Why should someone vote for you? (i.e. – what’s your “elevator pitch” when talking to voters?)
“I’m running for Alderman At-Large because I believe Manchester needs leaders who get things done for people — not play politics or create drama.” Since being elected in Ward 1, I’ve focused on the basics: improving public safety, fixing traffic and infrastructure issues, and making city services more responsive. I’ve personally helped hundreds of residents with issues big and small—from potholes and parking to neighborhood safety—and I’ll bring that same approach citywide.
I’m proud to be supported by both our police and firefighters because they know I’ll always stand up for public safety. I’ll also fight to keep taxes as low as possible while protecting essential services like schools, public works, and emergency response.
Manchester is at its best when we work together, not when people dig in on party lines. I am proudly bipartisan and will continue to be an independent voice—focused only on what makes our city safer, more affordable, and a better place to live, work, and raise a family.”
If elected, what steps would you endorse to address the issue of homelessness in the city?
Homelessness is one of the most pressing challenges facing Manchester. We need a serious, compassionate, and long-term approach to this issue. Mayor Ruais has put forward a plan that does not kick the can down the road but instead tackles homelessness head-on for the future of Manchester. I am in full support of his approach.
At the same time, we cannot simply ignore this issue or do nothing — that is not an option. We must ensure that services are coordinated, that accountability is in place, and that resources are directed toward effective solutions. This means strengthening partnerships with service providers, addressing root causes like addiction and mental health, and making sure the city enforces standards so that downtown businesses and neighborhoods can thrive while we support those in need.
We also cannot continue to spend millions of taxpayer dollars without seeing results. The Mayor’s plan will allow us to help those in need while minimizing the financial burden on Manchester’s residents by ensuring investments are effective, targeted, and fiscally responsible.
Homelessness will not be solved overnight, but with leadership, commitment, and Mayor Ruais’s plan as a framework, I believe we can make real progress for our city.
If elected, what steps would you endorse to address the issue of housing costs?
Housing affordability is one of the biggest challenges facing families in Manchester today. Too many people — from young professionals just starting out, to seniors on fixed incomes — are being priced out of the city they love.
If re-elected, I will support policies that increase housing supply responsibly, protect neighborhoods, and make Manchester a place where people at all stages of life can afford to live.
That means:
- Encouraging responsible development that adds housing units without overburdening our infrastructure.
- Streamlining permitting and approvals so projects that make sense for Manchester move forward more quickly.
- Protecting our seniors and working families by keeping taxes as low as possible while still investing in essential services.
- Working with nonprofits and developers to expand affordable housing options while maintaining the character of our neighborhoods.
We can’t just let the market run unchecked, and we can’t regulate our way out of this either. We need balance — growth that works for everyone, from renters to homeowners, while ensuring Manchester remains an affordable, welcoming city.
If elected, what steps would you endorse to address the issue of attracting and retaining quality city employees?
Our city employees are the backbone of Manchester — they deliver the essential services that keep our community safe, strong, and moving forward. If elected as Alderman At-Large, I will support policies that make Manchester a competitive and attractive place to work.
First, we need to ensure competitive wages and benefits so we can both recruit and retain top talent. Too often, we lose employees to neighboring communities that pay more or offer stronger career development. Second, I will advocate for professional development and training opportunities that give employees a clear path to grow within the city. Third, we must foster a culture of respect and support, where employees feel valued for the work they do and have the resources they need to succeed.
Finally, I support Mayor Ruais’s commitment to being fiscally responsible while still making the right investments in our workforce. By prioritizing smart, sustainable compensation and workplace improvements, we can minimize long-term costs to taxpayers while strengthening the stability and quality of our city workforce.
What is your perspective on the city’s roads, transit system and parking? If you believe improvement is needed, how would you accomplish that?
Manchester’s infrastructure is the backbone of our city — from the roads we drive on, to the transit system that connects residents, to the parking that supports our businesses. Right now, we face real challenges, but also real opportunities.
Roads: Too many of our roads are in need of repair. The Mayor and I have put forth a plan, as presented by our Department of Public Works (DPW), to invest in roads across the city. This issue has been ignored for many years, and we will address and prioritize improvements in the coming years. I’ve also worked directly with DPW to deliver traffic flow improvements, such as the Exit 9S/DW Highway project, and I will continue pushing for smart investments that improve safety and reduce congestion.
Transit: Public transportation must be accessible and reliable for those who depend on it. I support expanding bus routes and hours where possible and exploring partnerships with regional transit agencies. At the same time, we must make sure transit planning is efficient and cost-effective for taxpayers.
Parking: Parking downtown is a frequent concern for residents, businesses, and visitors alike. I support modernizing our parking system with better signage, user-friendly technology, and fair enforcement that balances the needs of businesses with convenience for residents. We need to ensure downtown parking is an asset, not a barrier, to economic growth.
How to accomplish this: Improvements won’t come overnight, but with thoughtful planning, public input, and collaboration between city departments and state partners, we can make measurable progress. I’ll continue to advocate for prioritizing infrastructure in the city budget while seeking state and federal funding opportunities to reduce the burden on Manchester taxpayers.
What is your opinion on the city’s parks, library and entertainment offerings/public events? If improvement is needed, what should be done?
