MANCHESTER — Pity John Lynch. He's a lame duck politician. He can't get the Republicans to go along with anything. And now reporters are chasing pols vying for his soon-to-be former job.

But on Thursday, Lynch could wave his governor's wand and be king. King of Elmwood Gardens, at least.

Lynch visited the south Manchester housing project Thursday. He embraced people he recognized, joked around and offered to make some calls on their behalf.

“This is one of my favorite neighborhoods in all of New Hampshire. I think I know all of the kids here by now,” the Democratic governor said.

Lynch was the welcome, but not so unusual, guest at the weekly meeting of the Elmwood Garden leadership group, a group of tenants and housing officials that is an outgrowth of the Granite State Organizing Project.

Many are African refugees who have come to know Lynch from previous visits. They credit him for convincing Comcast to donate 20 computers to Elmwood Gardens last year, enough to launch a computer lab.

On the agenda were several topics: slowing down traffic, restoring a program that provided English classes and childcare, and convincing the nearby Velcro USA to donate an unused parcel of land for a community garden.

“You want me to get someone from Velcro to your next meeting? I'll do it,” Lynch said.

When Willie Miles said the group had started a sewing program, Lynch said: “If you need more (sewing machines), let me know, and I'll get them for you,” he said.

When Alderman Barbara Shaw demurred about lowering the speed limit, Lynch incredulously asked how difficult it would be to change a city ordinance.

Kenyang Nhamot, a Sudanese refugee who has lived at the 200-apartment complex for eight years, said Elmwood Gardens brings together people from different races and different countries who work for the common good.

“He (Lynch) loves us because of our differences. We work together, and he loves that,” Nhamot said.

Lynch also asked leaders if residents have enough to eat. They assured him that people did, thanks to food distribution coordinated by the nearby Blessed Sacrament Church.

Alas, he couldn't do everything. The group wants a resumption of Even Start, a federally funded program that provided child care and English lessons to refugees and immigrants.

Blessed Sacrament provides the English lessons, but with both parents working different shifts, child care is essential. The church can't provide that.

“It's a difficult issue,” Lynch said.

The leadership meeting ended in a quick half-hour, giving Lynch the time to speak with members individually. And although he promised to return, his time in office is growing short.

Nyanit Malual, who is also Sudanese, said she appreciates Lynch's visit.

“He (Lynch) likes to see how our organization is going,” Malual said. “That's why we love him.”

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Mark Hayward may be reached at mhayward@unionleader.com.