Teresa VigneaultMunicipal Primary Election 2021 Winner
Running forWard 5 Alderman
in 2021
Running as
My husband and I have had the great honor of being home providers for two individuals with developmental disabilities. I love and respect the two beautiful people we have living with us now as if they have been with me my whole life. They inspire me and make me strive to make the world more accepting of people’s challenges and educate others on how something looks like a disability. Still, to another, it seems like a superpower.
I own a lemonade stand for charity events that I give the proceeds to the charity of need. The stand also acts as a for-profit event embellishment sure to bring a little zest to any occasion.
President - Polaris Educational Foundation
President- Manchester West Junior Soccer League
Board Member- Manchester North Soccer League
Ordained Minister
I have worked for some of the countries leading laboratories that have been leaders in testing during the Covid-19 Pandemic.
I have also been an instructor at a Salter School of Nursing, where I taught courses such as Phlebotomy, Medical ethics, and Career Development.
Mental Health Worker Training Program ~ State of New Hampshire
Board of Nursing Test out Program. 2005 LNA License ~ continue to renew. New Hampshire Community College~ Phlebotomy Program
The University Of Maine Augusta- Concentration in Laboratory Science
Best way to contact candidateAnyone wishing to reach me can do so at teresamvigneault@gmail.com.
I’m always happy to set up a time that’s convenient for you to meet or call. You can catch me in the front yard with my dogs Bill Murray and Charlie Brown or when I am watching my son outside or trying to keep plants alive. If you do, we can go back to when neighbors just stopped by. We are the house that always has room for one more. (That’s the Italian in me.)
Why are you running?
I am running to make Ward 5 a desirable neighborhood, bring back the sense of community. I want to serve as an advocate, a voice. I want to ensure that people are being heard and validated. I want them to know when they reach out to me. They will get the attention they deserve.
What uniquely qualifies you to be an alderman?
I encourage constructive criticism. I need and want to learn ways to do things more efficiently and effectively.
I am not afraid of making big decisions; however, I like to learn and ask many questions to make the most informed decision possible.
I love this city and want to continue to stay here. My husband has lived here all his life, and I like that to continue for our family. I am fully vested in doing the best I can every day to make Manchester the best it can be.
What do you see as the main function of an Alderman?
As an alderman it is your responsibility to represent the citizens of your ward. To speak, vote and protect your ward as the elected representative. I find it responsible to keep my neighborhoods informed and give them the opportunity to ask questions and share their feelings.
What do you see as the key solution to reducing homelessness in the city?
Look outside of the city for companies that are hiring good-paying jobs.
Require no experience, and the employer is willing to train and sponsor (to relocate and expenses.)
Someone looking to be a long-term employee who wants off the street, have a fresh start outside of the city, get away from crime and drugs. This program would work for “reducing,” not eliminating.
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?
There is no great way of adding more complexes to the city. However, companies need bushiness and residence bring visitors. What comes to mind for me is that new shopping center on South Willow. I think that could have been designed beautifully, more of a boutique shop look, more trees, a courtyard in the middle behind the shops as the shops would have been in a half-moon design, with affordable housing built above along with full-rate rentals as well. (Please keep in mind this is just a thought, and I do not know what can or can’t be built in that particular area due to zoning. I was just using this spot as an example) There are other parts of the city where this is being utilized and working. I think it’s safe to say the city doesn’t have endless amounts of land and resources for additional housing. I think it will take some creativity, new approaches, and thinking outside the box when it comes down to it.
What are your thoughts on public safety in the city?
The model I found in the book “Fixing Broken Windows” based on Sir Robert Peel’s set of principles, has shown low crime rate, order maintenance, and positive police perception. Recognizing that public safety is everyone’s job, not just the police or other officials, but all. Getting the residents of those neighborhoods involved in protecting it may deter some violence from occurring.
Please provide one or more examples of a person, organization, or business that exemplifies the spirit of Manchester.
Intown Manchester. They work with the city to bring family-friendly safe events, they assist with making the city look as beautiful as it did in some areas. I would love to see that expanded. They also offer event promotion, producing, and marketing.
How would you describe the city's current infrastructure and business climate?
If the infrastructure bill passes will be in excellent condition. As of right now, many projects need attention. Road repairs, lead service line replacement, expand broadband to name a few. When it comes to the business climate in NH no one is more welcoming than Manchester. We have so many resources here to start a business, relocate your business, or take the next step with your business. NH Small Business Development Center, Greater Manchester Chamber of commerce are just to name a few.
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 support the flexibility that it offers. With the right structure and strategies in place and a strong board working together ideally this could be very successful.