Politics & Government

Meet Stephen Gates, Democratic Candidate For the Manchester Board of Directors

Learn about this candidate for the Manchester Board of Directors.

Full name: Stephen Gates

Education (colleges/degrees): BA Mathematics, Eastern Connecticut State University.

Work: Aetna, Mergers and Acquisitions Integration, Senior Business Consultant.    

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Why do you want to be on the Manchester Board of Directors? Re-election to the Board of Directors would provide me an opportunity to continue working on the important challenges facing the community.  As a member of the SMARTR Committee I pledge to maintain our focus on the challenges facing Manchester’s schools.  In partnership with the Board of Education and the community, we need to develop a cost effective strategic vision and tactical plan for the years ahead.   I also look forward to continuing our work with the Redevelopment Agency and the community to realize the immense potential of Broad Street.  I will continue my advocacy for health and wellness initiatives, including the development of enhanced indoor athletic facilities in Manchester.  Finally, it’s been a pleasure for me to be one of the community leaders focused on revitalizing our beautiful and historic Main Street.  As Chair of Imagine Main Street, I firmly believe our commitment to Arts and Cultural activities will continue contributing to the economic development of the downtown district.  There are other challenges facing us as well and I hope I have earned your vote to represent you for another term as we face these challenges together.

What experience do you bring to the table? Professionally, I offer over 30 years of experience in private sector business with a strong financial background and strong project leaderships skills.  I served on several boards and commissions, including the Golf Course Oversight Committee, the Ethics Commission and Advisory Recreation and Parks Commission.  I served 5 years (2007 to 2011) as President of the PTSA at Manchester High School.  For the past 18 months, I have been the Chair of Imagine Main Street.

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What do you think the town's most pressing issue is? We need to determine the balance between effective management of tax rates/bonding and the need for ongoing incremental investment in our infrastructure and our schools.  Maintenance of town services, continuous infrastructure investment and executing on a clear vision for our schools are extremely important to ours and future generations.  We’ll need to insure that the community is well engaged in helping us determine that balance.

What do you love most about Manchester? Manchester has so many wonderful qualities.  The sense of community and volunteerism are the characteristics I admire and enjoy.  There are so many examples.  Whether it’s the First Thursday events sponsored by Imagine Main Street, the Manchester Road Race, the successes of our school athletic and academic teams, the many arts & cultural opportunities or, more recently, the community response to the fire on Main Street, our sense of community is strong.  Our emergency response and services are second to none.

What do you like to do for fun? Spending time with my daughters, Rachel and Samantha, is at the top of my list.  I still enjoy running, although more recreationally than competitively these days.  I am also thoroughly enjoying the increased focus on arts and culture downtown.  

How can residents keep up with you? sgates@manchesterct.gov or give me a call at 860-306-2104.  I look forward to hearing from you.



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