Challenge to Sununu, Gatsas and Sullivan: Put politics aside and stand with us today!

Sign Up For Our FREE Daily eNews!

O P I N I O N

The Soapbox

Screen Shot 2017 03 06 at 6.58.40 PM

Stand up. Speak up. It’s your turn.


When I was growing up, the rules were simple:  Be nice to others, show respect and lend a hand when you can.  I have also learned that to be a leader, you must act like a leader.  After the last few days, I am appalled at how the addiction and homeless crisis in Manchester continues to grow while our Governor chooses to use Manchester, the largest City in HIS state, as a pawn in a twisted political game.

When the Manchester Fire Department started Safe Station, it was a great concept and appeared to be making a difference.  In fact, it was such a great program, Governor Sununu released ‘his’ Doorway program.  Of course, as I am sure the Governor is aware,  starting a program is one thing, supporting funding and making sure every community has resources to support said program is something entirely different.

Of course, the old adage of there is no “I” in “Team” seems to have fallen by the wayside as well.  According to a recent Union Leader article, candidate Victoria Sullivan has also jumped into the fray saying that “she would use her relationships in Concord to improve communication between the city and state and institute weekly meetings between state departments, law enforcement, first responders and community leaders to advocate for the resources she said the city deserved.” I would challenge Ms. Sullivan to behave like a concerned community leader/member TODAY and rather than play politics, show us what you are capable of and leverage these State connections to help fund programs and improve YOUR community TODAY!

As a lifelong resident of Manchester, I have seen the ebbs and flows. I am always well aware that I, like everyone else, have a choice of where to live, I CHOOSE Manchester for my home and my business. I CHOOSE to support Fire Chief Dan Goonan, Police Chief Carlo Capano, Manchester Public Health Director Anna Thomas and Mayor Joyce Craig as they work to navigate the challenges we face.  I CHALLENGE Governor Sununu, Executive Councilor Ted Gatsas and mayoral candidate Victoria Sullivan to STAND WITH US TODAY and show that you support OUR community rather than use our City and your fellow community members as pawns in a game that has no winners.

Wouldn’t it be great to wake up to a headline that reads: “Governor Actively Works with Community Leaders to Reduce Drug Crisis in State’s Largest City” followed shortly thereafter by “New Hampshire is Winning the Fight Against Opioid Addiction.”   Yup, a girl can dream!!


Beg to differ? Agree to disagree? We welcome your thoughtful prose on topics of interest and importance to the community. Send submissions to carolrobidoux@manchesterinklink.com, subject line: The Soapbox, or you can DIY using this link.


0

June Trisciani is a small business owner and lifelong Manchester resident

About this Author

June Trisciani

June Trisciani is a lifelong resident of Manchester and owns j. ellen Design, LLC, a residential and commercial interior design firm. She has served on the Heritage Commission, is a past-chair of the Planning Board and currently serves as Alderman At-Large for Manchester.