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Residents press mayor and aldermen over commission appointments, citing representation concerns
Summary
Public commenters at the May 14 Manchester Housing Commission meeting urged the mayor and Board of Mayor and Aldermen to confirm a full appointment for Jody Brown rather than an alternate seat, arguing the decision reduces representation for Manchester's Black community.
Multiple public commenters used the commission's May 14 meeting to urge the mayor and Board of Mayor and Aldermen to confirm nominees to full seats and to improve the commission's transparency and public access to materials.
A resident and community organizer said she and a collective of about 700 Black women in New Hampshire had celebrated Jody Brown's nomination and were concerned that Brown had been designated as an alternate instead of a full member; the commenter asked that the mayor and aldermen reconsider the appointment. A member of the Manchester Housing Alliance likewise spoke in favor of Brown becoming a regular member.
Commission members said the mayor makes final appointment decisions and that nominations for multiple candidates had been sent to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen for confirmation at the BMA meeting scheduled for May 20. Staff noted that resumes had been forwarded and that one nominee, Richard Clegg, had prior NeighborWorks experience listed in his materials.
During the meeting the public also raised questions about the commission's transparency: where agendas and meeting videos are posted, the commission's annual report requirement under city charter, and how members of the public can review materials. Staff said agenda materials are posted on the mayor's web page under the housing commission and that meeting videos are available on demand; commissioners acknowledged the housing commission is not yet posted in the same way as some other city commissions on the main city calendar and said they would work with IT and the mayor's office to improve visibility. The commission also discussed appointing a point of contact to speak with representatives from Somersworth who asked to learn about Manchester's experience forming a housing commission.
Ending: Commissioners said they would track the BMA confirmation on May 20 and work with staff on clearer public posting of agendas and videos.
