Occupation: Program Director
Your Education/Background: Revere High School
How Long Have You Lived in Manchester? Proud Manchester resident since 2017!
Hobbies/Fun Fact about you/other biographical info: I am the proud husband to my wonderful wife, and dad to my dog Jojo. We love listening to music, especially Bad Bunny! I also love spending time at Boards & Brews on Elm Street playing Dominos or eating dinner at our favorite restaurant, Alas de Frida. I love to be outdoors whether hiking, rock climbing, or being at Ice Fest every winter. One of my most relaxing activities is getting my car cleaned at Circle T Care Wash. I also love collecting and wearing different hats!
If elected, what steps would you endorse to address the issue of homelessness in the city?
Our city needs a long-term plan to address housing and homelessness. We need housing that is actually affordable for people, places that are income based. Take for example the school we recently closed in Ward 5 (Henry Wilson Elementary), my goal would be to identify a developer that could collaborate with us in ensuring that we rehab this historic building for housing that would allow people to rebuild their lives. Many of our unhoused community members need access to supportive resources. I believe that if we can get a roof over their heads we can assist them in accessing stable job opportunities, and other community programs that will address their personal needs. This includes supporting all of the non-profit agencies in Manchester that work deliberately to ensure people are receiving critical care, such as SUD treatments or workforce development skills. We also need to ensure that these critical programs are accessible and available for those who need them, eliminating barriers to mental health resources and more.
If elected, what steps would you endorse to address the issue of housing costs?
Identify a developer that would create income based, affordable housing where it is possible. I would also support new zoning ordinances that allow individuals to build additional units.
If elected, what steps would you endorse to address the issue of attracting and retaining quality city employees?
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. Making sure our wages are competitive and that prioritize investing in our people – continued professional development. Lastly, ensuring that we are investing in our HR department / recruitment teams. Our city employees are the backbone of our city’s progress, they have such important roles in keeping our city safe and moving in the right direction.
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 want to first thank our highway department, and those in the department who come in and maintain our roads. I have had the pleasure of showing members of our community the Manchester CONNECT app, giving them the chance to report potholes, and overall concerning conditions as it pertains to our roads. I would love to support the Manchester Transit Authority in continuing to find ways to make public transit available and accessible to those who need it. I have had conversations with constituents who are unable to drive, rely heavily on public transit, but are unable to access bus-stops where they need them. I know the Manchester Transit Authority works hard and diligently, we need to make sure this critical resource is working to the best of its potential. I love that we have allowed multiple ways for members in our city to pay for parking.
What is your opinion on the city’s parks, library and entertainment offerings/public events? If improvement is needed, what should be done?
I LOVE OUR PUBLIC LIBRARY, it is a space that is free for everyone in our city to have access to knowledge and technology, they also offer really great programs for children and families. I hope that we win the three year grant to launch a FREE summer concert series in Veterans Park, an initiative that would change the game if we utilize our public space to bring together all of our communities. I love attending festivals at Veterans Park and any other fun events that bring our community together, like Taco Tour, concerts at the SNHU Arena, and Cruising Downtown! My wife and I are also the biggest Fisher Cats fans in Manchester! We are season ticket holders and always say that there is no reason to leave Manchester in order to find something fun and exciting to do.
We have beautiful parks in the city and some parks like in Ward 5 that need added investment. I want to thank our parks department for their work, and for their continued collaboration in aiding several community members in hosting events at our parks. Many of our city’s children and families rely on public parks and local activities. In order to have these parks be a place that our community can utilize and enjoy we need to ensure that they are well-maintained. As a Central Little League coach I have gone early to practices so that I can clean up trash, needles, and other dangerous objects that could harm our children. This is never ok – our community deserves green areas that are safe, clean, welcoming, and accessible.
What is your opinion on the city’s policies regarding property taxes and other fees (i.e. – pet licenses, parking meters, etc.)
I would not support raising taxes “just for the sake of raising taxes,” but I know that infrastructure investment is important for the benefit of our city, such as EPA-mandated sewer upgrades expected to help frequent flooding faced by Ward 5 residents, investing our parks, roads, sidewalks and a local pool that our community can enjoy during the summers. We have to think of what city we are going to leave our kids with, and discussions around spending money are often not easy. We have to provide better city services that reflect the rising costs while being mindful that rising costs and increased taxes are also impacting our families.
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?
Our Manchester Economic Development department has been a great resource and guide for those who are interested in opening up a business in the city. This resource coupled with the support of local organizations like Stay Work Play, Manchester Young Professionals, and the Chamber of Commerce really attract new and more diverse businesses to come to Manchester. Recognizing our rich diversity, we must ensure that language is not a barrier for families when they are seeking to open a business, while also supporting our communities with financial literacy. I have appreciated attending numerous ribbon cuttings where we celebrate and welcome new businesses joining our community as we continue to grow as a city. Businesses are a vital part of our city, and the concerns of business owners should always be heard – just like those of all constituents!
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?
In my time on the school board we have made amazing investments in our public schools, in our educators, and overall in our youth. The relationship between the school board and alderman is imperative and built on trusting one another. So when we have questions or concerns, we simply resolve by talking to one another and not by stirring things on social media. We made an oath to serve and it is a disservice to our community and both bodies if we cannot get along for the sake of moving our school district forward to best support and serve our children. The public schools are the foundation of our city, and investing in the education of our young people means investing in our city’s future.
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 am always down to get coffee, chat on the phone, or meet by Zoom. You can learn more about our campaign at bonilla4mht.com or reach me by emailing me at bonilla.jason2@gmail.com or calling me at 603-417-4650.