A Thanksgiving Message to Our Community
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
As the season of gratitude fills the air and the first snow graces our beautiful corner of Vermont, I find myself deeply thankful for the power of this incredible community. We are blessed to live among caring, devoted people who are committed to building a bright future for generations to come.
Housing Task Force - Inaugural Meeting
The newest iteration of Manchester’s Housing Task Force hosted their inaugural meeting on Thursday, Aug. 15 where they elected officers, identified initial steps in service of their mission, and reviewed existing housing projects as well as properties with potential.
Housing Task Force
By including members from key municipal bodies along with broad community input, this task force aims to enhance communication and efficiency to bring solutions to the housing crisis in Manchester. We need to move as one with all the resources available to us as a community. With dedicated members to this task force from our boards and commissions, our commitment to working together on this very difficult issue has never been stronger.
Our First Pride Month Proclamation
June is an incredibly special month for me as we celebrate Pride Month and the vibrant spirit of the LGBTQIA+ community! I’m thrilled to announce that the Town of Manchester has unanimously passed its 1st Pride Month Proclamation, officially declaring June 2024 as Pride Month to show our unwavering support for the LGBTQIA+ community.
A Call to Action for Manchester's Housing Crisis
Every 30 days, another family faces the harrowing reality of losing their home. This isn't a distant issue; it's happening right here, right now, in our backyard. Yet, amidst this crisis, there's a glimmer of hope. Our work as a Selectboard has the power to unite our community in acknowledging the devastating impact of the housing crisis. Manchester stands at a critical juncture. The severe shortage of housing options threatens to unravel the very fabric of our thriving community in Vermont. We need more voices willing to stand up and declare, "Yes, we can, and we must do more to protect the most vulnerable in our town." I'm asking you to help me do just that.
Enhancing Virtual Meetings in the Town of Manchester
I sincerely appreciate the resilience and determination shown by Town of Manchester employees in tackling the persistent virtual meeting issues. From grappling with unreliable meeting links to coping with poor audio quality, these challenges have disrupted the proper flow of communication, leading to understandable frustration among staff and, more importantly, the community.
The stakes are high—town meetings are vital for discussing important community matters, and ensuring smooth virtual interactions has become essential in today's interconnected world.
Housing & Community Development Committee
I understand that some in our community are hesitant about building workforce housing and concerned about potential impacts on property values, traffic, and the overall character of our neighborhoods. However, I propose that a Housing and Community Development Committee is the ideal solution to address these concerns while promoting the benefits of workforce housing. Let me explain why this is a critical step for our community's future and share the draft proposal I have submitted to the Selectboard for consideration at our next meeting on May 7th.
2024 Selectboard Rules
I’m excited to announce that the Selectboard unanimously approved my recommendations to require additional ways to make it easier for the public to know when and how to attend our bi-weekly meetings.
2024 Rec Park Scholarships and Fees
Unfortunately, the Selectboard voted to increase the fees for this year’s Spring and Summer Rec Park fees. I was the one member of the Selectboard to vote NO. I find it distressing that these types of increases are being passed on to the families in our community that rely on these programs the most and not included in the budget as they have done in past years.
Statement: Housing Task Force Reorganization
I think this is a step in the right direction, and community involvement in a lot of places could really create momentum and buy-in to the opportunities we need to create for hard-working families right here in Manchester.
I want to be clear, though, that we still need to organize a public hearing in Manchester where everyone with the power to act on this crisis can hear the same stories I heard firsthand while walking door to door for my campaign.
West Wins Selectboard Seat Following Recount; Sworn Into Office
Jonathan West has been sworn in as the newest member of Manchester’s Selectboard, winning the two-year seat following a recount requested by incumbent candidate Laurie Kunz.
“I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity to serve my town,” West said. “Today’s confirmation of the results demonstrates the strength of our democratic process. Anita and the election staff handled this process with extreme professionalism and I’m thankful that this chapter of the process has been brought to a close.”
Manchester Selectboard Recount Set for Monday
The town of Manchester will undergo its first official recount since 2008 on Monday starting at 10 a.m. at the request of incumbent Selectboard candidate Laurie Kunz.
West Wins Selectboard Seat
MANCHESTER – Jonathan West has succeeded in his challenge to incumbent Selectboard member Laurie Kunz, winning the two-year term by a close margin. According to unofficial results from the Town Clerk's, just 11 votes delivered West's victory - though the margin may be prove to be larger when results are confirmed. This article will be updated when official results are available.
Letter vs. Spirit of the Law
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.
I Support the Manchester Community Library
I am the only candidate running for Manchester Selectboard to publicly voice my support of the MCL in this year's appropriations request from the Town of Manchester. While I recognize this year's appeal is an increase, it's important to acknowledge this is their first requested increase in six years.
Hate Has No Place In Manchester
I am reaching out to you as a father grappling with the challenges of the past couple of days, especially the last 24 hours. These moments have been particularly trying for me as a parent and a community member.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to those of you who took the time to comment, respond, and report the distressing remarks made on a post I shared in the Manchester Community Forum calling for civility in this election. The comments were not only misinformed but also dangerous, filled with unfounded accusations against my family, our abilities as parents, and the very legitimacy of our existence.
Solving Our Housing Crisis
We are in crisis mode. If you work in Manchester, you should be able to live in Manchester. Far too many of our friends and family are forced to live outside their hometown, or worse, just over the border in New York state. There are simple solutions to these complex problems. I'm confident we can move the needle further every single day if we're willing to work more closely together.
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.