Don Ryan Runs for Fifth Term as Ward 3 Alderman

Ward 3 Alderman Don Ryan has served on the Manchester Board of Aldermen for four terms. Ryan said he has enjoyed every one of those years, despite of some of the difficulties the city has encountered. 

“Since the first year it has been rather awesome,” Ryan said. “I have learned a lot.”

This year, Ryan is running against John Schrader in the April 5 election.

Ryan has lived in the same home for 34 years, however, it was only annexed into the city of Manchester nine years ago. He worked in the electrical engineering field for 40 years and now works as a consultant in the industry. He said, however, his most important duty is as an alderman.

“I have never missed a meeting,” Ryan said proudly of his eight years in office.

This year, after receiving some criticism from residents at board meetings for not passing the city budget, Ryan eventually voted to pass the budget in February. The city began the new year without passing the budget. Ryan said he wanted to make sure the city spent its money wisely and that's why he held out on approving it, even thought the budget did not drastically change from the December version to the February version.

“I would never vote for a budget that is out of balance,” Ryan said. “I think we should submit balanced budgets.”

Ryan, however, also said there are many city projects that need be worked on and he said the city's numerous storm water projects should be a priority. Ryan supports the board investing money in those projects, which it is doing.

“We have a lot of problems in the city that have to be addressed,” Ryan said. “As far as I am concerned, we can spend every dime that we bring in, so long as we don't exceed that figure.”

Although he thinks Manchester's economy is stable, Ryan said he promises voters he will be careful with using their tax dollars.

“I am a person who lives on a fix income and knows how to manage it,” Ryan said. “A city's finances should be managed that way. I vote to keep the budget in line and I will be willing to forego projects for a later time when the money is available.”

Ryan said he would like to see less arguing among board members. He said because of the arguing there is not much being accomplished right now.

“There's always been some dissenting views,” Ryan said. “It's never been everybody agreeing with everything that is going on, but it has gotten to a point that it is acrimonious, and I am hopeful that the next term will be less divisive. I can't read other people's minds.”