Manchester Republicans: Ready to Lead, Ready to Act, Ready to Serve

Coming down to the final hours before Election Day, Manchester voters have been given an opportunity to choose between a group of fine concerned citizens from both parties. The essence of this campaign has never been about personal attacks or derogatory statements against character, and we should all be proud of the way in which we’ve put democracy into action. What we have is a choice between two very different schools of thought and I would urge you all to give the Republican candidates of Row B a close look and your support.

The Manchester Republicans are honored to re-nominate two incumbents who have played a major role in the progress we’ve seen in Manchester since 2007. Mark Tweedie and Cheri Pelletier have played pivotal roles in addressing blight throughout town, maintaining a tax level as low as possible to help make living in Manchester better than a constant financial struggle, and have loudly supported redevelopment of the Parkade through support of the 2009 Parkade Referendum and expansion of the Redevelopment Agency. They’ve driven proposals to create an environment that welcomes job growth without unnecessary and stifling regulation by repealing the Living Wage Ordinance. However, their work continues.

Susan Holmes and Dennis Brenner are two well-experienced public servants and volunteers who have made reasoned debate and close analysis of policy decisions the cornerstones of their service. Sue has a history of serving the families of Manchester through her time on the Board of Education – including a turn as Board Chairwoman. She has also championed housing issues in our town to ensure that Manchester continues to be an area where people of all financial backgrounds can call home. Dennis Brenner has stepped up when Manchester has needed him most. Heeding the call, Dennis took an appointed position on the Board of Directors and immediately began his quest to control spending to more realistic levels. He fights for a 0 percent budget increase because he knows that Manchester families are seeing their own salaries either stagnate or decline. Dennis has asked, “If families must do with less, then why is the town any different?”

The new faces and ideas of Kim Mencarini and Bill Johnson join this mix of proven experience. Kim’s roots run deep in Manchester with some of her fondest memories including a job at Marlow’s on Main Street. She is supported by her husband of 15 years, active Navy serviceman Dave Mencarini. Kim’s focus on the next Board of Directors will, in part, center on bolstering the town’s youth and recreation programs. She truly feels that the best way to prepare for a bright future in Manchester is to provide its children with an active and enriching childhood. In addition, helping start the Manchester Sentinals Pop Warner youth football program, Kim has been driven to improve the literacy of Manchester youth through her active support of the United Way “Read Through Grade 3 program.” She has her eyes on building a firm foundation for future Manchester generations. 

Bill Johnson provides a perspective from the business world that seeks to zero in on getting the job creation engine revving to life in Manchester. Learning in part from the great example provided by his father at the Savings Bank of Manchester and through his Dad’s numerous other involvements, Bill’s aim is to see the Parkade property brought back to the thriving center it once was. He understands that businesses will not be brought back to Manchester with a simple “wait and see” attitude. 

With a vigorous redevelopment of the Parkade, Bill envisions a community that relies more on what Manchester has to offer, and not with other communities can provide. The athletic complex proposals for the Parkade are but one piece of the Republican vision for Manchester. Drawing youth activities back into town will save money and allow our children to develop closer to home without having to spend large amounts of time traveling to Tolland, East Windsor, Bolton, or other areas.  Bill will certainly make it his mission to provide the Redevelopment Agency with all the support needed to make a new Manchester a reality. 

I ask you all to support these fine fellow Manchester residents when you head to the polls on November 8. The Republican slate has the proven experience, selfless dedication, and fresh voices needed to address a very difficult economy. We pledge a Board of Directors that will follow in the path of respect and dignity that Mayor Lou Spadaccini has provided. We refuse to sit still and not rock the boat in an effort to appear cooperative. A new Republican Majority will make the rejuvenation of our town our central principle and we are confident in the future of Manchester.