Joe Stanieich-Burke, Litchfield State Representative Candidate

Joe Stanieich-Burke

Age (as of Election Day)

32

Position sought (including district number if applicable)

State Representative, Hillsborough District 14

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Family

Peter Stanieich-Burke, 33, husband, and two sons.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Bachelors Degree (Magna Cum Laude), University of Nebraska Omaha

Occupation

Marketing/Advertising (10 Years Experience)

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

N/A

Campaign website

www.nhrepjoe.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

I'm seeking office to create a better, safer, more equitable state.

The Granite State deserves an empathetic, honest, and level-headed voice, eager to create a positive change for those of all ages, abilities, identities, and backgrounds. Someone who is ready to tackle real-world issues that pose real threats to towns, families, schools, and small businesses across New Hampshire. The people in my community deserve a representative that listens more than speaks, valuing the advice, input, and issues of all those in the community. And that's exactly why I'm running.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Although there are many vital issues affecting the Litchfield district, including PFAS contamination, rising utility fees and property taxes, and public education, the single most pressing issue facing my community would be the skyrocketing energy costs and property taxes. Our current elected officials have stood by and allowed these unnecessary burdens to hurt so many across town. One voter I spoke with earlier this year unfortunately has decided to move out of town because she could no longer afford the expensive property taxes as a single, retired person.

New Hampshire must expand our energy portfolio, which would allow us to find relief in additional sources when market prices increase for other alternatives.

As the sole state in New England that hasn't legalized marijuana, I also want to explore passing legislation that would allow the state to manage, grow, and sell the product. By taxing a portion of sales, New Hampshire can then alleviate high property taxes while finding more efficient ways to fund our public education system. Similar approaches to this have been executed successfully across the country and while New Hampshire ranks last in state government funding for public education (relying too heavily on property owners), this would be a huge relief to so many Granite Staters.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

The critical difference between my campaign and the current incumbents, is that my campaign fosters inclusivity, empathy, and more practical ideals that represent the vast majority of own town. According to ActiVote, an app that educates voters on candidates, my platform was much more central than the current incumbents. I believe it is time for our town to elect a young leader to the State House that will protect public education, acknowledge and act on PFAS contamination and other environmental concerns, lower costs, and protect the individual rights of ALL constituents.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

Over their past few terms, we've seen Litchfield's current representatives and their colleagues vote against reproductive rights, voting rights and fair redistricting, state parks and the environment, LGBTQ+ youth, paid family leave, conversion therapy bans, marijuana decriminalization, gun-free schools, and public education. Our town also continues to see rising property taxes and utility costs that are burdening families. We must elect someone who will seek alternative ways to alleviate these skyrocketing costs.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

The issues my campaign is focused on are reproductive rights, public education, the environment and climate change, LGBTQ rights, family-friendly legislation, rising household costs, small business success, and workforce development and retention.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

As a first-time candidate and new to the world of politics, I hope to bring my experiences as a young adult, father, and employee of a small business to the position. As a member of the LGBTQ community, I understand that so many marginalized communities are being overlooked and forgotten. My campaign seeks to represent the entire town and lift up all of those who are facing harmful legislation or struggling to make ends meet.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

One of the most recent pieces of advice I heard was on the importance of valuing compassion from activist Alok Vaid-Menon.

As a candidate for office and potential State Representative, I may not be able to personally identify with every constituent and issue at hand. However, if I lead with compassion, I can use that as an effective tool to make the best voting decisions for all Litchfield voters.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

Although running for political office has never been a dream of mine or even on my radar, as a husband and father of two young boys, there is too much at stake to standby and let Litchfield's current leaders pass harmful legislation that is detrimental to our town and state. My campaign is all about empathy and integrity - two vital qualities that we must seek in our elected officials if we want to see positive change in our town and across the state.