Occupation: Retired Manchester public school counselor, 40 years; certified school counselor and principal.
Education: BA from Westfield State College, master of education from Northeastern University;CAGS from Rivier University; trained as an teacher mentor through UNH; Holocaust Fellow from the Cohen Center at Keene State.
How long have you lived in Manchester? I moved to Manchester in 1981.
Fun Facts, hobbies, past times: I am a lifelong union member. I love to read and listen to music, especially classic rock and the blues. My favorite thing to do is to have friends over to the house and to cook a meal for them and share stories.
Why should someone vote for you? (i.e. – what’s your “elevator pitch” when talking to voters?)
I am running because I see a void in consistent representation for my ward. The voices of ALL residents in this ward are not heard and reflected. The color of my campaign is purple for a reason: when one mixes red and blue, it becomes purple. As Alderman, I will represent every voice and concern, even when opinions differ. I am also running because for 40+ years, I served the city through my position as a school counselor. That level of care and dedication does not stop at retirement but rather, for me, opens up this opportunity to continue to serve my community.
If elected, what steps would you endorse to address the issue of homelessness in the city?
The issues for unsheltered people are layered. The immediate need for affordable housing is evident and pressing. The Beech Street shelter is an example of moving forward in the right direction and potentially needs to be a year-round site supported with private and public money. As the weather improves, we will see more unsheltered folks on our streets and embankments, and their life needs will continue to impact not only them, but also our community. The needs continue to be multi-faceted, and our responses need to be focused on providing all the services needed to support folks to have sustainable shelter and having needed and desired services accessible to them.
The goal is to build resiliency so that individuals and families can move through difficult personal times and situations and become productive members of our city. We need to work together for short-term and long-term programming and solutions. We can never do enough as a community to support people who have life compromising situations. The city is making great strides, utilizing collaborative efforts, to establish a robust response to the multiple and layered needs of our homeless population. Homelessness is not a unique concern that only Manchester is facing. We need to continue to collaborate across the state, and region, to implement interventions that will maximize our services to assist, intervene and to minimize the persons and families currently unhoused.
If elected, what steps would you endorse to address the issue of housing costs?
To address affordable housing for a wide spectrum of people, we need a multi-tiered approach that meets the diverse needs of our community. This includes expanding affordable housing options for low-income families, investing in transitional housing that offers stability and support for individuals moving from homelessness or other vulnerable situations, and ensuring that there are enough affordable units for the elderly who may be on fixed incomes. By integrating mixed-income housing projects, creating incentives for developers to build affordable units, and providing funding for rent subsidies or housing vouchers, we can create a range of housing options that provide security for all—from those just starting out to those in need of long-term care. Collaboration with nonprofit organizations, local businesses, and community leaders will be essential to ensure these solutions are both effective and inclusive.
If elected, what steps would you endorse to address the issue of attracting and retaining quality city employees?
As alderman, I would focus on creating a work environment where city employees feel valued, supported, and inspired to stay long-term. This starts with offering competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including mental health support and retirement planning, to ensure that employees are taken care of both professionally and personally. I’d also prioritize career development opportunities through training programs, mentorships, and pathways for advancement, so employees feel they have room to grow and contribute meaningfully. Additionally, fostering a culture of inclusion, transparency, and recognition—where the hard work and dedication of city employees are regularly acknowledged would build pride in their roles and keep morale high. By investing in our workforce, we not only attract top talent but also create an environment where people want to stay and make a difference to our city.
What is your perspective on the city’s roads, transit system and parking? If you believe improvement is needed, how would you accomplish that?
As Alderman, I would make infrastructure a top priority, because safe and well-maintained roads are essential for both residents and local businesses. I would push for a clear, transparent plan that prioritizes filling potholes and repairing roads based on need, traffic volume, and safety concerns—rather than politics. I’d advocate for using the city’s budget efficiently, making sure taxpayer dollars are invested directly into visible improvements like street paving, sidewalk repairs, and drainage fixes. I would also work to secure state and federal grants that could help stretch our local dollars further. Finally, I’d keep residents informed about repair timelines and ensure there’s an easy way for people to report potholes and track progress. Reliable infrastructure is the backbone of a thriving city, and I’d make sure our neighborhoods get the attention they deserve.
What is your opinion on the city’s parks, library and entertainment offerings/public events? If improvement is needed, what should be done?
Our city is fortunate to have an excellent public library that serves as a cornerstone of learning, connection, and opportunity for residents of all ages. As Alderman, I would support expanding community events and program offerings such as educational workshops, cultural activities, job training resources, and family-friendly gatherings so the library can continue to be not only a place to read and learn, but also a true hub for community engagement and growth.
What is your opinion on the city’s policies regarding property taxes and other fees (i.e. – pet licenses, parking meters, etc.)
We need to do a much better job in being transparent with our taxpayers about how their money is being spent, what are the available services and programs and how to access them, and to have the difficult conversations about how to move Manchester forward while we balance the growing burden on homeowners, renters and business owners. A focus on economic growth moves us forward. The ability to fund sustainable programs, services and our workforce is tied to our ability to strengthen our tax base. Bringing small and large businesses to Manchester is an essential key to this growth.
A part of a thriving community is our ability to offer opportunities and encouragement for our young people to access training and to go into sustainable career paths that we need, and can expand, in Manchester. Jobs in technology, environmental services, green technologies, public safety (fire and police), public service and public education all need to be elevated as pathways that are possible, and available to our younger population. To accomplish this, it is critical that we focus on affordable housing and daycare solutions that attract people to live, work, and play in Manchester. Like many other areas in the city, Ward 6 has a generational base and feel, and I will continue to encourage young families to adopt Ward 6 as home, just as I have. I will work closely with the Economic Development Office to support their work and to share the thoughts, concerns and suggestions of the residents in Ward 6.
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?
In many ways, Manchester is thriving. I am excited to see the growth and scope of businesses on Elm Street and the downtown area. Currently there is a wide array of opportunities to enjoy fine arts, performing arts, restaurants, and small retail businesses for Manchester residents and visitors alike. In and around Ward 6, we have many businesses that have been operating for many years that afford the city long-term revenue. There are also numerous continuing and new small businesses in the area that provide the feel of neighborhood while adding to the revenue base. We need to work with the appropriate city departments to strengthen and streamline the procedures to open a small business in a timely manner. We want Manchester to continue to grow and thrive through the support of opening small businesses throughout the city. We need to strengthen, and lift up, the work of the Manchester Economic Development Office as they work diligently to promote Manchester as a welcoming community that supports small and large businesses making Manchester their home.
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?
As an Alderman, I will request to be appointed as a member of the joint ad hoc Education Committee to lend my knowledge and voice about public education in Manchester. Actively engaging and elevating the voice of students, parents and families in the education system is a critical piece of satisfaction in how we are educating the youth of today and the adults of tomorrow. Many of our school facilities are not only aging but are functioning past their life expectancy. Our ability to support our public schools needs to be structured in a manner that has an eye to the future- for programming, attracting and retaining staff in all job categories, continuing to implement energy efficiencies, and responsible funding and financial distribution. I worked in our public school system for 40+ years and cherish every moment of those experiences. Overall, our staff and leadership are extraordinary and the number of staff that continue to commit to serving our students is unparalleled. We continue to have a lot of work to do but I believe that the public schools in Manchester are moving in the right direction.
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?
Call me at 603-289-1111 or email mmosley929@comcast.net