Voters in New Hampshire House District Sullivan 3 will fill three seats on Tuesday, Nov. 3. Republican incumbents Skip Rollins of Newport, and Steven Smith and Walter Spilsbury of Charlestown, face Democrats Lisa DeBartolomao and Timothy Fitzpatrick of Charlestown and Jeffrey Kessler of Newport.
The Valley News sent a survey to the candidates about their experience, why they are running and what they see as the biggest issue facing the state. Kessler’s and Smith’s answers, edited lightly for style, appear below.
Both candidates who responded point to property taxes and the state’s role in funding schools. Kessler calls for reversing recent state revenue cuts. Smith says the education funding system should be rebuilt and points to Vermont’s homestead exemption as a model. Rollins, Spilsbury, DeBartolomao and Fitzpatrick did not return the questionnaire.
JEFFREY F. KESSLER
Democrat · NH House Sullivan 3
72, Democrat, Newport
Political experience: None.
Professional experience: Mechanical engineering work in Virginia and Washington, D.C. Insurance agent and school technology coordinator in Newport.
Community service: Newport School Board member in the 1990s; Newport Board of Selectmen since 2007.
Why are you running? To have the state take back the financial responsibilities that have been passed onto local property taxpayers.
Biggest issue: The economic struggle many residents face today is our biggest issue. We can begin meeting the state’s obligations by reversing recent revenue cuts and directing those resources back to local communities.
Online: Facebook: Jeff Kessler for NH State Rep
STEVEN SMITH
Republican · NH House Sullivan 3
Steven Smith
62, Republican, Charlestown
Political experience: Former regional planning commissioner. State representative for 16 years. Deputy speaker for six years.
Professional experience: Realtor, software tester, factory work.
Community service: Eagle Scout. Food drives.
Why are you running? I’ve worked hard to make sure Sullivan County is not forgotten in a Legislature dominated by representatives from other counties. I will continue fighting to make sure we are represented.
Biggest issue: Property taxes. The education funding system needs to be rebuilt from the ground up. We should adopt Vermont’s homestead exemption system and also its method of adopting school budgets.
Online: steve4nh.com
| CANDIDATES: STILL WANT TO BE INCLUDED? If you are running for office in the Upper Valley and have not received the Valley News candidate questionnaire, contact Managing Editor Allison Rogers at arogers@vnews.com or 603-727-3220, or Deputy Editor Molly Hughes at mhughes@vnews.com or 603-727-3213. |