Elizabeth Ann Moreau
Running forAlderman-At-Large
in 2021
Running as
US Army -2006-2012 -Medic/Healthcare Specialist Veterans Affairs- 2014-2017- Medical Support Assistant Department of Homeland Security USCIS Immigration Officer 2017-2019 Realtor- 2017-present
2017- 2020 Alderman Ward 6
2020-2022 Hillsborough County Register of Probate
University of Phoenix - Associate in Business Studies Liberty University Online- Bachelors Degree in Public Administration-Currently enrolled.
Best way to contact candidateOffice Phone - 603-669-4787
Cell Phone - 603-782-6776
elizabethannmoreau@gmail.com
Why are you running?
I am running for Alderman at Large because I know Manchester both can do better and deserves better representation at City Hall. Career City Hall politicians in, from my perspective, have lost touch of their ethical compasses and purpose as an elected officials.
What uniquely qualifies you to be an Alderman?
My diverse personal experiences and work history give me insight to many issues facing residents of Manchester. I know what it is like to not be able to afford gas to get to work, or childcare to be able to work; I know what it is like to move to a new city with no support system and be unsure if I could make rent. I have lived in many different states and experienced many different cultures and can offer insight rather than just going along with the status quo, like some like to do. My work experiences also give me knowledgeable insight with veterans, immigration, and real estate concerns which affect a large part of our community.
What do you see as the main function of an Alderman?
An Alderman at Large has the same duties as that of a Ward Alderman (constituent services, spokesperson for the ward etc). On top of these duties, I believe the Alderman at Large has a responsibility to problem solve and deep dive on city data and more complex issues. As an Alderman at Large I will also ensure clear lines of communication between ALL of those who sit on the board and not just those I align with politically.
What do you see as the key solution to reducing homelessness in the city?
There are two critical factors to reducing homelessness in Manchester. The first is to create an environment where workforce level housing can be made available/affordable and also ensuring our emergency shelter capacity is adequate for seasonal influxes. The second factor is to begin enforcing our laws currently in place. With having enough emergency housing those who find themselves homeless should not be allowed to camp on public property. It is both unsafe for them and an inconvenience to residents who want to use our public land as it is intended to be used. By enforcing our laws we can direct these individuals to the appropriate services to help them back on their feet. Whether that be with social services, drug rehab, housing, job placement and so forth. Allowing them to live in unsafe and unsanitary conditions is not the answer. As we saw last winter several individuals perished due to weather elements, drugs and numerous other factors in our cities encampments. We as a city can do better.
Do you feel that Manchester needs more affordable housing as defined by US HUD and NHHFA (costing no more than 30% of occupants' monthly income)? If so, how would you achieve this? If not, why not?
As a realtor I fully believe if you are spending more than 30% of your income on housing, you are living beyond your means, and will surely face a setback when any minor monetary challenge arises. There are many ways we can attempt to alleviate the housing shortage, some of which will rely on allowing accessory dwelling units, and others will involve proactively working with developers to ensure maximization of their projects. Another approach is to assist residents with job training and placements into positions that will better enable them to afford the cost of living. We, as a city, should also proactively work with our neighboring communities such as Londonderry, Bedford and Hooksett. As Manchester continues to grow these towns will effectively become the suburbs of Manchester. Working with the towns to come up with a more wide spread approach to housing and planning could help alleviate some of the stressors holding Manchester back. Sharing knowledge and resources between the communities should be encouraged.
What are your thoughts on public safety in the city?
I would like to thank Manchester MPD and MFD for all that they do to help ensure our city is as safe as possible. With that being said, I do believe we can always improve. Many of Manchester’s problems relating to public safety have some origins at our state level legislature. Things such as PR bail should be proactively worked on with our state level representation to ensure those representing our city know how these pieces of law affect our community. My proposal to create a committee of department heads and those elected to represent Manchester at the state level would help the flow of communication to ensure problems that arise can be addressed with the appropriate contacts to effect change.
Please provide one or more examples of a person, organization, or business that exemplifies the spirit of Manchester
There is honestly no way for me to sum up the spirit of Manchester with just a handful of businesses, organizations and people who make up Manchester. It is a collaborative and diverse city whose spirit is made up of all those who choose to work towards making Manchester a city that can thrive and in which residents can be proud of.
How would you describe the city's current infrastructure and business climate?
Currently DPW does an outstanding job of maintaining the facilities we use. I know some may disagree, but potholes will never go away we live in New England! Future thinking infrastructure needs to be examined as our country is moving towards alternative forms of fuel and transportation. The current business climate is at a tipping point. Last year many businesses were forced into closing due to covid, and many are still trying to find ways in which to operate with less staff. If you look around our city you will see several dozen commercial areas which are vacant. The way in which many do business is changing and we need to pro-actively adjust with it. Our city should work with micro companies to get up and running and also work with land owners and developers to contemplate re-zoning/alternative uses for once thriving anchor stores.
What are the strengths and weaknesses of the Manchester School District? What is the top need for improvement or change?
The perception of our schools to those contemplating moving to our city, and those of young parents beginning their child’s education path are a weakness in our city. The negative perception is based on data readily available to those in the process of searching for schools or homes here in the Queen city. When we are able to begin increasing students’ proficiency in math and reading the data will start to improve and the perception will become more favorable. Our top need is to aide in developing a higher standard of education. We need to exceed proficiency levels in reading in math and not aim to barely reach it. A strength of our schools is our educators who chose this profession for their love of learning and the students.
Do you support the budgetary autonomy of the Manchester School District's governing body? (currently known as the Board of School Committee, but proposed to be renamed as the Manchester School Board). If so, why (or why not?)
I do not support the School District becoming its own taxing authority. As was seen 20 years ago when a large influx of taxpayer money was used to “revitalize” the district we did not see the return on the investment we were hoping for. We are still currently paying for the projects 20 years ago and our enrollments and proficiency levels have declined dramatically over the same period of time. I do agree that our schools need to have a long-term plan, backed by data, and that is built upon year to year. From my first term as Alderman of Ward 6 until now there have been suggestions with steps forward, which are then immediately ended or reversed all within one election term (think redistricting and moving fifth grade to middle school). Consistency will be key to moving our schools forward. Our schools do require an investment; however I would like to work on getting students on level for reading, and math before investing in a new High School. To do so will require an investment in curriculum, supplies, continued education for our educators, and a thorough deep dive into what is working and what is not working in our schools. The idea of having several specialized tracks for high school students is great, but if those same students are not proficient in math and reading how far will those specialized tracks really get them? You will always have some students who will succeed no matter the environment they are in; we need to aim to bring our weakest learners up as you are only as strong as your weakest link. In doing so we can help lower our dropout rates and foster healthy attitudes towards education and school.
What is the greatest strength of your ward and what needs improvement? For at-large candidates, what is the greatest strength of the city as a whole and what is in need of improvement?
The greatest strength of our city is the diversity of our population. Many different cultures and backgrounds combine here in Manchester. From the older French Canadian and Irish roots to today’s newer transplants from around New England and the globe. Having diversity of thought and backgrounds helps to bring innovation to our city on all fronts.
Anything else you'd like to add
I look forward to working to earn your vote to bring about integrity and creative solutions to city hall as your next Alderman at Large.