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Kelly Thomas

by

Running forWard 12 Alderman
in 2023

Running as Non-Partisan Election

Background info

My name is Kelly Thomas and I am a candidate for Manchester’s Ward 12 Alderman. I have five children; 13-year-old twins, a 2-year-old, and 4-month-old twins. I was paralyzed in a car accident when I was barely 15 years old and am wheelchair-bound. When I have free time, I enjoy spending it with my family and friends.

 

Prior political experience/offices

I served on the Board of School Committee in Manchester

Current jobI am currently a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor through the State of NH (LADC.) I currently work with addicted individuals, individuals returning to the community from Federal incarceration, and individuals currently serving probation/parole time.

Time lived in NH I grew up in Goffstown, NH and moved to Manchester in 2015. My grandmother was a resident of Manchester her entire life and served for many decades as a State Representative in Concord.

Education

I graduated with a Bachelor's in Psychology with a focus on Addiction and I am currently enrolled in a Doctorate program; Forensic Psychology.

What qualifies you as the best candidate for this office?

What qualifies me as the best candidate for this office are my morals, values, and sound judgment. I have zero interest in “playing politics” and more interest in helping decide which plans will allow our city to grow in a productive way.

What are your thoughts on and plans for addressing homelessness?

My education and career backgrounds allow me the ability to address issues within Manchester and I feel as though I can be a good fit to help develop strategic plans that Manchester desperately needs. Manchester has tried numerous strategies to help combat the addiction/homeless issues facing our city. I want to become part of the development of a new strategy that will not only support the addicted/homeless individuals, but also develop a plan to bring harm reduction to the community as a whole. Mental health issues have been of great concern in the city and this needs to be addressed immediately.

What are your thoughts on housing costs and plans for addressing those concerns?

The cost of housing is unfair and unjust. Families are struggling and more affordable housing needs to become available. Creating additional workforce development programs may allow residents to afford appropriate housing and decrease their risk of homelessness.

What are your thoughts on and plans regarding crime and public safety?

The rise of crime is a main concern to many residents. Our city is filled with individuals, families with children, elderly, and business owners who deserve to feel safe and secure in their community. A plan to address the rise in crime may be difficult without the support at the state level to re-develop the current bail issues affecting our city. Manchester will not seem inviting if individuals continue to be passed out on sidewalks, using drugs, and assaulting residents and business owners

What are your thoughts on and/or plans for addressing concerns about property tax rates?

It is of great concern that rates continue to increase when our community is struggling; families are struggling. It is impossible for some individuals to support their families at this time and yet the taxes are rising. Overriding the tax cap hurts our residents and our businesses. Manchester will not be an attractive city to reside in if we are overriding the tax cap. I will not override the tax cap.