For Immediate Release
MANCHESTER, NH July 22, 2021–The campaign of Manchester Republican mayoral candidate Richard Girard released the endorsements of three former members of the Manchester Board of School Committee, today. Two of the endorsers served as Republicans, the other served as a Democrat. All three represented Ward 2, with one also having served at-Large. Girard’s campaign underscored the continued bi-partisan support he’s received in the campaign, noting that Republicans need Democrat votes to win in citywide elections, something Girard has done four times.
Girard used the opportunity to emphasize the importance of fixing Manchester’s failing school system. “Test scores recently released by the school district show that only 15% of our students in grades 1 through 8 are functioning at grade level in math and only 22% are on grade level in English. While test scores have consistently fallen in recent years, they’ve especially slipped during the last four, despite all the increased spending. These results are sickening proof that our school system is failing our kids in a spectacular way and in need of an overhaul. As mayor, I will fight for the full blown public school choice system that will enable our educators, parents and community organizations to turn it around. Our families want this and our kids deserve it. I am very grateful for the support of these dedicated public servants.”
The campaign released the following endorsements:
- Former Committeewoman Debra Langton (D-at-Large & Ward 2)
- Former Committeeman Bob O’Sullivan (R-Ward 2)
- Former Committeeman Rick Dumont (R-Ward 2)
The campaign previously released the following endorsements:
- Former Alderman Tom Robert (R-Ward 11)
- Former Alderman Real Pinard (I-Ward 6)
- Former Alderman and School Committeeman Russ Ouellette (D-Ward 11)
- Concerned Taxpayers of Manchester Chairman Jim Gaudet
- Coalition of New Hampshire Taxpayers Chairman Ed Naile (a Democrat)
- Former Manchester Republican Committee Chairman Jerry Thibodeau
- Former Manchester Republican Committee Chairman Jeff Frost
- Alderman Jim Roy (D-Ward 4)
- Former Alderman Tim Reiniger (R-Ward 3)
- Former School Board Member Joe Briggs (I-Ward 2)
- Former State Rep. Kathy Souza (R-Wards 4, 5, 6, & 7)
- Former State Rep. Barbara Hagan (R-Ward 10)
- Senator Bob Smith
- State Senator Jim Rubens
- General Don Bolduc
- NH Right to Life (a non-partisan organization)