MANCHESTER, NH – When you’re the chairman of the Board of Alderman of New Hampshire’s largest city, you have to be prepared to answer questions about nearly any subject. From utility costs to economic development to police response times, any trip to lunch or the gas station or church can become a de facto interview on the state of the city.
“There really is never a dull moment,” Alderman Long says with a broad grin.
Long, 62, is retired from New Hampshire Ironworkers Local 7, where he had served as Business Manager for the last 13 years of his 30-year career. He is currently serving his sixth term in the New Hampshire House and his fifth term representing Manchester’s Third Ward on the Board of Mayor and Aldermen. He lives with his wife Karen, who helps run her family’s business in Auburn, in a townhouse that formally housed millworkers on Hollis Street.
Not everyday is a good one. When the administration admitted that domestic violence cases were being dismissed or having charges reduced and allowing perpetrators to go free, Alderman Long got involved and secured the services of former US Attorney for New Hampshire Emily Gray Rice to clean up the office on an interim basis. Since July, the office has been running smoothly and justice for domestic violence victims is being served.
Then there are the really good days. Last July inventor Dean Kamen announced that the Advanced Regenerative Manufacturing Institute (ARMI) would be investing $300 million in the Millyard. Kamen’s buildings in the historic area along the Merrimack River will host a new facility with plans to manufacture human body parts for the military in Long’s aldermanic district.
“We have a real synergy operating downtown,” Long said. “We have a nightlife industry based on Elm Street, which has taken years to develop and get up and running in a sustainable way, that makes working in the Millyard more attractive. We have SNHU, UNH-Manchester and a number of other colleges working to create the workforce of tomorrow right here in the Millyard and the momentum seems to be growing. I’m looking forward to spending the next term helping to keep that momentum going.”
“These are serious challenges and huge opportunities and I’m eager to keep the momentum moving in a positive direction.”
Editor’s note: This article was submitted by the candidate’s campaign organization. If you are campaigning for elected office in Manchester you are welcome to submit an article of 400 words are less that will help inform voters of your qualifications and platforms. Send submissions to robidouxnews@gmail.com.
