the city’s ongoing development. Manchester’s current unemployment rate stands at 3.1%, below the national average of 4.2%, indicating robust employment levels that are likely to attract new businesses seeking qualified personnel. Ward 4 has many businesses, and they need to be heard. I want to work with the Economic Development Office at City Hall, and partner with them to make sure Ward 4 is a focus for business development.
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?
The Ward Alderman should be in communications with their School Board Committee Member of their ward to make sure information is passed to help make important decisions when discussions are at the Board of Mayor Alderman meeting. You can’t make decisions that affect the education of our students without fully accurate information. The spending needs to be under control. And when it does get under control, stop referring to it as a “budget cut”. It’s a budget adjustment. The test scores are down. Too many students are not proficient in core subjects such as math and reading. This is where funding needs to be implemented to improve scores. I am a strong supporter of parental rights, and all parents/guardians should always have a voice in our schools in Ward 4, and throughout Manchester School District.
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?
As a Ward 4 resident and Alderman candidate, we are a unique ward because we are half urban, and the other half suburban. I am here to represent ALL of Ward 4. I support clear communication with all residents through multiple platforms. I am committed to collaborating with the School Committee and fellow Aldermen to address important issues. Being retired allows me to dedicate my time to service.
With nine years of experience as President and two years as a Board Member of my Condominium Association, I have developed strong leadership and budget management skills. In addition, I served as Secretary on the Executive Committee of my Fish and Game Club for 21 years, later transitioning to Director on the Board of Directors for three years, and I currently hold the position of Treasurer at another club.
My tenure as a Property Book NCO in the US Army provided valuable insight into unit needs and adherence to approved budgets. Furthermore, as Disaster Service Chairman with the American Red Cross, I managed budgets collaboratively with the Chapter Chairperson and led successful fundraising efforts to secure necessary funding.
As a taxpayer residing in a condominium since 2014, I understand the challenges presented by rising taxes. In some cases, individuals have been compelled to sell their homes due to property tax payments exceeding mortgage obligations shared by many. I am a committed advocate for the implementation and maintenance of a tax cap policy. My position on this matter remains firm. It is imperative that we explore alternative solutions or reduce expenditure until effective management is achieved. This responsibility lies with Alderman, for both property owners and government alike.
I invite you to visit my website at www.friendsofpaullaferriere.com, where you may find additional information regarding my background and submit any inquiries through the Contact Page. I am committed to serving and representing our ward, and I respectfully seek your support and your vote for Alderman on November 4, 2025.