New Hampshire House of Representatives Rockingham 17 candidate surveys, 2022

Elections in New Hampshire, 2022

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This article shows responses from candidates in the 2022 election for New Hampshire House of Representatives Rockingham 17 who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey.

• Click here to see candidates and election results.
• Click here to see Candidate Connection survey responses.

Candidates and election results

General election

General election for New Hampshire House of Representatives Rockingham 17 (4 seats)

The following candidates ran in the general election for New Hampshire House of Representatives Rockingham 17 on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Charles McMahon (R)	14.4	3,882
✔		Robert J. Lynn (R)	13.7	3,700
✔		Katelyn Kuttab (R)	13.6	3,654
✔		Daniel Popovici-Muller (R)	13.3	3,591
		Kristi St. Laurent (D)	11.9	3,198
		Valerie Roman (D)	9.3	2,492
	Submit photo	Marie Yanish (D)	7.0	1,881
		Ioana Singureanu (D)	6.7	1,811
	Submit photo	Alan Carpenter (Independent)	5.8	1,563
		Matthew Rounds (Independent)	4.1	1,098
		Other/Write-in votes	0.2	52

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 26,922
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey responses

Ballotpedia asks all federal, state, and local candidates to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. The section below shows responses from candidates in this race who completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Survey responses from candidates in this race

Click on a candidate's name to visit their Ballotpedia page.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Katelyn Kuttab (R)

No Income or Sales Taxes

Protecting Second Amendment Rights

Supports Parental Rights

Valerie Roman (D)

I believe my proven success in problem solving and consensus building over a four-decade career in technology management will benefit Windham and the State of New Hampshire. I will bring a new name and face, as well as an open mind, to represent all residents of Windham in Concord. I commit to listening and working together for a balanced, bipartisan approach to finding real solutions.

My key issues: Support public schools, teachers, and students; Protect women's reproductive rights; Control property taxes; Address environment and energy crisis; Fight for common sense gun safety; Protect democracy

I will always listen to you and do whatever it takes to serve you well.

Matthew Rounds (Independent)

Local Control

Personal Liberty and Personal Responsibility

Helping those who Help Themselves

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Katelyn Kuttab (R)

I look forward to representing our communities’ interests and strongly believe in protecting the Granite State’s advantage of no income or sales taxes. As a Mom, education is important to me to better my children’s future. I also strongly believe in protecting and respecting everyone’s rights, including the First and Second Amendments.

Valerie Roman (D)

Women's reproductive freedom, protecting our democracy, common sense gun safety, addressing climate change, public education, healthcare, protecting social security and medicare.

Matthew Rounds (Independent)

I am very passionate about local control. The closer government is to the people, the more likely it is to represent the people's interests. Concord and Washington are far more likely to be concerned about ideological objectives or self-serving power plays. As a member of the local Planning Board I have witnessed continued attacks on the independence of the local voter for the benefit of special interests with too much influence in Concord.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Valerie Roman (D)

President Barack Obama. He is an intelligent, articulate, and effective public servant. He loves his family and his country.

Matthew Rounds (Independent)

Teddy Roosevelt. He was a strong courageous leader who displayed an almost Quixotic desire to be righteous. He also displayed an innate kindness and keen sense of protecting the less fortunate.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Matthew Rounds (Independent)

Plato's Republic.(Plato)

The Organon (Aristotle)

Two Treatises of Government (John Locke)

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Valerie Roman (D)

Integrity, good listening skills, hardworking

Matthew Rounds (Independent)

Honesty

Integrity Courage

Wisdom

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Valerie Roman (D)

Good listener and consensus builder, intelligent, quick learner, honest, strong collaborative skills

Matthew Rounds (Independent)

I had to work for everything. I know what it is like to have nothing and need a hand up but also what is like to have much to protect and be pragmatic about what you are willing to give up. I understand exactly how hard it is to achieve success and how easy it is to lose it. I am a self-funded self-made independent who understands the balance. Extremism has no place in my beliefs.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Valerie Roman (D)

Meeting the needs of your constituents with integrity and honesty

Matthew Rounds (Independent)

To enact the will of the voters who elected them.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Valerie Roman (D)

That I served my constituents well with integrity and honesty.

Matthew Rounds (Independent)

Make New Hampshire a Home Rule state.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

Valerie Roman (D)

The assassination of JFK. I was seven years old.

