Town Hall event elicits community comment

It was pretty much standing-room only at the K-J House on Tuesday. Photo courtesy of Cynthia Every.

by Marsha Chartrand

A Town Hall meeting was held at the K-J House on the corner of Main Street and Ann Arbor Hill last Tuesday, May 5. The event, planned by City of Manchester mayor, Pat Vailliencourt, was to inform residents about the possible effects that administration policies may have on aid to area seniors, including aid already being received through Office of Community Economic Development (OCED).

Vailliencourt said, “I was very pleased with the turnout. I’m guessing there were about 50, younger and older people alike.”

The County Board of Commissioners (represented in Manchester by Shannon Beeman, who was present at the meeting) is discussing the possibility of forming a new county department to distribute senior millage dollars.  Vailliencourt expressed concern with forming another department, citing wasted money on administrative costs, and time delays in getting the money to seniors. She champions the county distributing funding through the already existing OCED.

“I spoke with several after the meeting and they were frustrated, thinking the commissioners have already made up their minds,” Vailliencourt said. “Several spoke about potential delays in getting funds out, and commented that our tax dollars should come to us to determine how best to utilize them, without strings/lengthy approvals from the BOC.”

Support was also expressed for OCED and concerns raised about their future because of federal funding cuts and creation of another county department.

“A couple of times, speakers got pretty passionate about utilizing existing resources and making sure Manchester needs are a high priority,” Vailliencourt concluded.

We reached out to Commissioner Shannon Beeman for input but as of the time of publication have not heard back.

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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.