Re-Elect Manchester Democrats

Election Day is here and it is time for voters to make a decision on who will lead Manchester Boards for the next two years. I believe the choice is clear. We in Manchester have done well under the leadership of Mayor Leo Diana and the Democratic majority on the Board of Directors. Deputy Mayor Jay Moran has made it his business to build consensus on all major issue that the Board has faced including budgets. The Republicans on the Board of Directors have had a voice and have played a part in the decisions that have been made. Under Democratic leadership the Board of Directors have help to grow Main Street, Broad Street has seen progress, and the long range plan discussion for our schools is continuing to be addressed by the SMARTR Committee.

Mayor Leo Diana brings a much needed energy at the helm and listens to the public and tries to do the right thing for Manchester. Deputy Mayor Jay Moran is a consensus builder and works to bring together both sides together on the side of what is best for Manchester and we the citizens. Secretary Lisa O’Neill an Engineer, brings an in depth understanding of Manchester’s infrastructure and a connection to Manchester’s historical enthusiasts. Rudy Kissmann a retired Manchester Fire Marshal, Firefighter and Para-Medic brings an understanding of protective services and a passion for community involvement. Steve Gates is a businessman, sports enthusiast and has championed downtown Main Street. Gates has gone above and beyond to share a vision and work toward Manchester’s future. Paul Rubin has been involved as a leader of Manchester Little League for a long time. Rubin has also been involved with important issues that affect our senior citizens, his perspective would be a welcome addition to the Board.

The Board of Education has had a rough couple of years but has made positive forward momentum that can be maintained. The next Board of Education will be one of the most important Boards that has served in decades. The next Board will receive the report from the SMARTR Committee and needs to put forward the proposals, have an important dialogue with the public and allow the public to make a decision on the future of our schools. It is very important that we set up Mr. Geary, the next Superintendent to succeed, to grow our school district in the direction of preparing our students to be more college and career ready than ever before. In order to accomplish this we need Board of Education Members that have the skill set to move our school system forward. The Democratic Team for the Board of Education has the experience that is needed at this vital time.

Chris Pattacini is a successful businessman also has training in education, he has tried his best to lead during these last few years as the Manchester Public Schools faced and successfully dealt with many issues. Jason Scappaticci coordinates a program at Manchester Community College that prepares High School Graduates from the greater Manchester area to achieve in college. Jason works with students that have to overcome challenges in order to access college and his understanding is very important to the Board of Education team. Carl Stafford is running for the Board after serving a full term from 2005 – 2008. Carl, a Professor at MCC has been involved with many Manchester volunteer programs and brings much needed experience back to the Board at this critical time. Carl’s last term on the Board, he served tirelessly on our behalf and helped move forward the Highland Park renovations. Darryl Thames is a man of great substance. Darryl’s son went through Manchester Schools and his grandson is now a student at Verplanck. Darryl wants to champion increased parent involvement in their children’s education. Darryl also has experience in Education related finance having worked in both the Hartford and Danbury Public School systems.  Not running this year are Neal Leon a Facilities Manager and Maria Cruz a Supervisor for the Department of Children and Families. Collectively this team has the experience that will best help Manchester's students.

Lastly, when it comes to Boards and Commissions, in the last 4 years the Democratic majority has appointed over 60 Republican and Unaffiliated members of Town Boards and Commission. We will continue to operate in this way.

I ask for your support for the entire Democratic Team on Tuesday, November 5th.