Meet the Candidates: Michael W. Crockett

Name: Michael W Crockett

Age: 58

Party, Position Seeking: Republican running for the Board of Education.

Family information: Married 31 years to Linda R. Crockett; daughter Brynn Son Jed.        

Occupation: Real Estate Broker, Crockett Agency 244 Main St. Manchester.

Political Experience: Five years Manchester Board of Education.

Other Experience: Planning and Zoning three years; Housing Commission two years.

Why did you run for office? I believe in public education. I sent my children to MHS and I think a diverse real world education is a requirement for success later in life. Manchester schools are fine but they could always use some improvements just like any other school district. That is why I choose to run. To make them even better. 

If elected, what would be your primary areas of focus?  

I will continue to bring a non-partisan common sense approch to the BOE. A great person once said BOE is made up of idealist and realist.  I hope I am a realist. I never complained about funding allotted from the town. It is my job to use the allotted money wisely to benefit the students of Manchester.

What do you feel is the biggest issue facing Manchester today? 

Beside the obvious of test scores and closing the achievement gap, I feel the physical buildings need to be examined for safety and practicality. That is why I proposed a Blue Ribbon committee to research education trends and to make a Comprehensive Educational Plan for the future. It would be very similar to the Redevelopment Committee for the Parkade with town leaders and staff. So if for example they say the Town would be better off with five elementary schools rather than 10 the Plan would identify which schools would need to be closed as well as what schools would need to be opened and expanded. With that type of knowledge we won’t spend money fixing schools that are not in the long term plan. 

What skills do you have that you could bring to the community?  

I have been involved in local sports for the past 40 years. I have been a successful AAU basketball Coach. I have been a President of the Manchester Board of Realtors. Presently, I am President of the British American Club, a fraternal social club. I am a good listener, something that is lacking in all government, as well as a decent communicator. I bring common sense with realistic expectations. I am easily approachable and always willing to talk and like the late, great Howard Cosell I will “tell it like it is.”