The debate over the fiscal year 2027 budget in Manchester drags on, with no apparent end in sight. At the last Aldermanic meeting the regular crew of anti-Manchester residents came out. It was the usual suspects who spoke, those who believe Manchester should not spend one more red cent on anything. They are not interested in fixing our roads, fully funding contracts for police or fire or keeping the West Side library open. Additionally, their disdain for public education is quite evident, not wanting the Manchester School District to be adequately funded. In essence it’s okay with them if Manchester reverts back to 1985.

What these folks don’t realize is there is a much larger portion of Manchester citizens who want to move the city forward. They want roads resurfaced, public safety contracts funded and the West Side library to remain open. Most importantly, they want our schools to be fully funded. The underfunding of schools in the past three municipal budget cycles has brought us to this crisis situation. Schools over this time period have been funded well under the rate of inflation.

These folks who want to see Manchester thrive believe Manchester’s future is bright and filled with lots of potential. Our diversity is our strength. To quote author Stephen Covey, “strength lies in differences, not in similarities”. These are the voices all 14 Manchester Aldermen need to listen to and do the right thing next Tuesday night, June 2.

The people who believe this about Manchester are the voters, who just last November, voted to fill 23 of the 28 positions on the BOMA and BOSC with Democrats. These candidates all supported doing what is needed to turn Manchester around and move us forward to achieve the potential that lies ahead, including to override the tax cap!
Elections Have Consequences

Gary Hamer is a lifelong resident of Manchester’s West Side and current Ward 10 Board of School Committee Member.

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