O P I N I O N
THE SOAPBOX

Stand up. Speak up. It’s your turn.
As someone who deeply values unity, service, and practical leadership, I’m proud to support June Trisciani and Dan O’Neil for Alderman At-Large in Manchester’s upcoming municipal election on November 4.
This election isn’t about party lines—it’s about people. It’s about who we trust to make decisions that strengthen our neighborhoods, protect our quality of life, and ensure every voice in Manchester is heard. June Trisciani and Dan O’Neil have proven they are those kinds of leaders—grounded, collaborative, and focused on results rather than rhetoric.
June Trisciani has long demonstrated a deep commitment to the city she calls home. Her past service as Alderman At-Large and her leadership on the Heritage Commission, Planning Board, and now the Zoning Board reflect a thoughtful approach to growth and development—one that balances progress with preservation. She listens, studies the details, and always seeks public input before decisions are made. June believes government works best when residents are part of the process, not left out of it.
Dan O’Neil has spent decades serving Manchester with dedication and integrity. His deep understanding of city government and his record of helping residents cut through red tape or solve real problems speak volumes about his approach. Whether supporting working families, advocating for seniors, or ensuring safe, well-maintained public spaces, Dan has been a steady, reliable advocate for the people of Manchester.
What stands out most about June and Dan is how they lead—with heart and with clarity. They aren’t interested in political games or grandstanding. They believe in collaboration over confrontation and in doing the hard, often unglamorous work of local government: fixing roads, maintaining services, managing budgets responsibly, and making sure city decisions reflect the needs of all residents.
Manchester is a diverse and growing city facing real challenges—affordable housing, infrastructure, economic opportunity, and public safety among them. Meeting those challenges requires leaders who can listen, build bridges, and find common ground. June Trisciani and Dan O’Neil understand that leadership is about partnership, not partisanship.
Independent voters, in particular, know the importance of thoughtful, balanced leadership. Many of us are less concerned with labels and more focused on outcomes—wanting to see a city that works for everyone, regardless of background or political affiliation. June and Dan embody that spirit. They put community first and politics second.
When I think about the kind of Manchester I want for the future—one that is welcoming, well-run, and full of opportunity—I know it will take leaders like June Trisciani and Dan O’Neil to help get us there. They have both the experience and the temperament to keep our city moving forward.
On November 4, let’s choose leadership that unites us. Vote June Trisciani and Dan O’Neil for Alderman At-Large—because when they lead, Manchester moves forward together.

Michael Lopez is a retired U.S. Army Veteran of the Vietnam War and he served as a Parks and Recreation Commissioner for 18 years. He also served as an Alderman for the City of Manchester for 12 years (8 of those years as Chairman of the Board of Alderman).
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