GNAT TV Candidate Statement
Hello Manchester.
My name is Jonathan West, and I'm thrilled to announce my candidacy for the Manchester Selectboard's 2-year seat.
Now, you might wonder, "Why am I running?" And the answer is DEEPLY personal.
I’m a father to four incredible children and a proud 10th-generation resident of Manchester.
My journey, shaped by our local schools - MEMS, BBA, and UVM has taught me the importance of being connected and committed to the community.
My PROFOUND love for our town has driven me to make this commitment to Manchester to help address our challenges and build a future that reflects the values we strive for as a family and community.
I'm UNWILLING to accept the idea of ANYONE being priced out of the community they call home.
I want Manchester to be a place where housing constraints don't limit our dreams of living, working, and thriving.
HOUSING
Solving the housing crisis in Manchester is not JUST a policy goal for me; it's a PERSONAL mission.
Day after day, I see folks struggling to find housing, forcing AMAZING people to move, sometimes far away, to find a home. We must do better.
We need a multifaceted approach that creates housing opportunities ACROSS the entire price spectrum, especially for our teachers, skilled tradespeople, service industry workers, and healthcare professionals. We MUST prioritize those who serve our greater community's constantly growing needs.
We should explore innovative solutions, such as mixed-income housing developments and revitalizing underutilized spaces.
Creating a housing trust fund will enable MORE local people to become homeowners and end generational housing insecurity for many of our most vulnerable residents.
And we can and we will create a sustainable housing future, that MAINTAINS Manchester’s unique character we hold so dearly. But to be successful, we must collectively recognize this critical need, respectfully hear each other’s concerns, and actively work together to build a community where everyone has a chance to thrive.
EQUITY
I carry the vision of a Manchester where EVERY resident's needs are at the forefront.
We MUST craft a new town plan that prioritizes EVERY resident by making our government and its decisions more accessible than ever.
Not everyone can attend town meetings, and we must break down those barriers, ensuring that every voice, especially those who can't be physically present, are heard and valued.
TRANSPARENCY
Professionally, as a Chief Technology Officer, I understand the power of technology to connect us, and I want to leverage this experience to bring our community closer by addressing the issues we face with consistent communication, including regular short-form videos that will bring greater clarity to all aspects of our town government.
We should ALWAYS know where our elected officials stand on important issues, and I promise to do just that.
We MUST elevate our community dialogue AND our collective understanding of challenging, complex problems.
Real progress happens when we talk face-to-face with civility and respect, qualities we lose in online forums.
We MUST build a stronger relationship between the town and the school district.
We MUST embrace our outdoor recreational opportunities by making a substantial commitment to our environment, one that focuses on preserving our town’s natural beauty.
And we MUST prepare for climate change and its growing effects on all our residents.
I am running for Selectboard to help you realize your dreams and our shared future.
I'm not just running for an office; I'm running for the HEART of Manchester.
Let's build a community where every resident is a valued participant in our shared story.
With your support AND your vote for Selectboard on March 5th, I will dedicate myself to honoring these commitments and the PLEDGE we must make to future generations in Manchester.
To learn more about my campaign or to contact me directly, please visit WestForManchester.com
Thank you, and I look forward to having the opportunity to serve you and our community.
