| September 10th, 2009 Op Ed: The Gatsas Plan for Building a Better Manchester I am proud to share The Gatsas Plan for Building a Better Manchester . . . Together. The plan focuses on key areas outlined below. The foundation of this plan rests on one absolute tenant; that we put politics aside and work together to find solutions for the greater good of the city. It’s critical that the next Mayor of Manchester has a plan to move the city forward. We need clear and decisive leadership on day one. In the interest of limited space this is only the beginning. There’s an in-depth outline of The Gatsas Plan at www.tedgatsas.com. I hope that you will review it and provide feedback. Charter Reform: It is time for a comprehensive review and rewrite of the city charter. There are a host of issues that should undergo serious review: budgeting guidelines, campaign finance reform and the balance of power between the School Board and the Board of Mayor and Aldermen. City Services: We must develop a comprehensive long-term strategic plan that provides clear direction and guides our actions beyond the typical 12 month cycle. We must also increase productivity and generate cost savings. We can do this by: streamlining city government; consolidating where it makes sense; and adopting a customer focused, responsive approach to delivering essential city services. Economic Development: We must create an environment for businesses to come to Manchester and stay in Manchester, and do it while protecting the taxpayer. If we are to continue being the economic heart of the state, we need to expand our tax base, attract business and investment opportunities, and diversify our economy. Education: As a product of the Manchester school system, I can attest to the high quality public education that can be provided for our children. By preparing our students for their futures, engaging parents and lobbying for fair testing standards we can get the Manchester School District back on track. Engaging Residents: Manchester’s number one resource is our residents. If we harness the collective energy and talents of the people of Manchester there is no limit to what we can achieve. The best answers to our biggest challenges don’t always have to come from government. Fiscal Management: To ensure a successful future for Manchester and to lessen the burden on the taxpayer, we must adopt a balanced approach to fiscal management. This includes a mix of: economic development, driving efficiencies, implementing a tax cap and effective budgeting. To simply focus on one aspect is not enough. Manchester-Boston Regional Airport: This is the single largest economic engine in the State of New Hampshire. It generates over $1 billion in economic impact each year. From an economic standpoint there is no more critical priority for the City of Manchester. As your next Mayor, I will make promoting the airport inside and outside of the state a top priority. The airport is doing what it can to remain competitive by keeping operational costs low, but the city, the state and our residents need to work collectively to ensure its success. Manchester Goes “Green”: It’s unacceptable that a city our size, and with millions in energy costs, lacks a long term plan towards being more sustainable. These are investments in our future that pay significant dividends in cost savings, come with incentives, and allow us to reduce our environmental footprint. We can accomplish this by: adopting an action plan, exploring the potential to power our schools with solar energy and expanding the lighting renovation program. Public Safety: Safety on our streets, in our schools, at our community spaces and neighborhoods is tantamount to realizing the full potential of the Queen City and its residents. As your next mayor, I will be a trusted partner of the Police and Fire Departments. We will: enhance neighborhood and community visibility to deter crime, update and maintain equipment and bring in more state and federal resources to crack down on rising gangs, drug traffic and the violence that follows. The City of Manchester is a $300mm business funded by your hard-earned taxpayer dollars. While the objective of city government is much different than that of a big business there is one common thread; both must provide good value for the money spent and do it in the most cost efficient and effective way possible. Manchester residents deserve a chief executive who understands the complexity of the issues and who has a well thought out strategic plan to address them. I believe that I am uniquely qualified and prepared to lead the city and its people at a time when leadership is needed most. As I continue this conversation with you I pose this question who do you trust to manage this $300mm business for you? My hope is that the plan that I have outlined and my record of bipartisan leadership that I have built at City Hall and the Statehouse over the last ten years helps answer that question for you. - Printed in The Union Leader on Thursday, September 10, 2009 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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