Steve Shurtleff, Concord State Representative Candidate

Steve Shurtleff

Age (as of Election Day)

73

Position Sought

State Representative

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Family

Three adult children and two grandchildren Sarah and Alex

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Bishop Brady HS, A.A City College of Chicago , Caroline Gross Fellow, Kennedy School, Harvard University

Occupation

Retired, Supervisory Deputy, US Marshals Service. US Dept. of Justice

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Ward 1 State Representative since 2004, Past At Large Concord City Councilor 2007 to 2018, Former Member Concord Planning Board and Concord Heritage Commission and Legislative Advisory Board (Makes recommendations to the Governor for CARES Act funding)

Campaign website

none

Why are you seeking elective office?

As the Speaker of the NH House I'm proud of our legislative accomplishments this session. But we have challenges facing us in the next biennium. Such as continuing to deal with the pandemic, working with the Governor to craft a bipartisan budget, especially in light of reduced state revenues. Working with the state, the city and local developers to make sure the Exit 17 development for Penacook stays on track.

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

The State Budget. Our state revenues are down, not quite as bad as originally predicted. As was done in 2018 I see the House working with the Senate and the Governor, as well as across party lines to draft a budget the meets the needs of the people of NH.

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

I like the person running against me, but I'm not really sure of his position on issues. So I really honestly can't answer this question.

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

I'm the incumbent House member.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

The issues that are important to be is continuing to deal with the pandemic and assisting those that have been impacted by COVID-19. Working to increase commercial development in Penacook. Especially in the area of Exit 17 and Whitney Rd. Working to maintain current state funding levels for local school districts.

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

The best advice ever shared with me was …

When I went to Vietnam in 1967 a Platoon Sergeant gave a group of us that just arrived in country the following advice, "Remember, there is nothing wrong with being afraid. Just as long as you control that fear and never let that fear control you."

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

That its been a great honor for me to have served the people of Penacook in the NH House.