The Journal-Inquirer reported earlier this week on the GOP Plan to repeal the Living Wage Ordinance during the regular Board of Directors meeting, Tuesday, August 12.

Among the highlights:

Republican members of the Board of Directors want to get rid of the town’s two-year-old living wage ordinance, saying Cigna Corp.’s request for waivers is the latest example of the ordinance’s ineffectiveness.

The living wage ordinance is “an inefficient policy” with so many “exemptions and contradictions” that it can’t be made to work in any way that benefits Manchester residents, Republican Deputy Mayor Matthew B. Peak said today.

Republicans say that with nonprofit organizations, businesses that employ 25 or fewer, and the town itself exempt from the ordinance, as well as one waiver already granted to a business looking for a tax abatement to expand and stay in town, waivers for Cigna would water the ordinance down so much it might as well be scrapped.

The Board of Directors will meet on Tuesday at the Lincoln Center.

MRTC PICNIC

THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2008

NORTHWEST PARK

5:30 PM TO 7:00 PM

COMPLIMENTARY ADMISSION TO MANCHESTER SILKWORMS FOLLOWING THE PICNIC

The menu will include hamburgers, hot dogs, and dessert.

While the cost is free to town committee members, spouses and guests are invited for a $5 donation. Children are free.

Republican Director Cheri Pelletier announced her candidacy for the 13th State House District on Friday, May 16, at the Lincoln Center in Manchester. Both the JI and the Courant had articles about Pelletier’s bid.The Journal Inquirer - after putting the wrong district number in the headline - wrote a good article covering Cheri’s announcement.

Republican town Director Cheri Ann Pelletier announced her candidacy for the 13th House District seat this morning, saying she will bring “a level of energy and action to the state House like no other candidate.”Pelletier, who has been a member of Manchester’s Board of Directors since 2005, likely will face Democrat John W. Thompson, who has held the 13th District seat for 22 years. Thompson hasn’t filed campaign documents yet, but has said he plans to run.

Pelletier said Thompson’s “service, although admirable, was largely during a time when manufacturing and private industry thrived, the dollar was worth more, and the times and issues seemed simpler.”

The Courant piece was interesting if only for this quote from Rep. Jack Thompson: “She’s free to do what she wants,” Thompson said. “I don’t know her very well, but I welcome anyone who wants to run against me.”  Is it possible that after more than two years of Pelletier’s service on the Board of Directors - in addition to hailing from South Manchester like Thompson, State Rep. Thompson still can’t claim to know Pelletier well?