We all know this crisis is one of Manchester’s greatest challenges. We experience it daily; it only worsens, and it is time to stop making excuses. That means prioritizing the enforcement of ordinances and providing compassion and effective support for people in Manchester suffering from addiction and mental health problems while increasing our affordable housing stock. 

Our city is fortunate to have so many residents who want to get ahead by working hard and playing by the rules. We need strong economic leadership that expands opportunities across the city, listens and responds to the concerns and needs of small businesses, cuts red tape and bureaucratic bloat, and finally delivers tax relief.

Our economy, social services, schools, and neighborhoods all depend on safety, order, and good behavior. Law-abiding residents are the vast majority in Manchester, and they want swift and certain punishment for criminals who routinely break the law. We must fully fund our police and first responders, back them in their daily performance of dangerous and thankless jobs, and keep gangs and violent criminals locked up and off our streets.

High quality public schools are essential to a thriving city, and our future depends on the success we cultivate in today’s classrooms. Between local, state, and federal funds, we spent roughly $250 million on a little more than 12,000 students this year. The years-long trend we’ve witnessed with enrollment continuing to fall, as spending continues to increase, has not coincided with an increase in student achievement. This trend cannot and must not continue.