Maybe you're wondering why so many first-time candidates like myself are emphasizing that there has never been a more important time to bring change to Manchester's City Hall ... well, here's Exhibit A:
Alderman Ted Gatsas, a leading proponent for residency requirements, suggested the board could ask a judge to say whether the proposal is constitutional. When (City Solicitor) Clark told him the board does not have the authority to make such a request, Gatsas replied, "Then let's wait 'til somebody sues us."
I understand the residency proponents' arguments - they are valid and in many ways I agree with them. For example, I see no reason why the Board of Mayor & Alderman could not simply incentivize city officers and department heads to reside in Manchester whether through contractual provisions like early retirement or pension bumps, thereby giving them specific reasons to live within city limits. It's innovative, pragmatic and, best of all, it's legal.
There's one BIG problem though with the Gatsas/BMA vote ... IT'S WILDLY UNCONSTITUTIONAL!!!!!!!! I may be an attorney, but any first year law student could have told that to Alderman Gatsas.
So now the same Board that sought the City Solicitor's legal advice on the tax gap gimmick blatantly ignores it on the residency issue. Make no mistake about it - when the city now has to crack down on non-resident officers, the City of Manchester WILL get sued thanks to Ted Gatsas wanting another political gimmick to exploit with the election less than a month away. The cost to Manchester taxpayers in man hours and legal fees will be significant, but hey, sue us!!!! We double-dare you ... it's not like our Aldermanic Board swears to uphold the law and is the steward of the people's money, right?
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!
Good for Mark Roy for standing up for the constitution and for Manchester taxpayers. I urge N.H. Democrats and progressives to support Mark and first-time candidates like myself who have had enough of the petty, political foolishness emanating from Manchester City Hall. And if you can't donate money, please take some time off on November 3rd to help right the Queen City ship.
