Joshua QueryPrimary Election 2022 Winner
Running for State Representative District 39
in 2022
Running as Democrat
I moved to Manchester on my 19th Birthday to attend the New Hampshire Institute of Art majoring in Ceramics and Printmaking. In my Junior year of college I decided to put down roots in Manchester moving from my college apartment downtown and bought my home in ward 9 that I have now lived in for the last 7 years. After Graduating from college I taught at a few museums and art centers, teaching ceramics to people of all ages but enjoying the most teaching kids ages 5 to 15. After getting elected I realized that commuting to Boston daily was hurting my work in concord so I have held random jobs from construction to loading trucks at UPS so that I can devote my time to the residents of Ward 9. During the height of the pandemic I found myself unemployed like many others in the city, so I dedicated myself to volunteering as an AmeriCorps member at the Manchester Welfare department, gaining a deep understanding of the city’s and State’s welfare needs.
After teaching, I started working in electoral politics focusing on non-partisan races like school board and alderman in the city of Nashua. On top of my work on campaigns I also work closely with multiple LGBTQ+ groups helping with policy advocacy and education.
Current jobDirector of Party Affairs for the New Hampshire Democratic Party
Ceramics Department Chair and Faculty for Brookline Arts Center
Current residence80 Beech Hill Ave
Time lived in NH10 years
HometownNoblesville, Indiana
Graduated with a BFA in Ceramics and Printmaking from New Hampshire Institute of Art in Manchester (now NEC:IAD)
Best way to contact candidateJfquery@gmail.com or Call/text my cell at 317-752-5510
Websitehttps://joshquery.com/
If elected or re-elected, please describe legislation you expect to sponsor or co-sponsor.
I will Refile my bill HB238 – a ban on the use of the LGBTQ+ panic defense. This Bill passed the house in a large majority but was tabled in the senate after a 12-12 vote.
I will also be filing a bill making PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) available over the counter at all pharmacies.
I am also working on other legislation brought to me by ward 9 residents, but at this time I am unable to share as they are still works in progress!
What are the most important concerns you’ve heard from Manchester residents and how can you address those concerns if elected or re-elected?
The Pandemic has set a lot of Manchester families back, whether it is from losing their jobs or struggling with the increasing prices of basic staples and utilities. If reelected, I am hoping to serve on the Health and human services committee that works closely on some of the needed programs that will help with Medical costs, provides funding for food benefits, and helps with the basic wellbeing for NH children.
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?
Over the last term I have Served on the Public Works and Highways committee that has a heavy workload in the first half of each session oftentimes requiring meeting up to 4 days a week to work on the capital budget and 10 year transportation plan. After those projects are done I commit to Substituting on committees that need a member to fill in while others are absent. Over the last 3 years I have substituted on almost every committee, and was a long term substitute on the Health and Human Services Committee. On average I am in Concord about 3 days a week representing Manchester!
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?
In the 2021 session we started remotely which prevented a lot of new reps from experiencing the community atmosphere that the house has always had. Reps were not able to talk with their colleagues from across the aisle in down times between hearings or talk policy over lunch. My hope is with this new term we will be able to foster that environment again so that we create a welcoming and open discussion in Concord on all issues.
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?
I believe that School funding is one of our biggest issues in Manchester and across the state. I believe that if we make sure that the state funds education equally and fairly we will be able to lower the tax burden that is downshifted to the city level helping relieve our growing property taxes.
In your opinion, what were the five most significant pieces of legislation introduced over the last two years? Please explain what made them significant.
These are in no specific order as they are all just my top 5!
CACR18 – This Bill would have codified Roe into our Constitution and made sure that every granite stater had the right to safe and legal family planning including abortions.
Sb422 – this bill added preventative dental care to the state Medicaid program, insuring care to our elderly and disabled citizens
Hb1454 – This bill would have instituted a buffer zone for future landfills from our state parks and lakes, ensuring that they were safe and free of toxins being leaked from land fills. I am hoping that this bill will be reintroduced and will keep preserving our parks and lakes!
Hb1417 – This legislation provides a 7.5% state contribution to municipal retirement costs to help ease the local property tax burden, provide property tax relief to the cities and towns, and enhance public education and public safety.
Hb500 – This bill allows schools to partner with a nonprofit to freeze leftover school food, that was never served, to send home with children who participate in a free or reduced price meals program. This helps families who are food insecure to provide healthy meals to kids and ensure that they are healthy and in the best shape to learn and be successful!
