Democrats say the Republicans’ actions tell a completely different story from their words
Specifically, on Monday, July 9 at a press conference announcing their intentions to run again in November, the Republican Directors stressed that “quality of life” issues would be a “theme” of their campaign. However, their record shows anything but a commitment to issues that most directly affect the lives of hard-working families and seniors.
Below are examples of efforts by the Board of Directors to improve the quality of life for Manchester residents that Republicans voted against:
- Acquisition of 63 acres of undeveloped farmland on Bush Hill Road. (Action #063-07)
- Providing the funds necessary to construct bathroom facilities for disabled children at the Boundless Playground at Northwest Park. Director Cheri Pelletier ridiculed this particular effort as “pure pork”.
- Additional funds to remove graffiti from Town property. (Action #157-06)
- Additional funding to enforce the property maintenance code. (Action #157-06)
- Allocating $25,000 to study the drainage problems on Gerard Street. (Action #157-06)
- $75,000 in funding for “positive youth development” activities. (Action #156-06)
- Funding for the Memorial Day Parade, the Thanksgiving Road Race, the Lutz Children’s Museum, the Summer Youth Employment Program, North Elm Street Elderly Housing, Nike Tykes Program, the Arts Commission, Channel 16 Public Access TV, and Dial-A-Ride.
Director Dave Sheridan said, “In this business, you have to back up a commitment to quality of life issues with real money. You can’t say you support all the things that make Manchester such a great place to live and then vote to deny the funding that makes those things happen.”
Director Jason Doucette also noted the irony in the fact that the Republican Directors claimed to have been the motivating force behind Manchester’s enrollment in the 20% by 2010 program through Connecticut Innovations, but they voted against funding for the program. (Action #189-07)
“The voters can judge for themselves which party is truly committed to quality of life in Manchester. All they need to do is look at both parties’ voting records,” concluded Director Kevin Zingler.
