Manchester Election 2023: Rich Rader, Board Of Directors

MANCHESTER, CT — Rich Rader is running foe a seat on the Manchester Board of Directors in the 2023 election.

Name

Rich Rader

How old will you be as of Election Day?

51

Does your campaign have a website? If so, include the URL here.

What city or town do you live in?

Manchester

What office are you seeking?

Board of Directors

If you are running in a district, you can specify the district here.

Please give us your party affiliation.

Republican

Education.

Masters in Elementary Ed

What is your occupation?

HS Spanish Teacher
19 years teaching experience

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.

Married with two children, ages 8, 14

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

No

Now we'd like to ask a few questions about your reasons for running and your general views on politics and government. First, why are you seeking this office?

I want to help make my town a great community for people to live, work, and raise a family.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is \_\_\_, and this is what I intend to do about it.

A failing educational system that has misplaced priorities. I will help to ensure the budget prioritizes classroom teachers and students instead of non essential administrative positions and programs that do not improve academic performance.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I bring a common sense, critical thinking perspective and am skilled at seeing different sides of issues. I believe I can work well with all members of the town board in a civil manner to achieve the best possible solutions.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

As the director of an after school program I helped to develop relationships with community partners to increase student programming and resources. As a camp director I had responsibility for a variety of programs and managed staff, resources, and facilities. As a school teacher I collaborate with colleagues and administration and partner with parents to increase student achievement and overall success.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Love others as well as you love yourself.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I have been a Manchester resident for almost 25 years. There are so many things I love about this town and I don’t want to move, as some people I know have done. They have sought out other towns with better schools, safer neighborhoods, lower taxes, and a local government that is not intrusive in their lives. Rather than complaining or quitting, I want to work to bring our community together in a way that enables us to respect each other, support each other and thrive together.