Occupation*
Retired, Manchester Fire Chief
Your Education/Background*
Manchester Schools, BA Granite State College , Fire Chief, Manchester Fire
How Long Have You Lived in Manchester?*
66 years
Hobbies/Fun Fact about you/other biographical info*
Married 44 years to Anne, grandfather to four, ocean fishing and gardening.
If re-elected, what steps would you endorse to address the issue of homelessness in the city?
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 shelter and into more stable housing.
We are building low-income housing on Merrimack Street and are working on other projects on the Pearl Street and Hartnet parking lots. With the Housing Trust Fund, we have supported private investors who provide transitional housing. The city supports the Brook Street Shelter for 16 women. I also believe we focus more efforts on prevention of substance misuse and mental health of our youth.
Ward 9 is also facing a growing problem of homeless individuals who do not want assistance and chose to disrespect our parks and trails. Some trespass on private property causing much concern for resident safety. Public Safety is my highest priority. I have supported additional Police patrols and additional funding for DPW to maintain our trails and parks.
If re-elected, what steps would you endorse to address the issue of housing costs?
I have supported low-income housing projects and the sale of surplus city property to fund the Housing Trust Fund, which is available to help finance construction of low income housing. I am on the special committee on Zoning Ordinance review, which is updating our building codes to help incentivize and speedup the permitting process.
If re-elected, what steps would you endorse to address the issue of attracting and retaining quality city employees?
Our employees are key in the delivery of quality city services. This includes all services from trash pick-up to department administrators. I interviewed and recommended a new City Auditor and Human Resources Director.
We supported the Classification/Compensation Study recently completed. There existed a wide discrepancy in pay for employees doing the same job in different departments. This study reviewed all job descriptions and compared them to similar communities. The pay matrix was adjusted for inequities and to aide in recruitment and retention. In addition, I believe, City employees need to be recognized and thanked for outstanding service.
What is your perspective on the city’s roads, transit system and parking? If you believe improvement is needed, how would you accomplish that?
The BMA is trying to provide as much funding as possible to reconstruct our streets. Parking requirements in all areas are being reviewed by the Zoning Review Committee, which I am a member, to be voted on this fall. The Manchester Transit Authority is constantly looking for ways to improve service. In Ward Nine, we are dealing with truck traffic and speeders through our neighborhoods. I have added additional signage and Police patrols, and we recently completed a speed study and continue to work on this issue.
What is your opinion on the city’s parks, library and entertainment offerings/public events? If improvement is needed, what should be done?
Manchester Economic Development Office and City Departments have recently worked with the SNHU to welcome thousands of visitors to our City for the Phish Concert weekend. Restaurants, Hotels and Businesses had a great weekend as our city was showcased. The BMA has funded the Fisher Cats ballpark improvements to meet the needs of the professional baseball league. Veteran’s Park has seen upgrades, and we are working on downtown sidewalks. The Palace Theater is a great source of entertainment from the Children’s Summer Series, Comedy and Musicals attracting thousands of visitors to downtown which frequent the many restaurants. Our City Library which was founded in the 1850s is still a treasure to our City.
What is your opinion on the city’s policies regarding property taxes and other fees (i.e. – pet licenses, parking meters, etc.)
We must work with our State and Federal delegations to ensure that the downshifting of costs and fees does not increase. We have hired a grant writer to assist all departments in obtaining any grant funding possible. An Independent City Auditor has also been hired to verify Tax dollars are spent in compliance of all policies. We continue to incorporate efficiencies in the delivery of services. Some examples are expansion of automated trash trucks, and haulage of trash. The City leases our old dump to a large Solar Farm, benefiting all of our residents. Old, inefficient vehicles are being replaced. I supported increasing the exemption limits of property taxes for the elderly, disabled and veterans. Raising taxes should always be our last resort.
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?
As a member of the Zoning Review Committee, we are proposing changes to the rules to make it easier to construct or renovate buildings. This should allow more mixed development zones and encourage small businesses to start up in certain areas. The BMA is also funding improving our sidewalks and parks. We have expanded our Economic Development Office which has attracted many new businesses and restaurants to our downtown.
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 School District continues to improve despite the many challenges they face. This is the direct result of the hard work and dedication of the Teachers, Paraprofessionals and School Administration. Developers, Businesses and the Chamber of Commerce have stated that Manchester Public Schools are key to their success in the future. State funding needs to continue to protect City taxpayers from paying more of the costs. Both Boards should meet more often to improve communication and understanding. Families looking to relocate inquire about the Schools, I support excellent public 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?
I promptly respond to all calls, emails and text messages. Thank you to my constituents for allowing me to serve as your Alderman. I can be reached at Jburkush@manchesternh.gov or 603-714-0283.