Letter vs. Spirit of the Law
Hello, Everyone:
Over the past two months, it has been such a wonderful experience meeting with so many of you at your homes, events, and even while standing in line at the grocery store. The struggles that so many of you are facing are devastating. And the fact that so many people are unsure if they will be able to continue to call Manchester home is alarming. Day after day, I see folks struggling to find housing, forcing amazing people to move, sometimes far away, to find a home. Hardworking folks are being forced to live in motels to stay in the town they love because there simply is no place for them to live. In a town once considered affordable for teachers, nurses, and first responders, family homes have tripled in value from only a few years ago, many being acquired by investors to turn a profit.
The Selectboard can not wait for "initiatives" to come across their desk before acting on the problems we face as a community. We elect our representatives with the notion that they will do more than wait for ideas to land on their desks. We expect them to bring their own experiences and ideas on how to solve some of our most pressing questions. We must be proactive and move faster to protect our livelihoods and the future of our community. We can, and we must have leaders willing to bring people to the table to help solve these pressing issues.
Some may believe that a selectboard person's job is limited in scope, and their job is to "keep the lights on and potholes filled." While that may be the letter of the law, it is NOT the spirit of the law. As the elected officials for our town, we do have a statutory role in our town's maintenance and operational needs. But, as our town's leaders, we must go beyond the basics of the role and LEAD to build stronger relationships between groups and bring people to the table to help solve our most challenging and pressing issues. I've heard time and time again that our residents do not feel heard; they do not feel seen. Everyone's voice deserves to be heard and valued.
The bottom line is that I am incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication of every person who commits to our community. Our police, fire and rescue, healthcare and social workers, teachers, service workers, and tradespeople keep our town running and healthy. We must do everything in our power (and beyond the walls of our control) to value their commitments to our community.
You have my word that I will be that voice, that connection that helps you realize your dreams and our shared stories as a resident of this fantastic town. It has been my rock since I was born, and nothing will stand in my way to help others feel that same way, too.
Today, you can vote until 2 pm at town hall. Tomorrow, Tuesday, March 5th, is the last day to vote, and the polls are open from 8 am to 7 pm. If you need help getting to the polls or have questions on how to vote, please call me directly at 802-768-7900. It has been an honor to connect with so many of you, and it would be an extreme honor to have your vote for Selectboard.
Thank you,
Jonathan West
