I talked to a concerned mother today near the north part of the Ward, and she was having the hardest time with the middle school her child went to.  And as she listed problem after problem she was having, the stonewall after stonewall she was hitting with the school officials, I was wondering, "What can either of us do- I haven't even gotten past a primary yet, and she's just a parent, not a high-ranking city official."  

But then it came to me- what any Manchester resident can do when the city government is not acting for you, but against you.  When you think there's no one who will listen.  City Council Meetings. 

Each month, ANY resident of Manchester can talk for 3 minutes on any topic that concerns them, and the Mayor and Aldermen HAVE TO SIT THERE AND LISTEN.  They can't ignore your e-mail, can't delete your voice mail, they have to listen.  And that's the first, and usually biggest, step in getting your problem addressed. 

I looked it up for her, and the next City Council meeting where the public can speak is: Tuesday September 7th, from 7-7:30 PM.  It's at City Hall, Third Floor, in the Aldermanic Chambers (big room, looks like a church).  No appointment is required, although I would get there a few minutes early to make sure you get a chance to talk.  Be respectful, but be firm- the Aldermen exist to give YOU a voice when the City government stonewalls you.  Make it clear that you need them to do their job-represent you!

Oddly enough, Mayor Gatas is also doing an "open door" thing tomorrow night (Tuesday the 10th) in the Mayor's Office, called "Mayor's Night In".  I don't know what it's about, but that would also be a way to bend the Mayor's ear.  That's from 6-8 PM, City Hall, Third Floor.  It says no appointment needed, and you can talk about anything that concerns you about the city.  If I've talked to enough voters tomorrow, I'll attend this just to see what the deal is.  (Other Mayor's Night In's are scheduled for Sept. 15th, Oct. 26th, Nov. 10th, and Dec. 14th)

Of course, go to the appropriate city office first and deal as politely as you can with the folks there, they're just trying to do their jobs and help out.  But if you feel you have NO other recourse, you've exhausted all normal avenues, if you feel helpless against the huge City government, use one of these methods to get your voice back! 

And if elected, I promise to do the same for your voice in Concord! 

More info on City Council meetings and Mayor's Nights at:
http://www.manchesternh.gov/website/Home/tabid/72/Default.aspx
(Why does our city have so many weird words at the end of their web page?  Was www.manchesternh.gov taken?)  Anyway, look for the "Official Meetings" calendar on the right for dates and times. 

-Shuvom