Jerome Duval
Running forExecutive Councilor District 4
in 2020
Running as Democrat
At age59
Former school committee member
Former alderman
Former police commissioner
Former charter commission member, elected by peers as chairman
NH Real Estate broker
Established, owner/operator deli and catering co.
Past president, Greater Manchester Nashua Board Realtors
Board of Directors, Catholic Medical Center
Time lived in NH59 years.
Manchester High School West
College-level courses
Real estate designations
NH licensed Real Estate broker
Best way to contact candidatejerome.duval@verani.com
What are the most important concerns you’ve heard from Manchester residents and how can you address those concerns if elected or re-elected as an Executive Counselor?
People always express frustration with elected officials who seem more interested in playing party politics, than working cooperatively to make improvements. They want an executive council member who simply works for the people.
Do you have an overarching philosophy when it comes to approving or denying state government contracts?
Make these important decisions based on merits and facts. As example, Planned Parenthood has a history, supported by data, that clearly demonstrates a high success rate of delivering comprehensive sexual and reproductive health care services for women across NH, with an emphasis on those most in need. The result, fewer unwanted pregnancies and lower incidence of cancer in women. I will always look for details in contracts that produce results for the people I represent.
Do you have an overarching philosophy when it comes to approving or denying appointees to departments within the state government?
A complete and thorough history of the person, which includes testimony from those with knowledge of that persons overall competence and temperament. I’d also be looking to foster every opportunity to encourage diversity in selection of nominees. We must provide assurance to all people of the district that these positions are not open to only those most politically connected, rather, we are making every effort to attract those with new ideas, less beholden to personal bias and those magnanimous by nature.
In your view, describe the relationship over the past two years within the Executive Council and between the Executive Council and Governor Sununu. Do you believe this atmosphere will continue over the next two years and how would that affect how you approach this position if elected or re-elected?
First, I pledge to work cooperatively with whomever the people choose as their next governor. I have my personal preference, sure. But, once elected I plan to fulfill my pledge to the voters I serve with a steadfast commitment to doing whats in my constituents best interests, first and foremost. As example, I will stand for complete transparency in all our affairs. If any governor usurps the process or fails to engage those outside the council chamber in significant decisions, especially spending of taxpayer dollars, he/she will hear my strong objection.
What is the most significant issue facing Manchester at the local level right now and as an Executive Councilor, what do you believe your role is toward impacting this issue?
Awarding of contracts and related services for COVID-19 relief must be delivered timely and for those areas most affected. This process must be conducted with efficiency, but with complete confidence tax dollars hit the intended targets.
With the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 in the future, do you support the Executive Council meeting remotely?
These decisions must be made outside the political arena and be based on recommendations by recognized, respected health experts. I do believe we serve as an example to the general public and must be vigilant in our efforts to maintain messaging that is in the public’s best health interests.
In your opinion, what were the five most significant actions taken by the Executive Council over the last two years? Please explain what made them significant.
I will take this opportunity to highlight one major issue of mine. Judicial appointments. In the 144 history of the NH supreme court over 100 judges have been appointed, with just three being women. This number is terribly reflective of a nomination process that councilors should work collaboratively to redesign. Diversity in our judicial system is grossly lacking and its no longer good enough for a council member to sit dispassionately waiting for the same old governor nomination process to produce nominees with predictable outcomes . While we witness the ongoing political battle surrounding the governors pick for the supreme court, our justice system suffers. The consequences for keeping a seat vacant are serious enough, but in a larger sense and far more serious to me, lacking yet again an opportunity to appoint a woman or person of minority ethnicity to the states highest court. While the governor has constitutional authority to make his nominations, the executive councils most distinct role is to serve as a check on the governor. I promise women and minorities to use the full weight of that check to create pathways that will result in a more diverse bench that is far more reflective of today’s society. That will require a council member who has little tolerance for engaging in political theatrics or settling political scores, rather is far more serious about consensus building to bring about meaningful change.