| June 3rd, 2009 It's Official: Gatsas to Run For Mayor MANCHESTER – Alderman and State Sen. Ted Gatsas is making it official: He will run for mayor of Manchester. Gatsas plans to announce his candidacy at a news conference Monday afternoon at City Hall. The Ward 2 Republican said he is "humbled" by the number of people who have encouraged him to run and said his campaign will be about "working together." "We're a community," Gatsas said last night. Gatsas becomes the first Republican to join a race that already includes two Democrats -- Alderman Mark Roy and state Rep. Richard Komi -- and an independent, Glenn Ouellette. Meanwhile, the list of people thinking of throwing their hat in the ring continues to grow. Last night, former state Sen. Bobby Stephen said he has been mulling it over. "I've just been listening to people that have been encouraging me, but I haven't decided," Stephen said. Republicans tout Gatsas, 59, as one of the most seasoned candidates the party has put forward in years. Gatsas has been an alderman since 2000 and is now serving his fifth term in the state Senate. "He was born and raised in the city of Manchester, and he has the interest of the people in his heart," said Hillsborough County Register of Probate Bob Rivard, a longtime friend. "You know, he's a good guy. He can be a tough guy to deal with, but he's a good guy." Democrats say Gatsas has not committed himself to being a full-time mayor. Their criticism is backed by a recent statement by city GOP Chairman Will Infantine, who said Gatsas intends to retain his state Senate seat until his term expires at the end of next year. "Anyone who runs for mayor needs to commit to it," Alderman Mark Roy said. Chris Pappas, chairman of the Manchester Democrats, said Gatsas' years in public life have been defined by partisanship, as well as personal ambition. "I think he's shown that he really serves only one person, and that's Ted Gatsas," Pappas said. Gatsas said he has already lined up five to six campaign co-chairmen in each of the city's 12 wards. He said he has a 20-person finance team ready to get to work. Executive Councilor Ray Wieczorek will be a citywide co-chairman, Gatsas said. Another co- chairman will be announced soon. Back To News |
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Paid for by Ted Gatsas for Mayor. B. Rivard, Fiscal Agent PO Box 6655, Manchester, NH 03108 603.623.0220
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