Manchester Candidate Q and A: Most Important Issues

Last week, Town and Country - Manchester Patch profiled each of the candidates running for alderman in Town and Country and Manchester. 

This week, we are taking a closer look at the four candidates running for the two open  alderman seats in  Manchester. Patch asked each of the four candidates three questions. Town and Country-Manchester Patch is posting their responses.

Today, we post our second question and the candidates' answers.

What is the most important issue the City of Manchester needs to address right now and what is your solution?

 Answers:

I think there are actually three significant issues that need to be addressed by the city. First, I think the city needs to address the stormwater needs of all the residents who are currently experiencing flooding problems. In Ward 1, there are two separate areas in the Chadwick neighborhood that need to be addressed and that will require the cooperation of residents, city staff and elected officials to resolve. I do not believe that these issues will be resolved overnight but if all involved are willing to work for the best interests of the City, it can be addressed in a timely and responsible manner. A second issue which ties into the stormwater problems is the need for a full-time city engineer. While the city has had Ed Blattner act as both the city administrator and the city engineer, this system is not fair to Mr. Blattner or the residents. With the number of projects the city needs to address, especially the stormwater projects, the city needs a full-time engineer and a full-time administrator.

The third issue is the need for a police chief. The city has been without a police chief for over 18 months and that is not good for the city, for the police department or the residents. My solution is to actually vote, not abstain, on any candidates that Mayor Willson submits to the board of aldermen. I think if all the elected officials on the board vote, it will be very easy to hire a police chief.

-Paul Hamill, alderman candidate Ward 1

-Ward 1 Alderman Bob Tullock did not respond to this question.

The emphasis,  should be to utilize all of our income producing assets, occupying all empty commercial buildings, to maximize our sales tax base, so as not to need to put more tax burden on our citizens.  

-Ward  3 Alderman Don Ryan         

The election of a permanent chief of police is an important, outstanding issue. I would welcome any recommendations from the Mayor and would appreciate the opportunity to vote and resolve this issue.     

-John  Schrader, alderman candidate Ward 3

Check Town and Country - Manchester Patch later this wee for the next candidate Q and A.

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