Ward 10

Alderman

Bill Barry (incumbent), 59, is a college graduate and works in law enforcement.

What qualifies you to hold this office? Six years as an Elected Alderman in Ward 10, 40 Years of volunteering in the Manchester community, numerous boards of directors, constituent service.List specific ways you will engage with your ward constituents, including one initiative to improve the quality of life for residents of your ward.I have had the honor to work for all of the residents in Ward 10 for the past 6 years. It is important to me that they get the best representation possible. I have fielded over 3000 phone calls and emails during my tenure as Alderman. I make sure that all of those communications are taken care of as quickly as possible. I get results!!!Identify the biggest economic opportunities/challenges for the city and provide at least one initiative you would propose to improve economic development.We have a very robust mill yard and airport. It is important that we promote our city for all of its qualities. We need to continue to make sure that we have housing available for those that choose to live, work and stay in our great city.A large company is planning to move to Manchester, what would be your top three selling points?We have the best teachers in the state here in Manchester. Our airport is making it easier for all of our visitors and business leaders to have easy access. We are continuing to invest and improve our infrastructure.What is the single-most important step we as a city can take to move the needle on homelessness?It is important that the State of NH properly funds our city if they expect us to address the opioid problem for everyone throughout our state. This is one big reason that we are seeing so many homeless in our city. We cannot afford to continue to be the outlet for everyone.Concord NH this year established an Energy and Environment Committee which has drafted a strategic plan to have Concord get all of its energy from renewable sources by 2050. Is this something you feel Manchester should consider? Why or why not?The city of Manchester considered solar energy in 2014 at the location of the former city landfill but it was shot down by the state of NH. It was unfortunate because the city would have definitely benefited.

Raymond R. Hebert, 59, is vice president at Longchamps Electric.

Click here to see his web page.

What qualifies you to hold this office?I work for a company that has been in business for 45 years and employs 140 employees. I have the business experience and the knowledge to run a company and work within a budget. I have served on many boards in the past, several sports boards when my children were young , was a NH State Representative, Past President of the ECBA, Pass member of City Manchester Board of Appeals, Past Chairman of the City of Manchester Highway Department, Currently on the Board of Real-Estate for the Diocese, MIRT Board for the State of NH. The experience that I will bring to the board is the ability to work with everybody and leave politics aside.List specific ways you will engage with your ward constituents, including one initiative to improve the quality of life for residents of your ward.I will return all phone calls and will continue to walk the ward and chat with folks. The main goal will to provide the resources to make sure that we put more policeman on the force to help with crime and safety issues for our residents.Identify the biggest economic opportunities/challenges for the city and provide at least one initiative you would propose to improve economic development.As a current member of the Planning Board we need to provide the best opportunity to bring companies into this city. The current BOA passed an assessment tax, citywide for schools and the fire department which is another way to tax these owners. We must repeal this tax to bring in more opportunities for investors and developers.A large company is planning to move to Manchester, what would be your top three selling points?I would push the fact how great our public-school system is, also the fact that we have great venues in our downtown area, and we have fine dining restaurants in the downtown area all within walking distance.What is the single-most important step we as a city can take to move the needle on homelessness?We first have to admit we have a problem with homelessness, then we need to work with all city departments and the government on how we address the issue, and then how we solve it.Concord NH this year established an Energy and Environment Committee which has drafted a strategic plan to have Concord get all of its energy from renewable sources by 2050. Is this something you feel Manchester should consider? Why or why not?It is a great idea, however unless we provide a windmill farm, or a large Solar Array Farm bigger than the old dump site on Dumbarton Road, it is just not possible. We could use solar or wind but, in my opinion, it is not enough to cover all of our needs. We could buy from other towns or city’s that would have excess power.

Board of School Committee

John Avard (incumbent) 51, is a self-employed chiropractor.

What will you do to get an agreement on a teachers’ contract?

Teachers need to be offered a fair and sustainable wage. This needs to be offset by the teachers agreeing to the same insurance provisions that the other unions have agreed to. All other points of contention between the two negotiation groups can be put aside for now in the interest of a speedy resolution.The state has sent $20.8M in one-time funding to the city. How would you propose spending that money?Since this is all one-time money, it cannot reasonably be used for recurring expenses, like salaries. Much of it is earmarked for capital improvements, which we have a very long list that is re-prioritized each year. The balance would be best used on curriculum development and technological upgrades.A young family is considering a move to Manchester, what would be your top three selling points?Despite commonly repeated rumors, Manchester schools offer great, diverse educational opportunities to our students, as well as top-notched performing arts and athletic programs.What is the most important step the Board of School Committee can take to immediately improve all schools?We need to adopt uniform curriculum programs in all core subjects that aligns education from K to grade 12.

Jane E. Beaulieu, 65, works for the Currier Museum after founding the first-day spa in NH.

What qualifies you to hold this office? Manchester native, volunteered in our Manchester Schools, State Legislator for 13 years representing the West Side, mother of a Manchester School graduate. I owned and managed a local business. I have served on several local nonprofit boards and currently serve on two State Study Commissions.What will you do to get an agreement on a teachers’ contract?Support the teachers. Bring all parties together. Inform the residents of Manchester that without a contract supporting the needs of our educators many more great teachers will leave the Manchester school system to work outside the city for better pay.The state has sent $20.8M in one-time funding to the city. How would you propose spending that money?As a state legislator, I will vote for continued financial support from the state to help give tax relief to Manchester homeowners. The school board along with teachers and school administrators should develop a plan together to spend the money where it is needed. Maybe a teachers’ contract. This may not be onetime funds.A young family is considering a move to Manchester, what would be your top three selling points?Manchester has a strong business community, excellent parks and nature trails and our excellent cultural opportunities. We must continue to fully fund our schools and support our teachers so that schools will be the number one selling point.What is the most important step the Board of School Committee can take to immediately improve all schools?A change on the school board. The board should and must believe in a public education system.How can MSD and the community work together to prepare today’s first-graders for a 2032 economy?Fully fund all-day kindergarten.