Ross BerryPrimary Election 2022 WinnerGeneral Election 2022 WinnerRepublican

With the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 in the future, do you support the legislature meeting remotely?

No. COVID-19 is winding down (for now) and I believe the legislature should meet in person as it adds to the deliberative process. We need to make decisions based on science and data and those point towards declining COVID numbers and thus getting back to normalcy. I am confident we can meet safely.

If elected or re-elected, please describe legislation you expect to sponsor or co-sponsor.

My focus will be on bail reform and regulations around small businesses.

What are the most important concerns you’ve heard from Manchester residents and how can you address those concerns if elected or re-elected?

Crime, Crime, Crime, and taxes. By fixing bail reform and sending people released from Valley St back to the towns they came from we can quickly clean the city up.

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?

When in session I spend about 15-20 hours a week on State Rep things. Outside of session, it is 3-4 hours a week. I spend as much time as the job requires. Representing 30k people means I get a lot of emails and calls and I am proud to say I have responded to all of them.

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?

I had three bills that had bi-partisan sponsorship. Most of the divide you hear about is just noise. I will work with anyone from any party who has common cause with me.

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?

Crime. By addressing bail reform and Valley St Jail we can solve many of the problems facing our city.

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?

I would reference you to question #5. I focus on the things the voters tell me about. Right now it is crime. If that is solved and the voters want me on another topic, I will go there.

In your opinion, what were the five most significant pieces of legislation introduced over the last two years? Please explain what made them significant.

1. Education Freedom Accounts- This puts working class and low-income families on a more level footing with higher income families in getting an education that best fits their child’s needs. Your zip code should not determine your educational outcome.
2. Bail Reform – Reigning in cashless bail will put Manchester on a brighter path. While jail is not the best option for many people, our community is not well served by constantly arresting and releasing the same people, over and over again.
3. The Budget- We cut property taxes in the state budget and delivered more money back to Manchester (a net gain of $7,000,000.00). This provided relief on the state level side of property taxes. We also increased the investments in Granite Shield to further combat drug dealers fueling the opioid epidemic.
4. Small Business Tax Reductions – We cut taxes on New Hampshire’s small businesses which has helped to deliver our 2% unemployment rate. This has led to higher wages for workers and put employees in a stronger negotiating position with employers for expanded benefits.
5. Established an independent office of the advocate for special education to make sure that every child has a voice and no families are being left behind.