Juan Manuel Gonzalez a.k.a "Manny"
Age: 12/26/66 (46)
Family: Married to Gloribel Gonzalez (18 years Married) (27 years together, since High School)
3 Children, Juan David Gonzalez (26), Jasmine E. Gonzalez (23), Calvin M. Gonzalez (18)
My mother and father both deceased
I am one of 10 brothers and sisters
Education:
Lawrence High School (1982-1986)
Salem State College (1986 -unfinished) Education, still active, not taking classes
North Shore Community College (Associates Degree, Fire Science) given May 30, 1997
Full time Mass Fire Academy
Part time Police Academy (N.E.R.P.I)
Work Experience:
Lawrence Fire Department (1996- Active) Firefighter
Colleran Investigative Services (2006-Active) Licensed Private Investigator
Phillips Academy 1993-1996Public Safety
Winchester Hospital evironmental services
Lawrence School Department (1984-86) Temporary custodian
Malden Mills (1984-1985) Sunday cleaners
Flavor Fresh Fruit Salad (1983)
Reason for
Running:
160 years ago
Lawrence was founded on the Merrimack River by immigrant textile workers looking
for their American Dream. 30 years ago Juan Gonzalez came to Lawrence looking
for that same dream.
"I am running for Mayor because
I believe we can do better and we deserve better! As a resident of Lawrence for
the past 30 years a home owner, taxpayer, and firefighter for the past 18 years
I understand what it takes to keep Lawrence safe. I disagree with the business
as usual mentality the current administration has had the past four
years. I care about
the entire community and not just a group. I am not a career politician and I
don't have any personal vendettas. I am just grateful of what this community has
given me and now I want to give back."
-Juan
Gonzalez
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Juan on the
Issues:
Public Safety
Public safety will always remain my top priority. I want
everyone of Lawrence's residents to feel safe in their homes. Over the last four
years Lawrence's Police Department has seen some layoffs because of Budgetary
reasons. I believe that one way to help our community in these tough times is by
forming neighborhood watch groups. These groups can help us identify with the
Police Department where our problem areas are and we can help our city be better
protected. Our next elected mayor is going to have the
important responsibility of finding a new Police Chief. This is something that
if elected I won't take lightly. Working with the appointed interim police chief
I will do my best to help our city find a new Chief that will be the best choice
for the safety of our city.
Economic Development
Lawrence has a very negative image sitting over the city
right now. Business do not feel comfortable investing their hard earned money in
this city. If we work together we can change that. I've started walking through
the Pacific Mills on Canal st. talking to owners of small business in our city.
The owners were really concerned that they would soon be evicted to make room
for more housing in our city. I'm not against housing in our city but we need to
look at the bigger picture.We need to work with the business to help them thrive
in our city. If we can't keep business here how can we expect to attract
new businesses and new jobs.
Education
As an elected Mayor I would serve as chair of our School
Committee. My job will be to work with whoever the people of Lawrence elect as
their representatives to set a tone. The state needs to see that we have a body
of elected officials who have a vision and desire to get our schools out of
state receivership. We need to show the state that we take education in this
city very serious and that we will do whatever it takes to help build a better
system for our city. This is not something that is going to happen over night.
The school system belongs to the city. Our children are being educated here and
we care about them. In the mean time let's work with
the superintendent appointed by the state. You need to do your part by going to
the schools, going to the meetings, and learning your teachers names. Lets's
show the state that we are dedicated to helping our schools.
