Manchester Voters Endorse Separate Mayor Race, Library Funds

MANCHESTER, CT — Manchester residents can brace themselves for a good old race for mayor in the next municipal election.

And the town will be getting a new library.

Local voters took care of both and more by approving a proposal to make the mayor's race separate from the board of directors. Traditionally the highest vote-getter is named mayor and chairs the board. Millions were proposed to pay for a new library.

Manchester voters were presented Tuesday with five questions with a local focus. Here are the results:

Q: Shall the Town of Manchester appropriate $39,000,000 to capital accounts for the 2022-2023 fiscal year budget for the construction of a new main branch of the Manchester Public Library at 1041 Main Street and authorize the issuance of general obligation bonds of the town or notes in anticipation of such bonds in an amount not to exceed $39,000,000, or so much as may be necessary after deducting grants to be received for the project, to finance the appropriation?

• Yes: 11,511
• No: 6,670

Q: Shall the Town of Manchester amend the Town Charter to make certain technical and administrative changes?

• Yes: 11,791
• No: 5,503

Q: Shall the Town of Manchester amend section 3-4 of the Town Charter to provide for the direct election of the mayor?

• Yes: 12,108
• No: 5,435

Q; Shall the Town of Manchester amend the Town Charter to eliminate the residency requirement for the Superintendent of Schools, Chief of Police, Fire Chief, Director of Public Works, and the Superintendent of Water and Sewer Department?

• Yes: 7,024
• No: 10,847

Q: Shall the membership of the Planning and Zoning Commission be increased to 7 members upon the effective date of any approval by the voters of this proposed Charter change, and to 9 members on November 17, 2025

• Yes: 12,051
• No: 5,521