Though the results were not as we would have hoped, the Democrats fought a tough battle, based on issues and on their accomplishments. Kevin Zingler, Lisa O'Neill, Dave Sheridan and John Topping will continue to work hard over the next two years to Move Manchester Forward.
Congratulations to Lou Spadacinni, Matt Peak, Cheri Pelletier, Jeff Beckman and Mark Tweedie on a well run campaign.
Many thanks go out from the candidates to all their volunteers for their countless sacrifices and endless commitment to the values of the Democratic Party. An additional showing of gratitude must be extended to Chairman Ted Cummings for his unwavering leadership throughout. I have no doubt that in two years the Democrats will once again earn the support of Manchester's residents and be returned to the majority.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Monday, November 5, 2007
GO VOTE!!
Tomorrow is Election Day and the polls open at 6am. If you need a ride to the polls or have questions about your polling location, please contact the Democratic Town Headquarters at 432-8561.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
New Voting Procedure
Below is a video produced by the Secretary of State's office regarding the new optical voting machines.
Stafford on CNN Headline News
In response to Steve Edwards' proposal on grading parents, Democratic Board of Education member Carl Stafford appearened on CNN Headlines News last week in opposition to the program.
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Keep Moving Forward
As we quickly approach Tuesday, it's time to seriously consider the bold leadership and experience that is necessary to continue Moving Manchester Forward over the next two years.
The last two years have produced 144 Accomplishments, including reduced crime, preserved open space, increased efforts to enforce property maintenance, sucessful school construction projects, a new ethics code, and countless other achievements - all due to the efforts of the Democratic team.
Moreover, throughout the campaign, the Republicans have been devoid of substance, instead offering misleading rhetoric and failing to offer one substantive policy initative, preferring to remain ambiguous. Manchester needs experience. Manchester needs real solutions and real answers. There is no question that the Democrats provide the necessary leadership and experience that Manchester demands.
For example, it was the Democrats who proposed the Bi-Partisan School Renovation Committee. They have acknowledged the need to develop a comprehensive plan of attack; one that fully explains what needs to be done and how much it is going to cost the taxpayers. We have also seen a firm commitment to seeing the Spruce Street Youth Center to completion - the benefits of which are obvious. We have also witnessed Geoff Luxenberg, a candidate for the Board of Education, propose the creation of an Achievement Gap Taskforce, responsible for developing real and smart solutions to elevate student achievement in Manchester.
On Tuesday, it is important to remember that Manchester needs decisive leaders. Leaders who will govern according to what is best for Manchester; tackling the issues head on and with great resolve. On Tuesday, it is important to remember that Manchester needs to elect a Democratic team that will put progress before politics.
On Tuesday, put Manchester first and vote ROW B.
The last two years have produced 144 Accomplishments, including reduced crime, preserved open space, increased efforts to enforce property maintenance, sucessful school construction projects, a new ethics code, and countless other achievements - all due to the efforts of the Democratic team.
Moreover, throughout the campaign, the Republicans have been devoid of substance, instead offering misleading rhetoric and failing to offer one substantive policy initative, preferring to remain ambiguous. Manchester needs experience. Manchester needs real solutions and real answers. There is no question that the Democrats provide the necessary leadership and experience that Manchester demands.
For example, it was the Democrats who proposed the Bi-Partisan School Renovation Committee. They have acknowledged the need to develop a comprehensive plan of attack; one that fully explains what needs to be done and how much it is going to cost the taxpayers. We have also seen a firm commitment to seeing the Spruce Street Youth Center to completion - the benefits of which are obvious. We have also witnessed Geoff Luxenberg, a candidate for the Board of Education, propose the creation of an Achievement Gap Taskforce, responsible for developing real and smart solutions to elevate student achievement in Manchester.
On Tuesday, it is important to remember that Manchester needs decisive leaders. Leaders who will govern according to what is best for Manchester; tackling the issues head on and with great resolve. On Tuesday, it is important to remember that Manchester needs to elect a Democratic team that will put progress before politics.
On Tuesday, put Manchester first and vote ROW B.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Bond Questions
A recent article in the JI caught my attention, and has prompted this post.
On Tuesday, voters will have the responsibility to vote for two bond questions, one for school improvements and the other for public works projects.
The school improvements question provides for $2.47 million (of which $657,000 is expected to be reimbursed by state grants) in upgrades and infrastructural improvements, including:
On Tuesday, voters will have the responsibility to vote for two bond questions, one for school improvements and the other for public works projects.
The school improvements question provides for $2.47 million (of which $657,000 is expected to be reimbursed by state grants) in upgrades and infrastructural improvements, including:
- $400,000 to reconfigure the bus loop at Buckley Elementary School;
- $710,000 to replace windows at Illing Middle School;
- $532,000 for a new roof and installation of HVAC modifications at Martin Elementary School;
- $500,000 for new furniture at Manchester High School;
- $280,000 to repave the bus loop at Keeney Street School;
- $47,500 for debt management.
Also, $100,000 left over from the 2001 bond question will be used to correct the moisture problem at Highland Park School. The Bi-Partisan School Renovation Committee will then examine more extensive upgrades at Highland and Verplank and (hopefully) prepare a sprint referendum question, and then redefine the process for renovating the 8 remaining schools.
The public works referendum question allocates $5.9 million (sadly, much less than is actually needed, but the Democratic Directors recognized Manchester's ability - and willingness - to pay) to the following:
- $1.18 million for sidewalk replacement and extensions;
- $250,000 for curb replacements;
- $400,000 for bridge repairs (on Hartford Road and Summit Street);
- $250,000 for drainage repairs;
- $750,000 for work in the West Side Neighborhood;
- $60,000 for debt management.
The bond questions received universal approval by the Board of Directors and should be marked "YES" on Election Day.
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