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Mayor Gatsas Sworn In, Promises To Tackle Crime

Ryan Lessard
/
NHPR
Former Mayor Ray Wieczorek swears in Mayor Ted Gatsas for his third term. On left is Gatsas' wife Cassandra.

Ted Gatsas began his third term as Manchester’s Mayor Tuesday. And his inaugural address included promises to improve the city’s safety and public education.

Ted Gatsas applauded new school programs and spoke optimistically about the future of the city’s economic development, but there was one issue on which he didn’t sound so upbeat.

“Like all Queen City residents, I am concerned when it comes to crime in our city. I am frustrated that crimes like burglary and robbery continue despite the Manchester Police Department’s high conviction rate and successful prosecution of these cases.”

Robberies grew by about 45% last year from the year before, with a record 299. And burglaries spiked in the summer. Gatsas says he’s looking to put a stop to it.

“When I look forward, I see the solution including more officers in our neighborhoods, dedicated downtown foot patrols, strengthened community watch groups.”

Police Chief David Mara has asked for more officers. During his speech, Gatsas said he’s asked Mara to develop a crime reduction plan to be proposed to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen during their first meeting later this month.

Before becoming a reporter for NHPR, Ryan devoted many months interning with The Exchange team, helping to produce their daily talk show. He graduated from the University of New Hampshire in Manchester with a major in Politics and Society and a minor in Communication Arts. While in school, he also interned for a DC-based think tank. His interests include science fiction and international relations. Ryan is a life-long Manchester resident.
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