O P I N I O N

THE SOAPBOX

Stand up. Speak up. It’s your turn.

I’ve lived in my neighborhood my whole life and I’ve been in my current home in Ward 5 for 43 years. During that time I’ve seen a lot of changes.  One change I am currently very excited about is the prospect of having Jason Bonilla as my Alderman.

I’d like to thank our retiring alderman, Tony Sapienza, for his ten years of service on the Board of Aldermen. Running for office and serving as an elected official is challenging and time consuming and I appreciate Tony for stepping up and representing us.

For over 150 years people from around the world have been settling in Ward 5 in search of a better life for themselves and their families. It continues to be one of the most culturally diverse places in the state. 

We also have lots of businesses in the ward. Everything from barbershops and pizza places to full service grocery stores and a hospital. Having so many varied interests makes living in Ward 5 interesting and wonderful, but it also presents us with challenges. 

Jason Bonilla has already shown that he is ready, willing, and able to work with everyone to address problems, and to provide timely and accurate information about what is happening in the ward. His ability to communicate across cultures and to engage residents and businesses in building safe, welcoming neighborhoods is exactly what we need in a place like Ward 5.

Fortunately for us, we’ve gotten to know Jason through his work with City Year, as a Central Little League coach, and as our Ward 5 School Board member. His tireless work in the community has demonstrated his level of dedication to the City of Manchester and its people. 

I hope my fellow citizens of Ward 5 will join me at Beech Street School on November 4th and vote for Jason Bonilla for Alderman. 

Kathy Staub is a State Representative for Hillsborough District 25, which is Ward 5.

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