Crissy Kantor

Why are you running for Ward 6 Alderman?

I am running because I love our Queen City and want to represent the amazing, hardworking people of Ward 6! I, like many people, am tired and disappointed with the lack of accountability and transparency from our government. I want to support and advocate for my fellow concerned citizens. I believe I am the right person at the right time to compassionately problem-solve and encourage more residents to get involved in our local government.

What do you believe uniquely qualifies you to serve as alderman?

I believe I am uniquely qualified for many reasons. First, I am not part of the system, and I am not attached to any special interests. Therefore, I am not compromised. My business skills and never-give-up mindset are key to being a great problem-solver and decision-maker. My diverse life experiences and my extremely compassionate heart make me a well-rounded person to make informed, thoughtful, smart decisions for all.

Describe what you believe your main function as alderman will be?

My main function will be to represent the people of Ward 6 as a local legislator and policy maker. To me, this means asking tough questions, holding people accountable and making sure the city is fully transparent with citizens. It also means I will be available to help residents interact with city departments to get problems in their neighborhoods resolved.

What do you see at the Top 3 issues in Ward 6? How will you work to address them?

1. High cost of living: I will uphold the Tax Cap to keep taxes down and, hopefully, rents down, too.

2. Homelessness – answer in question below

3. Public Safety – Crime, Drugs and Mental Health. All three go hand-in-hand. We need to support qualified immunity and continue to fight to change our bail laws to stop the revolving door opened by bail reform. We also need our police to enforce the laws on the books, regardless of whether or not those committing the crimes are homeless vagrants, mentally ill or drug users. They shouldn’t get a free pass when they break the law. We should work with the state and county to make sure there are mental health and drug addiction services available at the Valley Street Jail and to ensure there are programs to help keep those released on the path to becoming productive citizens again.

What are your ideas to address the issues of homelessness and immediate need for affordable housing?

We need accountability and compassion to end homelessness. It’s time to enforce all ordinances in the books. What’s the point of making ordinances if we are not going to enforce them? My hope is enforcement and accountability will encourage those with mental health and or addiction issues to seek help.

The Drug Court was created to divert these individuals into treatment centers and the right community groups to help rebuild their lives. If they’re not brought into the system, the system can’t help them. We also need to ask each program that is serving the homeless what are their roadmaps to helping people move in the right direction, find a job, seek mental health needs and substance abuse treatment. The next question is how their programs are working and what are the “hard” numbers to prove these programs are working. If the programs are not working, then we need to cut them or adjust them and get results moving in a positive direction. Time to measure results and make the necessary changes to make a positive impact in people’s lives.

What are your ideas for addressing the issue of speeding motorists, which is a common complaint in Ward 6?

My hope is to work directly with the MPD and utilize radar speed signs where necessary. Radar speed signs should slow cars down by making drivers aware when they are driving at speeds above the posted limits. If these speed signs are not enough of a deterrent, then more police presence/patrolling will be necessary, and tickets can be issued for speeding.

What is your stance on the city's tax cap?

I will vote “NO” to override the tax cap.

What is your take on how the city is addressing property taxes?

Low taxes come from low spending. The spending binge the city has been on for the past four years is unprecedented. Even worse, so much of the one-time money from the state and federal governments has been used to increase operating expenses, which means when that money goes away next year, the taxpayers are going to be left holding the bag as they face significant service cuts or tax hikes or probably both. We don’t need more revenue. We need a businessperson like me in office who understands the need to live within a budget, find ways to be more efficient and cut unnecessary expenses.

How does Ward 6 connect with the rest of the city and how do you see your role on the board with regard to that interconnection?

I will personally represent the awesome, hardworking residents of Ward 6 and will be a strong, compassionate, common-sense leader for all of Manchester. We Ward 6ers love all of Manchester and we want a better Manchester for all residents. I am here to unite through compassion and truth.

What is your response to crime rates in the city as a whole, and in Ward 6?

My focus will be on enforcing existing laws and restoring sanity to our bail system. We cannot expect crime to decrease when enforcement is lax, so-called “lesser crimes” are ignored and criminals are released on bail before their arrest paperwork is done. I will be a voice to change these things. Our city and citizens deserve better than the woke approach to crime that provides excuses for criminal behavior and opportunities to re-offend without worry.

What is your take on the state of education in the city and Ward 6 schools, and how can you/or would you work with the Board of School Committee in your ward to improve educational outcomes for students?

There are fewer kids enrolled, and proficiency levels of 16% for math and 30% for reading. Meanwhile, spending in real dollars has skyrocketed. Throwing more money at it is not going to solve our problems. We’ve tried that and it’s not working. We must cut out the administrative bloat, and invest directly in our classrooms, promote innovative learning programs not a one size fits all approach, while protecting parental rights and advocating for school choice so kids can have access to the best available learning environment to reach their full potential.

What is your take on the economic state of the city and specifically in Ward 6? What can be done to support business in the city and specifically in Ward 6?

Public safety, affordable taxes and efficient regulations are key to supporting all businesses in Manchester. If people don’t feel comfortable and safe coming to Manchester, then they will not frequent our businesses. We can also support businesses by upholding the tax cap, not shutting our businesses down and not placing unconstitutional mandates on them. Ward 6 is home to East Industrial Park Drive, a key center of jobs in the city. We must recognize that we’re competing with the wide-open spaces of neighboring towns that have less crime and lower taxes before these employers move to them. I’d like to see the city’s Economic Development Office reach out to them to see what, if anything, they need and make sure they’re happy in Manchester.

What is your take on the city's infrastructure, including existing bus service, bike lanes and the interest by some to bring commuter rail to Manchester?

I feel the bike lanes have been a joke from the beginning. How many bikes do we actually see on a daily basis? The fact is we live in New England and have four seasons and this emphasis on bike lanes doesn’t make sense.

I do believe we need to have sidewalks, children’s safety is a top priority for me! Bodwell Road is very dangerous! As for the commuter rail, a study was recently done and the cost of building commuter rail from Boston to Manchester is approximately $782 million. While the U.S. Department of Transportation would cover up to 55% of the cost and other federal grants, 34-39% will still need to be paid by the City of Manchester and Nashua. I would like to learn more about the rail and how well it works for Exeter before I make any final decisions.

Anything else you'd like to add?

It’s time to chill & heal our Queen City! Together Anything Is Possible! Truth & Kindness Heals…. Sprinkle it everywhere!