Juliet SmithPrimary Election 2022 WinnerGeneral Election 2022 Winner
Running forState Representative - Hillsborough 18 (Ward 12)
in 2022
Running as Democrat
I am a retired Manchester teacher—raised in Middlebury, VT—received a BS from Truman State in Mo., and a M.Ed from the University of MO in Columbia
No political/elected office experience.
Current jobCurrently I am a retired Manchester teacher
I taught 5th grade and special education 6-12, for 11 years in MO, 25 years as a full time teacher in Manchester. Retired, but continued part time by teaching adult education and driver’s education for several more years, finally full time retirement in 2020.
Current residencePresently I live in Ward 12, Manchester
Time lived in NHI have lived in Manchester since 1980, a total of 42 years.
HometownI was born in Waltham, Massachusetts, but moved to VT two years later.
Middlebury is where I attended both grammar school and high school.
Best way to contact candidateI can be reached by calling (603) 625-8753
If elected or re-elected, please describe legislation you expect to sponsor or co-sponsor.
If I am elected, I hope to work on a committee catering to children, such as the education committee, rules and laws protecting children, etc.
What are the most important concerns you’ve heard from Manchester residents and how can you address those concerns if elected or re-elected?
Property tax is a big complaint. People feel that even though they pay the tax, they feel the educational system isn’t living up to their expectations. Some feel if the tax is lower, more young people would stay, and therefore more business would come, houses built, and more money available for schools, etc.
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?
The time per week I would spend doing my duty once elected, will depend entirely upon the committee I am on and the business needed to be accomplished. Since I am retired with few family responsibilities, I am available to spend considerable time on committee work.
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 divisive political climate is extremely bad for this country. No one person has all the answers. Compromise provides the best solutions to all issues. Hostility in this country will make a drastic change in our democracy if not reined in and brought under control.
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?
One of the main issues Manchester faces is the increase in crime. There are too many guns on the street which encourages violence as an answer. More education, and the elimination of drugs would help. The police and school depts., along with social services agencies need to work together to help with this issue.
In your opinion, what were the five most significant pieces of legislation introduced over the last two years? Please explain what made them significant.
Education seems to take high priority. Special education designations and the availability of enough teachers and aids.
I wasn’t in the Legislature last year, but I do know of a couple bills I cared about.
SB 446 passed. This bill established a child care workforce fund and grant program. Day care centers can’t afford to offer their staffs a raise, and yet users can’t afford an increase in fees, so this bill helps centers recruit and retain workers. A good thing for NH families.
HB 1255 failed. This bill would change HB 2, which gave the basic minimum standards to school districts and educators who could add their own, within reason. HB1255 does the opposite. This bill is an example of politicians attempting to white wash our history and rewriting it.
