Claudette Alvarez Schmidt, Nashua State Representative Candidate

Claudette Alvarez Schmidt

Age (as of Election Day)

50

Position sought (including district number if applicable)

State Representative

Party Affiliation

Republican

Family

My husband, Joe, and I have been married for nineteen years. We have two children; one is a senior in high school and one in eighth grade.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Bachelor of Science in Germanic Language University of Massachusetts Amherst
Master of Science in Management Emmanuel College

Occupation

Wife, mom, former small business owner

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

n/a

Campaign website

claudette4nh.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

My family and I have been proud to call New Hampshire home for the past nineteen years. Over the last two years, I have observed that fellow citizens' rights were not consistently represented or upheld. I want to preserve individuals' freedoms and rights as defined under the New Hampshire State Constitution.

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

The single most pressing issue we face is that of government overreach, because it affects
many aspects of our lives. Limiting the scope of government power and control is not, in fact, a terrible idea; in fact, minimizing government involvement in citizens’ lives is generally the best course of action. When people work hard and prosper, their efforts should be celebrated rather than taxed more. It is important that citizens understand more fully the level of both the state and federal government, as well as comprehend the impact that their representatives’ voting on legislation has on the people of the state.
When elected, I plan to make myself available to help any and all interested constituents better understand our laws and their rights under the New Hampshire State Constitution, so
that in turn they will appreciate the freedoms and access to prosperity that these laws afford us.There is a great deal of misinformation surrounding this issue, and it is imperative that we curtail the chaos that this creates. We empower ourselves when we understand all aspects of the issues at hand.

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

Unlike the incumbents' voting records reflect, I am in favor of educational and medical autonomy. I believe people can make the best decisions for themselves and their families. Keeping children out of school and forced masking was a misguided directive and unconstitutional. I will protect everyones’ constitutional right as defined under the New Hampshire State Constitution.

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

One of the essential roles of a state representative is to read proposed new legislation, vote on it, and create new legislation that aligns with the New Hampshire State Constitution. Elected officials cannot choose which laws they abide by and which they ignore. I have observed in recent years that the democratic incumbents in our ward have not honored the oath of voting in line with the New Hampshire State Constitution. These votes are inconsistent with the freedoms afforded to all by our New Hampshire State Constitution.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

I support limited government spending in line with a balanced budget and low taxes. I believe law enforcement must receive the funding they need and the support they deserve. I support parental rights; parents are capable of deciding what their child needs. I support the funding at a state level that benefits and support our veterans. The fact that veterans struggle to get the healthcare they deserve is unconscionable. Finally, as fellow citizens of New Hampshire, we need to focus on the needs of our senior citizens, ensuring services for their physical, emotional, and mental health needs. Our veterans and the aging population deserve better. Our senior citizens need more opportunities for social connections and improved access to healthcare through enhanced community partnerships.

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

I am grateful that as part of my college education, I traveled to Europe and completed my undergraduate degree in Germany. Upon graduation, I held a few jobs and spent the next year working there. I learned first-hand the challenges and opportunities that living in a different culture provided me; as a result, upon my return to the United States, I pursued a successful career in Human Resources. My role in that capacity was to ensure that all employees were treated fairly, respectfully, and in line with existing laws. I believe that these accomplishments, along with motherhood, participating in volunteer positions, and running a small business, demonstrate that I have the necessary skill sets and attributes to represent a diverse constituency. I believe experiences have served me well throughout my life and are part of the foundation of how I conduct myself in all areas.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

The importance and value of personal responsibility was the best advice ever shared with
me. This advice was unspoken; it was modeled consistently by both of my parents throughout their lives. From them, I learned that everything in life is a choice. If you want something, you work hard to achieve it. Life is not always fair; like everyone else, I have faced adversity. When I have, I followed my parents’ example and pressed on, working hard and with humility.

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

I have never held political ambitions, and certainly never planned to run for political office,
yet here I find myself. I am, however, passionate about justice and equality for all people, and am not afraid to stand up and speak out for what is right and true. I want to work for the
needs and rights of everyone, especially those most impacted when there is economic turmoil; I will work to find solutions rather than take refuge in finger pointing and blaming others.
I am the daughter of two immigrants to this great country. My childhood shaped me into
the person I am today; because of it, I am familiar with struggle, hard work and perseverance. My appreciation of those attributes is deeply rooted in the example my parents set for me; their lives exemplify to me the achieving of the American dream. If the manner in which I live my life provides my children with even half of the inspiration that my parents’ lives gave me, then I will consider myself and my children to be fortunate.