Before I say anything else, may I just say a big "thank you" to the Blue Hampshire crew. Dean's diaries, here and here, and the support of my fellow Blue Hamsters is simply incredible. I am humbled.
I have never run for political office before and have had no grand strategy or plans to do so, but as I became involved in the Obama campaign and the longer I've lived in Manchester, the more I've realized that if good people don't do good works - or at least try - when it matters most, progress is impossible. President Obama, quoting Dr. King, has called it "the fierce urgency of now." I believe those are more than just words and, now more than ever, Manchester needs more than just words.
So, as of this morning, I am a candidate for Manchester Ward 6 Alderman. Here is my announcement statement and campaign info:
As the fourth generation of my family to call Manchester's Ward Six home, it is evident that Manchester is a city of hard-working people from all backgrounds, races and faiths. As we move into the 21st century, however, our city is at a crossroads. In recent years City Hall has neglected to address our city's problems - failing schools, rising violent crime and falling home values. We face unique, urban challenges and we deserve new policies to meet them - innovative, pragmatic policies that promote public safety, job growth and economic development.
There has never been a more important time to bring change to City Hall and that's why I'm running for Ward Six alderman. Between now and the November elections, this campaign will strive to bring a new energy and urgency to City Hall, so Manchester can have a government as good as its people.
In this campaign, Ward Six voters will have a clear choice in our city elections - between the past and the future - with the understanding that change won't come from City Hall, change must come to City Hall.
Our campaign is Corriveau for Manchester and our address is:
Corriveau for Manchester
75 Hobart Street
Manchester, NH 03104
garth at garthcorriveau dot com
As we work to find a municipal campaigns online-giving site, if you can spare "change for change," please know how much our campaign would appreciate your contribution as we strive to make Manchester a better city for generations to come.
