Letter to the editor: Some issues that we need to address as a community

September 9, 2022

Letter To The Editor

We have all said, written, heard, and agreed with “Manchester is a great place” and “we love living here”.

But, unfortunately, we do have a some issues that we, as a community, need to address. We have a few, thankfully not many, that don’t think about or really don’t care what the impact is when they throw out their trash, leave their dog droppings for others to deal with, or refuse to give pedestrians the right of way in the crosswalks.

These pictures are typical (not the nasty feces paper towel, that was a first) of what I find during my walks around our beautiful town. On Thursday I was in the middle of the crosswalk on Main and M52 and a burgundy Jeep SUV (that had been stopped on the south side on M52) whipped around the corner and had to go into opposite lane to avoid running me over. A citizen told me that even in her wheelchair people do not stop for her to cross. Yes, I am guilty as charged. I do become “angry” and even “bitter.”

It is a shame that our residents must leave town if they want to take their dog to a park. Some feel that the concern with having a dog park in Manchester is “unjustified.” They propose that users of this park would take responsibility for their dogs. Users would ensure that the dogs were well behaved and would clean up the droppings. I will leave that up to individuals to decide if these concerns are justified.

There are State Laws and Local Ordinances; we’ve put extra dog bag stations and trash cans around town but this disrespect for others and for our community continues. I really wish I knew the answer.

So, thank you to those that respect our community and not only clean up after themselves but after others. To those that don’t, please think about what Manchester would be like if everyone followed your example.

Pat Vailliencourt, Village President

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.