Matthew Rounds (Independent)

I remember watching the first space shuttle launch. I was 9 years old.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Valerie Roman (D)

My first job was for the Census Bureau in Washington DC. I started as a software developer and seven years later was Chief of Systems Analysis and Design. I resigned to move back to New Hampshire and take the job as the first Technology Director for the City of Cambridge, MA

Matthew Rounds (Independent)

The Milford Drive-in. I was 13 and ended up working there for several years.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Valerie Roman (D)

To Kill a Mockingbird. I read it with my favorite teacher and it was such a meaningful and impactful book.

Matthew Rounds (Independent)

Plato's Republic. It opened my eyes to a whole new level of understanding.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Valerie Roman (D)

Wonder Woman

Matthew Rounds (Independent)

Han Solo.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Valerie Roman (D)

Don't worry, be happy

Matthew Rounds (Independent)

All These Things I've Done (Killers)

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Valerie Roman (D)

Striving for perfection

Matthew Rounds (Independent)

Patience.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

Valerie Roman (D)

Working together in good faith for the good of Granite Staters, regardless of political party.

Matthew Rounds (Independent)

In keeping with our Founding Fathers' belief in separation of powers, the executive and legislative branches should have an adversarial albeit collegiate relationship. The two branches need to keep each other in check. One of the great tragedies of political parties is it allows the concentration of power in one group when the executive, legislative, and judicial are aligned. This rarely results in good governance.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Valerie Roman (D)

Funding education, maintaining quality and quantity of drinking water, controlling property taxes, protecting our aging population, protecting our democratic election process.

Matthew Rounds (Independent)

Continued stress on our aquifers and natural resources need to be averted and reversed. Political forces in Concord continue to attempt to promote new construction which will result in overcrowding. The "New Hampshire Way" is communities making their own decision is under threat. In addition, New Hampshire needs to focus on identifying potential domestic energy generation, policies to protect and sustain our environment, and robust programs promoting self-reliance and common sense.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of a unicameral state legislature, in your opinion?

Valerie Roman (D)

The benefits of a unicameral state legislature are that it avoids gridlock and laws can be passed quicker and more efficiently. However, the drawbacks are that there are no checks and balances and there is less protection against potential abuses of power.

Matthew Rounds (Independent)

A unicameral legislature is a terrible idea. Much like the separation of powers into the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, the separation of the legislature into an upper and lower house provides safe guards against unchecked power.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Valerie Roman (D)

Prior experience can help, since there is a learning curve involved. So, a newly elected legislator must be ready and willing to work hard to quickly overcome that learning curve. However, if a person stays in office too long and they look at it as a career and not public service, it is not beneficial.

Matthew Rounds (Independent)

Experience is always a good thing. However, having ONLY experience in government and no experience in other areas is just as bad as no experience in government. A balance of experiences generally leads to wisdom which is an essential quality of a good leader.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Valerie Roman (D)

Absolutely. You need to listen and understand different perspectives, so that you can better collaborate and get things done to serve our constituents.

Matthew Rounds (Independent)

Absolutely. The legendary friendship of Ronald Reagan and Tip O'Neill is the perfect example of how government leaders should behave. Argue policy during the day and share a drink at the pub in the evening. The current demonization of people "on the other side" is disturbing and another reason I am running as an Independent.

What process do you favor for redistricting?

Valerie Roman (D)

An independent commission

Matthew Rounds (Independent)

Ideally, a non-partisan commission completely isolated from the political branches would be the best method. Voters should choose their leaders. Political parties picking their voters has lead to the current political mess we are in.

If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Valerie Roman (D)

As I answered in a previous question, there are many issues that I am personally passionate about. So, I would need to look at the various committees and determine where I can do the most good.

Matthew Rounds (Independent)

Science Technology & Energy

Education Environment & Agriculture

Rules

If you are a current legislator, what appealed to you about your current committees?

Valerie Roman (D)

N/A

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Matthew Rounds (Independent)

Warren Rudman

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

Valerie Roman (D)

No

Matthew Rounds (Independent)

Time will tell.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Matthew Rounds (Independent)

As a member of the Windham Planning Board, I have heard numerous stories of local residents trying to protect their community in the face of unwanted development.

Tell us your favorite joke.

