Willis Griffith
Running forState Representative Hillsborough District 18 (Ward 11)
in 2020
Running as Democrat
At age26
Finishing my first-term as a State Rep. In my first term, I served on the Ways & Means Committee, was elected Chairman of the Young Democrats Caucus, and was the youngest and only first-term Rep from either party named to leadership. I sponsored and passed legislation on affordable housing, student loans, financial education, and information technology.
Formerly soccer and educator at a top prep school in NH. Still coach soccer locally in Bedford.
Time lived in NH18 years (born in NH, lived eight years elsewhere before moving back)
Undergraduate degree in Political Science from Northwestern University & Master of Public Policy from UNH
Best way to contact candidatewillisforstaterep@gmail.com
If elected or re-elected, please describe legislation you expect to sponsor or co-sponsor.
We know that the pandemic did not create all of our issues, but certainly exacerbated what was already problematic. I will continue to fight for social justice, affordable housing, public education, and lower property taxes.
What are the most important concerns facing you’ve heard from Manchester residents and how can you address those concerns if elected or re-elected?
The number one thing I am hearing locally is directly related to public education. We need to support Manchester’s students and teachers by continuing to fight for an equitable funding formula at the state-level.
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?
I am proud of my 100% attendance record at the State House. I take this role very seriously and, despite working full-time, have figured out how to prioritize my duty as State Rep. Showing up and actually listening to constituents cannot be over-emphasized.
In your view, describe the atmosphere within the legislature over the past two years. Do you believe this atmosphere will continue and how would that affect how you approach this position if elected or re-elected?
Toxic. Political posturing and partisanship jaded my view of New Hampshire’s citizen legislature. With that being said, I have made lifelong friends with my colleagues from both sides of the aisle. Perhaps my proudest moments in the legislature so far are a result of working directly with Republicans on affordable housing policies. We went across the state and pitched legislation together and stood by it together in the House.
What is the most significant issue facing Manchester at the municipal level and how can you, as a legislator aid the city government on that issue?
Public education must be the priority. So many things revolve around that single issue. Our ability to attract businesses and a workforce, improve equity, and make Manchester more resilient are all dependent on how well we support our public schools. I voted for the $3.5m to come to the Manchester schools and was disappointed by the Board of Aldermen’s decision to not take full advantage of that.
With the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 in the future, do you support the legislature meeting remotely?
I sponsored the bill, HB1486, to study information technology in the legislative process well before the pandemic. The current way the legislature is run limits both who can serve and who can advocate to a detrimental level. Moving to a hybrid model long-term will help us make better policy.