Building a Stronger Manchester Together
As we welcome a new year, we find ourselves reflecting not just on our personal resolutions but also on the shared hopes and dreams we hold for our community. This time of year is a chance to reflect and shape the story we want to write together.
For us, 2025 isn't just another year on the calendar. It's a chance to double down on the values guiding us as a family and neighbors: love, equity, and a commitment to lifting each other up. Whether at the Selectboard, the Planning Commission, or waiting outside MEMS to pick up our kids after school, we are reminded daily of our community's immense potential when we come together with a common purpose.
Community Built on Connection
Now more than ever, it's vital for all of us to stay engaged and connected. Whether it's joining a local group, volunteering at your child's school, or supporting a nonprofit's mission, these small actions weave the fabric of our community tighter. These are the places where relationships form, where democratic values are lived, and where we come together to support one another.
In 2025, we hope to focus on strengthening the organizations that make our community vibrant — schools, nonprofits, and places of worship. We'll work to support community events and encourage everyone to find ways to participate, no matter how small. It doesn't matter where you start—what matters is showing up and being part of something bigger. When we invest in the connections that bind us, we create a stronger, more united community.
Homes for all, not just some
We believe that housing is a human right. Everyone deserves the dignity and stability of a safe and affordable place to call home. In 2025, we're committed to turning this belief into action by continuing our work to address one of our community's most pressing challenges: access to housing.
When kids don't have a safe and stable place to call home, it affects every part of their lives— their education, health, and future opportunities. Housing is the foundation for giving children the best possible start. Whether we're addressing workforce shortages, income inequality, mental health challenges, the needs of people experiencing homelessness, or the devastating impact of the opioid crisis, housing plays a critical role in the solution.
Housing insecurity creates instability that can lead to desperation, vulnerability, and fractured communities. Ensuring access to affordable and workforce housing isn't just a moral imperative; it's an investment in the public safety and well-being of everyone in Manchester.
Think about it this way: If we only allowed expensive cars to be built, it wouldn't mean everyone could afford to drive one—it would mean many people would be left without a vehicle of any kind. The same is true for housing: if we only build single-family homes, people who can't afford them are left without stable housing, and the ripple effects impact everyone in the community. Ensuring access to housing isn't just a kindness; it's essential to maintaining the well-being and equity of our town.
This year, we'll continue to address these challenges through policies like modernizing zoning regulations, championing workforce housing initiatives, and working closely with other elected officials from our state. We'll also focus on fostering partnerships to bring innovative housing solutions to our town. We must work together with an open mind because treating housing as a human right can create a stronger, safer, and more resilient community.
A future Worth Fighting For
Investing in young people is one of the most important ways to secure Manchester's future. As two of the youngest individuals serving on Manchester's elected and appointed boards and commissions—despite being in our early 40s—we understand how essential it is to cultivate the next generation of leaders. In 2025, we're committed to creating opportunities for youth to grow, lead, and shape the decisions that impact their lives.
Young voices belong at the table. This year, we'll work to establish pathways for students to participate in town decision-making—whether through youth advisory councils, mentorship programs with town leaders, or dedicated seats for young people on committees and boards.
When young people are engaged early, they're more likely to develop a lasting connection to their community. At 16 or 17, many are still rooted in their hometowns, learning about civic engagement in school, and deeply affected by local policies. By involving them now, we strengthen their sense of belonging and ensure they see themselves as vital contributors to the community.
We know Manchester's young people have the creativity, energy, and vision to shape a brighter future for everyone. By empowering them with opportunities to lead and participate, we're not just preparing them for the future—we're making our community stronger today.
Together, Let’s Make it Happen
We invite you to join us in this shared resolution for our community. Let's make 2025 a year when we look out for one another, dream boldly, and get things done—not for ourselves but for the common good.
Happy New Year from the West Family!
