Jonathan is a 10th-generation resident of Manchester. He was born and raised here, attended MEMS and BBA, and even stayed in the state to earn his degree in music education at UVM. Whether volunteering at bingo nights to spend as much time as possible with his late grandmother, directing his first of 4 Loyalty Day parades at 15 years old, or being the original voice to display the American flags on the utility poles after 9/11 at the age of 19 (he and his dad drove through town and put up the flags themselves), his love for our town has been steadfast and unwavering decades before he declared his candidacy for the Selectboard.

Thomas West
Manchester

Jonathan West is a man of strong ethics, ideas, and knowledge about what Manchester needs to do to sustain itself as a healthy, vibrant community. If you want to live in a town that values all residents’ opinions, works for all residents, looks ahead to an exciting future, and isn’t afraid to work hard to achieve it, then you need to vote for Jonathan West.

Philip Peterson
Manchester

When I read letters of support for Jonathan West for Selectboard that include heads of school (BBA), his teachers from MEMS and the former head of Manchester Parks and Rec, that seals the deal for me. Vote for Jonathan for Selectboard on March 5. He was a young lad when these folks first encountered him. They recognized a unique person then, and all these years later continue to be impressed with Jonathan's many talents. I attended Jonathan and Thomas's book presentation at Northshire Bookstore; their poise, their good humor, and their sincerity were most impressive. Jonathan has returned to the town he loves after experiencing other worlds beyond our town, something that gives him an important perspective when weighing in on town discussions. I can't think of a better person to become an active member of our town's governing body.

Kathe Dillmann
Manchester Center

It is unfortunate that some folks, through comments in letters here or on other platforms, have created an “impression” of the candidates by labeling and categorizing, which is frankly reductive and insulting to them and to us. Let’s get beyond this, and make an informed choice based on facts, not innuendo, the ideas and opinions articulated by the candidates and the public record. Jonathan’s bio and record speaks for itself.

Kathleen O’Reilly
Manchester Center

I’m writing this letter because I want my Daddy to be on the Selectboard. Here are the three reasons why:

1. He knows a lot about the history of Manchester because he was born and raised here.

2. He's a nice person.

3. He’s a very hard worker.

Gracie West, 8 years old
Manchester

I see Jonathan each morning when he drops his children off at preschool and can tell when he's been up all night working or caring for one of his children who had a bad dream. Even with bags under his eyes, he is always full of so much pride and gratitude, and that reflects in his children, who are kind, bright, and full of so much life and wonder.

Casey Czahor
Manchester

I am writing to support Jonathan West's candidacy for Manchester Selectboard. I met Jonathan when he was a middle schooler in 1995 when I began working as a paraeducator in his classroom, working 1:1 with another student at Manchester Elementary-Middle School. What I didn't realize at the time was I was meeting an exceptional young man who would go on to do great things in his life while also playing a significant role in working for me at the Manchester Parks & Recreation Department.

Dan Favreau
Manchester

It is with genuine excitement that I write in support of Jonathan West for Manchester Selectboard. Along with Jonathan, I am a multi-generational Manchester resident. This endorsement comes from a place of friendship and a deep understanding of Jonathan's character and commitment to making our community thrive.

Karli Love
Manchester

I have known Jonathan and his family practically all his life. Jon grew up in this community, went to local schools, and was well respected by both his peers and teachers. Even at MEMS, where I had him as a student, he was a leader, willing to help out in any way he could. He always made positive connections with people. He is thoughtful, willing to listen calmly, and think outside of the box.

Georgeanne E Bonifanti and Jim Church
Manchester