In just 11 days, voters will head to the polls for municipal elections. In Manchester, Democrat Kevin Cavanaugh and Republican Jay Ruais are seeking to become the next mayor. During a debate at WMUR’s studios in a special edition of “CloseUp,” the candidates disagreed on several issues facing the Queen City. “I can promise you this. If I’m lucky enough to be the mayor of Manchester, every decision I make will be to put Manchester in a better position or a position to succeed,” Cavanaugh said.”We’ve knocked on nearly 34,000 doors and the message from people has been crystal clear. We love our city. We believe in it deeply, but we have some significant challenges,” Ruais said.One of those challenges is improving education outcomes in city schools.The New Hampshire Department of Education said Manchester is 23% below the state average in math and science and 72% are below average proficiency in reading.“We see the need, and there are some great accomplishments that are happening, but we have to do more. And that’s why I’m proud when I was in the state senate, we funded the largest education funding in state history, and we have to do that. I’ve worked with teachers, friends of mine that are teachers, and tell us tell us what they need,” Cavanaugh said.“First, we have to make sure that there is an environment conducive to learning. So, doing everything in our power to stop bullying or any kind of aggressive behavior in our classrooms that is going to stop kids from learning. And then I also think that we need to have or we need to have more direct student investment into our classrooms and targeting those kids that may need additional help,” Ruais said.On the homeless issue, Cavanaugh said the city is making progress.”This is a huge problem. We’ve hired a homelessness director, an overdose director and we’re going to want to see results. And that’s what we’re doing. The actions we’re taking will make a difference,” Cavanaugh said.Ruais said it’s not enough and he wants a more comprehensive approach.“That does include banning camping in the city, but then we look to triage, stabilize and transition them into a sustainable life in the long term,” Ruais said.
In just 11 days, voters will head to the polls for municipal elections. In Manchester, Democrat Kevin Cavanaugh and Republican Jay Ruais are seeking to become the next mayor.
During a debate at WMUR’s studios in a special edition of “CloseUp,” the candidates disagreed on several issues facing the Queen City.
“I can promise you this. If I’m lucky enough to be the mayor of Manchester, every decision I make will be to put Manchester in a better position or a position to succeed,” Cavanaugh said.
“We’ve knocked on nearly 34,000 doors and the message from people has been crystal clear. We love our city. We believe in it deeply, but we have some significant challenges,” Ruais said.
One of those challenges is improving education outcomes in city schools.
The New Hampshire Department of Education said Manchester is 23% below the state average in math and science and 72% are below average proficiency in reading.
“We see the need, and there are some great accomplishments that are happening, but we have to do more. And that’s why I’m proud when I was in the state senate, we funded the largest education funding in state history, and we have to do that. I’ve worked with teachers, friends of mine that are teachers, and tell us tell us what they need,” Cavanaugh said.
“First, we have to make sure that there is an environment conducive to learning. So, doing everything in our power to stop bullying or any kind of aggressive behavior in our classrooms that is going to stop kids from learning. And then I also think that we need to have or we need to have more direct student investment into our classrooms and targeting those kids that may need additional help,” Ruais said.
On the homeless issue, Cavanaugh said the city is making progress.
“This is a huge problem. We’ve hired a homelessness director, an overdose director and we’re going to want to see results. And that’s what we’re doing. The actions we’re taking will make a difference,” Cavanaugh said.
Ruais said it’s not enough and he wants a more comprehensive approach.
“That does include banning camping in the city, but then we look to triage, stabilize and transition them into a sustainable life in the long term,” Ruais said.
