Manchester is my home. I love this city, and I’m here to stay. We’ve had great economic success the past couple of years, but if we don’t balance it out by strengthening our social and physical infrastructure, it will all be for naught.

As someone who has experienced the everyday struggles of the middle class, I have a unique opportunity to represent the values and interests of working individuals and families. I believe we need leaders who understand what it’s like to navigate these struggles firsthand. I’m stepping up now because I want to help build a solid foundation for the next generation.

I currently represent Ward 8 on the Manchester Board of School Committee. After Jay Ruais’s budget cut $9.5 million from our public schools, I knew I needed to do more. Our kids are learning critical skills, and our teachers deserve the resources they need to educate our children. Jay Ruais’s budget cuts will have enormous implications for future generations here in Manchester. Now, more than ever, it is crucial that we fully fund our public schools. I have worked with our educators, our parents, and our elected officials to implement meaningful change in our schools. I helped champion policies to limit cellphone use in our schools. I supported the advancement of the new Beech St. Elementary School. I voted in favor of bringing transportation in-house, which has helped drastically increase efficiency and reliability for families. I will carry those successes to City Hall and work to ensure our schools can continue what they do best: educating our kids. 

But our thriving community needs more than just fully funded public education.We need housing that people can actually afford. Our city is in the midst of a housing crisis. People are being priced out of their communities. This city has had an incredible economic boom. Young people are moving to our city to experience all that Manchester has to offer. Seniors are choosing to live out their golden years in the Queen City, and advanced technological start-ups are looking to build the foundation of their success in Manchester. To continue this economic expansion, it is crucial that we support initiatives to build more housing that is affordable and safe. I am ready to work with city officials to evaluate the paths we have to ensure Seniors can age in place, that families can choose Manchester, and freely move amongst its diverse neighborhoods.

Building on our economic success requires a plan that supports businesses. Jay Ruais does not have a plan for Manchester because Manchester is not Jay’s ultimate plan. Our small businesses need someone who will not only look out for their interests, but also someone who will look out for their employees. Building physical infrastructure that is accessible to all and that is well-maintained helps both businesses and the community. Our roads and sidewalks aren’t up to snuff. I’ve seen people in wheelchairs or scooters in the middle of the road because of how cracked and crumbled our sidewalks are. Cars are veering all over the road to avoid huge potholes, and I can barely walk my kids in their stroller on the sidewalks because of how inconsistent they are. It’s time to invest in our infrastructure – it’s not optional – it’s how we build a city that works for everyone. 

I will do the hard work necessary to keep Manchester on track for success. I will get down in the muck and the grime because that is what social workers do – we meet people where they are at. I have walked alongside some of our most vulnerable communities. I have helped people find the resources they need to live and survive in our community, and I’m going to continue to do that in City Hall.  

Manchester needs someone familiar with and willing to address the intricacies of daily life for all our citizens. I have been in the same place a lot of the people in Manchester have been. I have lived paycheck to paycheck. I’ve seen my neighbors struggle. I’ve struggled myself. On the school board, I’ve listened to parents’ concerns. I know what Manchester residents want and need to continue to thrive. This is our home, so join me, and let’s take care of it.