Library, charter questions on Tuesday's ballot in Manchester
Nov. 3—MANCHESTER — Voters will decide local referendum questions Tuesday, Election Day, covering proposed charter revisions and asking for approval to spend $39 million to build a new library at 1041 Main St.
AT A GLANCE
WHAT: Voters will find six referendum questions on the back of their ballots this Election Day, Nov. 8, including approval of a new library and proposed charter revisions.
MORE INFORMATION: The town mailed out an explanatory text for the referendum questions, which is also available on the town clerk's page on the town website at
The ballot features six questions, the first concerning a state proposal to allow for early in-person voting. The Board of Directors approved the five local questions in August, though some of the Charter Revision Commission's original proposals were rejected.
Republican Director Zachary Reichelt said voters should "do their homework" by reading the explanatory text they received in the mail and reviewing discussions from past meetings.
"There's just so many questions, we need to make sure people are informed," he said.
The second question on the ballot asks voters if they want to spend up to $39 million for construction of a 75,000-square-foot library at 1041 Main St. and make repairs to the existing Mary Cheney Library at 586 Main St. to facilitate that building's reuse.
Officials have said the town would not borrow the full $39 million. In addition to $5.5 million already received from the state, the town anticipates other state grants will offset the cost to taxpayers, including at least $1 million sought for the project.
Webster Bank owns and occupies the property on the corner of Main and Maple streets. Officials say they are willing to sell to the town and rebuild a smaller bank in the downtown area.
Mayor Jay Moran, a Democrat, said a modern library would provide residents of all ages a place to read, research, and gather, and the proposed location would improve that access.
Reichelt said he is in support of the library referendum, because of "undesirable" conditions for residents and staff at the Mary Cheney Library.
Bernie LeBel, manager of the Downtown Manchester Special Services District, said the new library would be an anchor for downtown businesses, and the walkability and ease of access make the new site a great location.
"Downtown Manchester is already a destination, and having the library would multiply it," LeBel said.
The first charter revision question concerns technical changes to the town charter, mostly clarifications and updating language.
The second charter question on the ballot asks voters if they want a direct election of a mayor. Now, the Board of Directors candidate with the highest number of votes is named mayor, acting as chair of the board.
The revision would have candidates run specifically for the office of mayor. A losing mayoral candidate would have their votes considered for election to the Board of Directors, however, and they could wind up serving on the board as long has they have more votes than other candidates.
Moran said direct election could lead to a more established mayoral role, but he is a fan of the current council-manager government. He said separating the position of mayor should come with a salary increase and additional responsibilities.
Reichelt said he believes both parties are OK with direct election of mayor, but that he has concerns about how it could change local politics.
"I think what you'll have happen with a direct elected mayor is you'll have two of the boldest people going head-to-head against each other, and you might see the person who lost the direct election not get on the board entirely," Reichelt said.
The third charter revision question would eliminate the residency requirement for police chief, fire chief, public works director, school superintendent and head of the Water and Sewer Department.
Directors approved the question in August in a narrow 5-4 vote, with those in favor citing a difficult market for filling such positions, and a desire to widen the town's scope in order to find the best applicant.
Reichelt said while he understands the benefits, he would prefer that key staff has a stake in the community.
"I think that gives residents a lot of confidence in them," Reichelt said.
The fourth charter revision question would expand the Planning and Zoning Commission from five to seven members immediately upon approval, and to nine members on Nov. 17, 2025.
Moran said he supports the expansion, as it would give more residents an opportunity to be involved and make the PZC's work easier.
"Sometimes they don't have enough for a quorum" to meet or vote, Moran said.
Joseph covers Manchester and Bolton for the Journal Inquirer.
