Letter to the Editor: Jonathan West for Selectboard

As the most recent former chair of the Planning Commission, I’ve seen how the proverbial sausage is made in Manchester town government.

The Selectboard is the group of (typically) elected representatives responsible for developing the town’s vision for its future, while the Planning Commission’s primary job is to codify this vision in the Town Plan and the Land Use & Development Ordinance. This is a continuous process that requires close collaboration between these two groups. A critical part of this process is strong leadership that anchors the vision. That includes incorporating input from residents, aligning with state law, and honoring traditions while recognizing the need for change and new ideas.

Jonathan West understands the value in that process and how to balance all interests. He has publicly stated his vision in the areas of housing, equity, and transparency, and he has concrete ideas and positions on what actions need to be taken in each of those areas. He has demonstrated the courage to stand behind his convictions and fight to overcome limited, business-as-usual thinking about what Manchester needs to do to remain the stellar community it is. His opponent hasn’t publicly stated her vision for Manchester.

Unlike his opponent, Jonathan does not believe that the Selectboard “…is limited in what it can do to increase workforce housing…” (Manchester Journal, Feb. 1) He believes it should demonstrate the leadership, in both word and deed, to respond to the urgent need to create housing for families who now work here but who cannot live here, like first responders, teachers, town staff, and many of our merchants’ employees. As the person who established the Housing Task Force, I completely agree with him. The Selectboard has not been proactive on this issue and should do more to make progress on affordable housing than it is doing or apparently believes.

Publicly available meeting minutes from the last year show that almost all the Selectboard’s votes on substantial issues were unanimous. How can town government work well for residents if the town’s leaders all think alike? The residents they represent certainly don’t all think the same way. Jonathan has proven that he will speak his mind and defend his position, especially when aligned with residents’ views, even if he’s in the minority when it comes to a Selectboard vote.

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

https://www.manchesterjournal.com/opinion/letters/letter-jonathan-west-for-selectboard/article_5b12f78c-d71e-11ee-afc8-2b54a6b07085.html