Jessica Spillers

Nonpartisan

Fully Fund Public Education-We have kicked the can too far down the road. A tax cap budget on a previously underfunded budget doesn't add up. We need to put our money where our mouth is and invest in public education.

Fund the Dept. of Public Works-The Dept. of Public Works provides valuable services for our every day citizens (trash removal, snow removal, maintenance of parks and facilities, etc.). Currently under-staffed and under-paid, we don't just need these services, we appreciate them, too!

Encourage Parental Involvement-It's been proven that when parents are involved, students do better. Parents should feel empowered to advocate for their child's needs and participate in their public school experience (volunteering, attending PTA meetings, chaperoning field trips, etc.).

Support the Homeless Engagement Center-There will always be homeless, but we should strive as a community for that period of time in someone's life to be as brief and limited as possible. The Homeless Engagement Center provides a central location for people to receive the supports and resources they need to regain control over their lives.

Prepare Locally for Anticipated Needs-Let's be real. The Feds are making cuts to public education and so is the State. Those needs will fall on local government to fill; we need someone forward thinking to anticipate when and how to do that.

Encourage Transitional Housing-People need help. Sometimes, jumping straight into traditional housing isn't the best next step. We need more transitional housing for folks moving out of homelessness or rehab to get a roof over their heads and the supports they need to succeed.

Explore a Senior Housing Trust Fund-Other cities have done it, and we can, too. A Senior Housing Trust Fund would enable those on a fixed income to not fear being taxed out of their homes by enabling the city to cover any property tax increases. This is something we must explore.

Develop Manchester City Housing-Let's build houses! Rather than auctioning off homes or lots, let's build housing where the City gets to decide the details, instead of the developers.