Manchester's mayoral candidates prepare ahead of Tuesday's primary election
Three candidates vying for two places in general election
Three candidates vying for two places in general election
Three candidates vying for two places in general election
Along with Laconia and Keene, Manchester is one of three cities in New Hampshire that will hold mayoral primaries this fall. The vote in Manchester will be held on Tuesday.
There are three candidates vying for two spots in November’s general election. They are the incumbent, Mayor Joyce Craig, seeking a third term, former State Representative Victoria Sullivan, who lost to Craig in the last general election and former Alderman Rich Girard.
“It’s just really, really important every election I’ve run I’ve run on making sure that we’re accessible and we’re knocking on doors and meeting people where they are,” Craig said.
“Our volunteers have been amazing out there helping us out,” Sullivan said. “So, the next few days are just making sure we get out the vote.”
This is a non-partisan race. So, the top two vote getters on Tuesday will move on to the general election. One of the top issues in the race is the homelessness problem in the city. Craig said this will continue to be a focus.
“We have increased homeless shelter beds, so we’re doing everything we can to encourage folks who are without a home to get into a shelter to get the services that they need,” Craig said.
The opposition said the mayor has not done enough, and that it is time for a change.
“I have a unique combination of skills and background, having been a mayor’s aid, an alderman, a school board member, a charter commissioner,” Girard said. “There aren’t too many people who know the city the way I know it, both the government and the community.”
Sullivan said this is an opportunity for change.
“I know the other two candidates tout their experience, but when you’ve been at city hall for decades and you see the condition of our city now, you just have to admit that you’ve been part of the problem,” she said. “I want to be part of the solution.”
All three candidates recognize that voter turnout is typically lower in smaller, local primaries. But, their message is simple, every vote matters.
>> MORE FROM WMUR: Hundreds gather to celebrate the Ouellette brothers, who died in a car crash