State Sen. Jeff Irwin visits Manchester

State Sen. Jeff Irwin (D-District 15, left) met on Friday with Village Manager Michael Sessions (right) and a few members of Manchester Village Council, including Village President Pat Vailliencourt (center) to discuss issues facing the Manchester community.

by Marsha Chartrand

“In some ways, it feels more challenging to be part of the majority (on the Senate floor) this year,“ said Sen. Jeff Irwin of Ann Arbor, who is starting his second term in the state Senate this year. “It’s still a lot of chaos, and a lot of fires to put out; but I feel confident as we look back, there will be a lot of good feelings of the trajectory we are on and that we are making progress for the future.“

Irwin stopped in to Village Hall on Friday at noon to discuss issues of importance to the Manchester area. Village President Pat Vailliencourt brought up the topic of senior housing, which has been a long-term need that has been repeatedly delayed. Village Manager Michael Sessions noted that the village’s water and sewer infrastructure has faced numerous setbacks, which has cost the community dearly in terms of getting state aid for projects such as the current Headworks plant, now under construction at the wastewater treatment plant.

Prudent fiscal management over the last quarter-century has put Manchester in a good position financially, but it hurts us when it comes to getting state and federal loan forgiveness programs for which other communities are eligible.

Irwin plans to have his first Western Washtenaw Area Coffee Hour beginning at 9am this coming Saturday, March 18, at Millie’s Coffeehouse, 227 E Main. RSVP on his Facebook Event page here.

“This is a great opportunity to get an update on what I’ve been working on in Lansing and to share your thoughts, questions, and ideas. I look forward to seeing you there,“ Irwin says. “Feel free to share on social media to help get the word out.“

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.