Gordon Brewster

Political platform statement

I am proud to announce my candidacy for a seat on the Manchester Planning Board. I’d like to share a bit about myself and why I am seeking your support.

A brief personal history
Nearly 40 years ago my wife, Donna, and I made Manchester our home. In truth, I had known about Manchester's charm much earlier having grown up just across the line in Beverly. We were married here and raised our two sons in Manchester’s public schools. It’s fair to say we deeply love the beauty of Manchester.
I earned my degree in Civil Engineering and hold a Professional Engineering license in Civil Engineering as well. As a design professional, my sole responsibility was to lead multidisciplinary architecture/engineering teams in planning, permitting, design and construction of diverse corporate, office and housing projects. Throughout my career, I’ve learned the value of active listening, thorough planning and, most importantly, clear communication.

My service to Manchester
For the past 25 years, I’ve been actively involved in many major town development projects, motivated by a simple belief that my professional expertise would benefit our community. My initial involvement was serving on the ME Middle High School Building Committee, followed by service on two additional building committees for the ME Middle High School and the Manchester Memorial Elementary School. In addition, I have served on the CPC Donovan Field Committee, and I am currently serving on the Downtown Improvement Project Committee.

Why I wish to serve on the Planning Board
Active participation in town government continues to be my main motivation. For the past nine months, I have served as an interim member of the Planning Board, filling the vacancy left by the untimely passing of Ron Mastrogiacomo. It was an immediate and fast-paced introduction. Both the reopening of the Cell Signaling Technologies Special Permit and helping craft the town’s response to the MBTA Zoning Law were extremely time sensitive. It’s through this hands-on experience, that I understood the importance of the Planning Board’s role in managing the Town’s land and building development. How the Planning Board responds to issues posed by these projects has a profound and lasting effect on Manchester’s physical and cultural character—and I am committed to being a part of this work.

I also understand that preservation of Manchester’s small-town character, while fostering responsible economic growth, requires vigilance and foresight. Perhaps this is the most important function of the Planning Board.  I see five issues in particular that are very much in the forefront of the Planning Board’s agenda for the coming years. Specifically:
•   Encourage responsible development that balances progress with preservation of Manchester’s values.
•  Support appropriate opportunities for diverse housing throughout Manchester for families, seniors and young adults.
•  Create a vibrant downtown for our citizens, businesses and merchants.
•  Oversee development generated by MBTA and ADU zoning changes.
•  Re-evaluate, draft and update zoning by-laws to keep pace with Town development

Each of these challenges is complex and all are interdependent. If elected, I will work diligently with all town boards and committees to tackle these issues with care and collaboration.
I remain wholeheartedly committed to the vision outlined in the 2019 Manchester Master Plan, and I believe my experience and skills will greatly assist the Planning Board in navigating today’s challenges.

I would be honored to continue serving our incredible community and respectfully ask for your vote on May 20.