Manchester is fortunate to have incredible community assets — from our parks and green spaces, to our public library, to the many events and entertainment offerings that bring people together. These amenities make our city more livable, strengthen neighborhoods, and create opportunities for families, seniors, and young people alike.
Parks: Our parks are some of Manchester’s greatest treasures. At Livingston Park, I have led several key projects, including the installation of a new track surface, a new pool lining, a new playground, community clean-up days, and — soon to be announced — new outdoor basketball courts. These improvements have made the park more welcoming and enjoyable for families across the city, and I will continue to push for similar investments citywide.
Library: The Manchester City Library is more than just a building with books; it’s a hub of community learning, technology access, and programming. Supporting modernization and expanded programming is essential to keeping this resource strong.
Public Events: Manchester’s concerts, festivals, and cultural events showcase the best of our city and strengthen our economy by drawing residents and visitors downtown. We must continue to expand these opportunities through strong public-private partnerships.
Moving Forward: Investments in parks, libraries, and events are investments in quality of life. They help attract families, retain young professionals, and build community pride. As Alderman At-Large, I’ll continue to make these resources a priority for Manchester’s future
What is your opinion on the city’s policies regarding property taxes and other fees (i.e. – pet licenses, parking meters, etc.)
Manchester families and businesses are stretched thin, and we must ensure city government is living within its means. Property taxes are the backbone of how we fund services, but we cannot continue to place the burden solely on taxpayers year after year. As Alderman, I’ve been committed to keeping taxes as low as possible while still supporting our most important city services — police, fire, public works, and schools.
When it comes to fees — such as pet licenses, parking meters, or other costs — I believe we need to strike a balance. These fees should be fair, reasonable, and transparent, not simply another way to nickel-and-dime residents. Fees should be tied to the actual cost of providing the service, not used as hidden tax increases.
Moving forward, I support smart budgeting, greater efficiency in city operations, and making sure every dollar we spend is truly needed. By focusing on priorities, we can protect taxpayers while still delivering the services that make Manchester a safe, affordable, and vibrant city.
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?
Manchester has incredible potential to be the economic engine of New Hampshire, but we need to make sure our policies, infrastructure, and workforce support that growth. The city must be a place where small businesses can thrive, large employers feel welcome, and entrepreneurs see opportunity.
As Alderman, I’ve worked to support policies that keep Manchester affordable while also investing in the services and infrastructure businesses depend on. A strong business climate starts with public safety, reliable infrastructure, and a city government that is responsive, efficient, and predictable.
Our Manchester Economic Development Office, led by Jodie and Erik, is doing incredible work to advance our city’s business climate. Their leadership has helped attract investment, strengthen partnerships, and make Manchester a more competitive place for employers and innovators.
To build on that success, I support:
- Cutting red tape: Streamlining permitting and licensing processes so businesses can get up and running faster.
- Workforce development: Partnering with local schools, colleges, and training programs to ensure our workforce is skilled and ready for today’s economy.
- Downtown and neighborhood investment: Supporting efforts to keep our business districts clean, safe, and vibrant, making them attractive to both businesses and customers.
- Public-private partnerships: Collaborating with organizations like the Chamber of Commerce, entrepreneurs, and civic groups to bring innovative ideas and investment into the city.
Manchester has the talent, location, and community spirit to be the best place in New England to start or grow a business. By supporting the efforts of our Economic Development Office and focusing on smart, forward-thinking policies, we can grow jobs, expand opportunity, and build a stronger future for our city.
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?
If elected as At-Large Alderman, my first priority will be to advocate that we fully support public education — not just financially, but as a core City priority. I will push to establish a new working group made up of members from both the Board of School Committee and the Board of Mayor and Aldermen to meet regularly, coordinate closely, and ensure that together we are improving school funding, strengthening public perception, and driving overall success for our students.
I believe that for the majority of the BOSC and the Aldermen I’ve had the pleasure of working with, we share the same vision. The difference often lies in how we navigate toward that end result. This is where I believe common ground can be found, if we commit to working together in good faith.
Those who dismiss public education, however, have no place as leaders in Manchester. Our children’s future depends on strong schools, and I will always stand firmly in support of them.
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?
I’d like to give you my contact info: 603-674-2400 | chris@morganchris.com | www.morganchris.com
Constituent service has always been my number one priority for our great city. If you have an issue related to Manchester, you can call or email me directly. When re-elected, I will promptly return your call or message and do my very best to ensure your questions are answered and your issue is resolved.
Over the course of my service, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with residents, community leaders, and city officials across all 12 wards. That experience has given me a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing not just one neighborhood, but our entire city.
I want to bring the same commitment I’ve shown in Ward 1 to the entire city. I will work for every resident in every ward — putting people before politics and results before party. My focus will be on:
- Keeping our neighborhoods safe
- Supporting public education
- Ensuring city services are responsive
- Keeping our tax rate as low as possible while protecting what matters most — police, fire, public works, and our schools
Most importantly, I will bring a bipartisan approach to the Board — listening to others and working together to find solutions that truly serve Manchester. I ask for your vote for Alderman At-Large on September 16 so that together we can continue moving Manchester forward — united, safe, and prospering. Thank you.
Contact: 603-674-2400 | chris@morganchris.com | www.morganchris.com