When Warren Packer talks about politics, he doesn’t start with headlines or talking points. He starts with the union.

“I learned leadership in the union,” he said. “You listen first. You figure out what people need. Then you speak up.”

A retired state employee and longtime CSEA member, Warren was first elected Constable in Manchester in 1995. Now in his 31st year, he’s one of the longest-serving elected officials in town — and he still approaches the job with the mindset he developed as a union activist.

Before running for office, Warren was deeply involved in his local. He served as chapter president, worked on negotiating and reclassification committees, participated in legislative action efforts, and helped build political connections across unions.

“That’s where you really learn how things work,” he said. “You build relationships. You realize we’re stronger when we move together.”

That thinking carried over into his work in Manchester. Early on, he pushed for local unions — firefighters, teachers, judicial employees, municipal workers — to coordinate their political endorsements instead of working separately.

“We stopped going one by one,” he explained. “We went as a group. One voice. That changes things.”

The role of constable goes back to colonial times. In Manchester, Warren’s primary responsibility is serving delinquent tax warrants and other official town paperwork.

“It’s not flashy,” he said. “But it’s important. It’s about making sure the town can function.”

After 30 years in office and decades in the labor movement, Warren’s advice to newer CSEA members is simple.

“Start small,” he said. “Go to meetings. Join a committee. Listen. You’re not doing this alone.”

He’s especially mindful of younger members balancing work and family.

“We all want the same thing,” he said. “A steady job. Good health care. The ability to go home at night and not worry about what’s coming next.”

That stability, he believes, doesn’t happen by accident.

“It comes from showing up,” Warren said. “It comes from sticking together.”

And after three decades of doing exactly that, he’s proof that local engagement — grounded in union values — can make a lasting difference.