Prior to being elected to the senate, Handley served as deputy mayor of Manchester (1991–1996) and as a member of the Manchester Board of Directors (1987–1989, 1991–1996).
Before being elected to the senate, Handley held the position of deputy mayor in Manchester from 1991 to 1996 and served on the Manchester Board of Directors from 1987 to 1989 and again from 1991 to 1996.