Occupation: Lawyer
Education/Background: Bachelors, MBA Juris Doctorate
How long have you lived in Manchester? Lifelong resident
Hobbies/Fun Fact about you/other biographical info: Cooking, walking, hiking. I am sweeter than honey with sugar and cherries on top; 34-year restaurant owner (Joe Kelly’s, Theo’s); paper boy at 10 years of age; lawyer at 40. Four years on the Planning Board, 16 years as an Alderman. I always fight for the little guy with fierce passion and dedication – make no apologies for it, either.
Why should someone vote for you? (i.e. – what’s your “elevator pitch” when talking to voters?)
Trusted, experienced and passionate about Manchester. I am well know fighter that always stands up for the little guy over powerful government. have never voted to override the tax cap and I never will.
If re-elected, what steps would you endorse to address the issue of homelessness in the city?
City government should not be in the shelter business and needs to stop handing out needles.
If re-elected, what steps would you endorse to address the issue of housing costs?
As a member of the Planning Board I pushed hard to get more apartments built. As an alderman I voted for many projects that allow for affordable and low income housing. The boon in building should start leveling off and hopefully lowering the cost of housing.
If re-elected, what steps would you endorse to address the issue of attracting and retaining quality city employees?
As an alderman we have voted many times to adjust wages to be competitive with the private market. In the past we would be lucky to get one or two qualified applicants, now we are seeing much more and better qualified applicants. Anyone who has the opportunity should work for the city. Great pay and benefits.
What is your perspective on the city’s roads, transit system and parking? If you believe improvement is needed, how would you accomplish that?
Our roads are horrible and need more funding. Parking is better, and will be better downtown with the recent vote to build a 400-car parking garage at the Pearl Street lot. Buses are running well, wish more people used them.
What is your opinion on the city’s parks, library and entertainment offerings/public events? If improvement is needed, what should be done?
City parks are for the most part very nice, especially Livingston Park. As alderman I voted for the funding to made that a premier park in the city. The library has always been a gem and still is. There is a big need for entertainment and we have the venues, restaurants and parking for it. We just need a lot more.
What is your opinion on the city’s policies regarding property taxes and other fees (i.e. – pet licenses, parking meters, etc.)
As long as we stay below the tax cap we are ahead of the curve state wide, but costs are still too high in Manchester, raising taxes raises rents. We must be vigilant on spending. Car registration fees are ridiculous and we need to get them lowered somehow.
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 attracted many businesses over the past two years and I expect it will continue, especially if we get homelessness under control.
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 says they are great, but the stats say otherwise. I wish it was but I am a big believer in school choice. Parents should not be locked into schools they don’t want their children to be in. I keep hoping they will improve significantly but it seems we are still a long way off.
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?
Leave our pickles alone.