Paul Hamill Returns to Manchester Alderman Race

Former Ward 1 Alderman and current Manchester resident Paul Hamill is again running for alderman. Hamill is up against current Ward 1 Alderman Bob Tullock for his seat.

Hamill moved to Manchester in 2001. Shortly after, a retainer wall was being built for the Shop 'n Save on Highway 141 and Big Bend Road, which Hamill said affected many residents in his ward. Hamill said the residents were never informed of the construction, which made him want to start getting involved with the local government and attend board of aldermen meetings.

From the beginning, he said he felt his interests as a resident were not being represented at the board meetings.

“That's what first got me involved, going to the board and working with the city," Hamill said. 

Hamill was alderman from 2008-2010, originally running against Bob Tullock in 2008, but Tullock was disqualified because he was also running for mayor. Alderman Hal Roth then filed and replaced Tullock in the race and Hamill ran against Roth in that election and won. Hamill beat Roth in 2008, but then lost his seat to Roth in 2010, and now he's ready to get back on the ballot again.

He said it's about helping residents.

“I enjoyed doing it,” Hamill said. “It's a way to have a say on what’s going on in the community. Were there parts that I didn't like? Sure. Going to board meetings that are going to be contentious, it can be draining. But, overall, it was a great experience.”

Hamill said his experience as a lawyer will be a great asset to the board.

“Part of the job of being a lawyer is also finding ways to solve problems,” Hamill explained.  “You are trying to help clients solve different problems that they come up with, and so, I think that comes in very handy in being an alderman. As an alderman, you are trying to find different creative solutions to solving problems. Having someone who has dealt with businesses and interactions with governments is a helpful perspective that is not currently on the board.”

There are many different issues Hamill said he would like the city to work on, rather than focusing on what he calls “non issues.”

 “How to get streets repaired, how to take care of storm-water problems, that sidewalks are being built— those are the issues residents care about,” Hamill said. “They don't care who the president of the board is.”

As far as Manchester's economic condition, Hamill said the city has been fiscally conservative over the years and has saved up enough money to start working on important projects. He said he does not think the city has engaged in any deficit spending.

“If you have 10 million in the bank and you have revenues of 5 milion during the year and you say, I am going to spend 6 million, I don't consider that deficit spending,” Hamill said. “Deficit spending to me is spending more money than you have, and clearly, that is not the case.”

Hamill said he would like to end all the in fighting on the board so that the board can focus in making the city appealing to businesses and residents.

“I think if you have been paying attention, and you have seen all the negative publicity, and if you have gone to a board meeting and realized something needs to change, here's the opportunity to vote for progress,” Hamill said.