Manchester Mayor Jay Ruais said he plans to discuss whether to seek a third term with his family during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, leaving open a decision that could shape the city’s next municipal election.
Ruais is serving his second term. He said he expects to announce his plans when the time is right, after discussing the matter with his wife and daughter. The mayor also described several city and school issues he expects to address during the second half of his current term and as the city moves toward its next budget season.
“We have 17 union negotiations coming up, 11 on the city side and six on the school district side, so that's going to be a huge topic of conversation next year as we get into budget season.” — Manchester Mayor Jay Ruais
Labor talks and police staffing
The negotiations include 11 city contracts and six school-district contracts. Ruais identified the talks as a major issue for the coming year, when contract costs will be considered alongside the city and school budgets.
Ruais also said the city is continuing work with the Manchester Police Department after completing two police contracts. He said the administration’s focus includes reducing vacancies in the department and continuing efforts to reduce crime. The mayor listed public safety staffing among the issues he expects to keep pursuing during the remainder of his term.
Shelter and education priorities
Ruais said Manchester had effectively ended veteran homelessness and that he wants to continue developing a “one-stop shop” at the city’s aged and infirmed shelter. The service is expected to begin operating in December, according to the mayor, who said he wants it to continue growing once it is running.
Education is another priority Ruais identified. He said the city is working on attendance and truancy and wants to increase graduation rates. Those goals will be addressed as the city and school district prepare for the labor negotiations and their next budget discussions.
- 17 union negotiations are expected: 11 involving the city and six involving the school district.
- The mayor said a one-stop service at the aged and infirmed shelter is expected to begin in December.
- A Manchester task force on the former Sununu Youth Development Center property is scheduled to hold two community meetings in November.
Ruais also announced that the Sununu Youth Development Center Task Force will hold two community meetings in November as the city seeks public input on the former youth center property. He said his broader management goals include accountability, oversight and running city government efficiently.
New Hampshire’s general election is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Ruais’ possible third-term decision concerns the later municipal election cycle, and he said he would make an announcement after the holiday discussions with his family.
