Damond FordPrimary Election 2022 WinnerGeneral Election 2022 Winner
Running forState Representative - Hillsborough 40 (Wards 1, 3 ,10, 11, 12)
in 2022
Running as Democrat
My name is Damond Ford and I am running for State Representative to represent District 40. I am a husband, father and friend to many. I believe that radical compassionate leadership is needed to make New Hampshire a New Hampshire for all. I am a proud Manchester School District parent who serves as PTO Treasurer, I am an active community member and enjoys snuggles with the family’s Sphinx cat.
None. Phone banked for Bernie Sanders in early 2016.
Current jobAssociate Director of NH GEAR UP Alliance at the New Hampshire College and University Council
City Year; South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
Current residenceWard 10, Manchester
Time lived in NHTotal 7 years
HometownRichmond, Virginia
BS in Criminal Justice from Elmira College; Currently obtaining MBA from Western Governors University
Best way to contact candidateThrough the Facebook page or via email, damond4nh@gmail.com
If elected or re-elected, please describe legislation you expect to sponsor or co-sponsor.
I would sponsor or co-sponsor any legislation that focuses on equitably funding our schools, providing affordable housing, and making healthcare more accessible.
What are the most important concerns you’ve heard from Manchester residents and how can you address those concerns if elected or re-elected?
Affordable housing is a major issue facing Manchester residents. Everyone deserves housing, and families deserve to have affordable housing. Obviously the first solution could be to build new affordable housing. I believe that there should also be a statue in New Hampshire limiting rent increases so that general housing cost don’t out pace wage increases.
New Hampshire legislators are citizen legislators and being a legislator is a significant time commitment. How much time per week can you spend on legislative duties while the Senate/House is in session?
As much time as needed. I have a lot of vacation time at work and have had conversations about the time commitment.
How do you feel the current divisive political climate in the United States will impact the New Hampshire General Court over the next two years and how would you navigate that divisiveness in your duties?
The current political climate is toxic. For me it’s about remembering that politics is a human focused industry. People make the laws and policies that effect people, we have to remember that.
What is the most significant issue facing Manchester residents at the municipal level and how can you, as a legislator aid the city government on that issue?
Drug addiction treatment is paramount issue and is interconnected with the many other issues facing the City of Manchester. I believe the state needs to adequately fund local towns and municipalities to help support drug addiction treatment, including resourcing organizations like Families in Transition.
In your conversations with voters, what is the most significant issue to them right now? How would you address that if elected or re-elected?
Right now, the cost of living is crushing families. The cost to do anything has significantly increased, from buying groceries to filling the tank of your car. For me, there isn’t much that we can do, capitalism is doing what it does. But we can make our social services and social safety nets are funded fully to make sure that families feel that their government will support them as they try to achieve the American dream.
In your opinion, what were the five most significant pieces of legislation introduced over the last two years? Please explain what made them significant.
HB 237- would have allowed for a new and growing industry to take root here in New Hampshire. More Americans are smoking cannabis than smoke cigarettes, why not legalize it and create a revenue stream for the state.
HB 160- In line with my idea of a rent increase statute, this bill would have given renters more notice on rent increases, and allows for renters to decide whether to stay in a place or move depending on their financial situation.
HB 608- We need to fund our schools adequately and equitably. We have schools over resourced and schools that are lawfully under resourced, how can we make all new Hampshire schools great.
HB 1645- banning chokeholds, and establishing drug screening alongside psychological stability screening for those who are looking for certified officer status. These pieces will keep both those in custody safe as well as the officers.
HB 1390- this bill along with others have made healthcare more accessible for Granite Staters. We can’t have a healthy population if some folks cannot access the healthcare they need.