Matthew Rounds (Independent)

My daughter says I'm not funny.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

Matthew Rounds (Independent)

The legislature should make the decisions about emergency powers is the crisis is long term and systemic. However, in short-term immediate threat situations, the governor should have unilateral authority to solve the immediate problem before consulting the legislature about the long term solutions.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Valerie Roman (D)

You frequently need to build consensus and compromise to pass effective legislation that helps your constituents. However, you also need to maintain your integrity and be true to your deeply held morals and values.

Matthew Rounds (Independent)

Yes. I believe that partisanship is the root of most political problems. Like all relationships, political ones function best when all sides are heard and considered.

See also

More about these elections:

• New Hampshire House of Representatives elections, 2022

Select a district below to read responses from candidates in those races:

Belknap 1Belknap 2Belknap 3Belknap 4Belknap 5Belknap 6Belknap 7Belknap 8Carroll 1Carroll 2Carroll 3Carroll 4Carroll 5Carroll 6Carroll 7Carroll 8Cheshire 10Cheshire 11Cheshire 12Cheshire 13Cheshire 14Cheshire 15Cheshire 16Cheshire 17Cheshire 18Cheshire 1Cheshire 2Cheshire 3Cheshire 4Cheshire 5Cheshire 6Cheshire 7Cheshire 8Cheshire 9Coos 1Coos 2Coos 3Coos 4Coos 5Coos 6Coos 7Grafton 10Grafton 11Grafton 12Grafton 13Grafton 14Grafton 15Grafton 16Grafton 17Grafton 18Grafton 1Grafton 2Grafton 3Grafton 4Grafton 5Grafton 6Grafton 7Grafton 8Grafton 9Hillsborough 10Hillsborough 11Hillsborough 12Hillsborough 13Hillsborough 14Hillsborough 15Hillsborough 16Hillsborough 17Hillsborough 18Hillsborough 19Hillsborough 1Hillsborough 20Hillsborough 21Hillsborough 22Hillsborough 23Hillsborough 24Hillsborough 25Hillsborough 26Hillsborough 27Hillsborough 28Hillsborough 29Hillsborough 2Hillsborough 30Hillsborough 31Hillsborough 32Hillsborough 33Hillsborough 34Hillsborough 35Hillsborough 36Hillsborough 37Hillsborough 38Hillsborough 39Hillsborough 3Hillsborough 40Hillsborough 41Hillsborough 42Hillsborough 43Hillsborough 44Hillsborough 45Hillsborough 4Hillsborough 5Hillsborough 6Hillsborough 7Hillsborough 8Hillsborough 9Merrimack 10Merrimack 11Merrimack 12Merrimack 13Merrimack 14Merrimack 15Merrimack 16Merrimack 17Merrimack 18Merrimack 19Merrimack 1Merrimack 20Merrimack 21Merrimack 22Merrimack 23Merrimack 24Merrimack 25Merrimack 26Merrimack 27Merrimack 28Merrimack 29Merrimack 2Merrimack 30Merrimack 3Merrimack 4Merrimack 5Merrimack 6Merrimack 7Merrimack 8Merrimack 9Rockingham 10Rockingham 11Rockingham 12Rockingham 13Rockingham 14Rockingham 15Rockingham 16Rockingham 17Rockingham 18Rockingham 19Rockingham 1Rockingham 20Rockingham 21Rockingham 22Rockingham 23Rockingham 24Rockingham 25Rockingham 26Rockingham 27Rockingham 28Rockingham 29Rockingham 2Rockingham 30Rockingham 31Rockingham 32Rockingham 33Rockingham 34Rockingham 35Rockingham 36Rockingham 37Rockingham 38Rockingham 39Rockingham 3Rockingham 40Rockingham 4Rockingham 5Rockingham 6Rockingham 7Rockingham 8Rockingham 9Strafford 10Strafford 11Strafford 12Strafford 13Strafford 14Strafford 15Strafford 16Strafford 17Strafford 18Strafford 19Strafford 1Strafford 20Strafford 21Strafford 2Strafford 3Strafford 4Strafford 5Strafford 6Strafford 7Strafford 8Strafford 9Sullivan 1Sullivan 2Sullivan 3Sullivan 4Sullivan 5Sullivan 6Sullivan 7Sullivan 8Submit