Anita Burroughs

Anita Burroughs was born in Jersey City, New Jersey. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Brandeis University in 1977 and an MBA from Boston College in 1982.

Her professional experience includes working in the tech industry in a marketing capacity, running a catering business, and marketing and operations for a national healthcare consulting company. Her organizational affiliations include Starting Point, services for the victims of domestic and sexual violence.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I decided to run for office as a political novice in 2018, as I was concerned about the direction that our nation was heading. I felt that I could best contribute on a state level.

I have lived in my district for 30 years, and was a leader of two non profits prior to assuming office (ConwayArea Humane Society and Starting Point Services for the Victims of Domestic and Sexual Violence).

I served my first term in office on the Judiciary, and am now on the Commerce Committee, which I believe is an excellent for my background and education. I am known as a passionate and outspoken member of the NH House, and I feel that the work of a state representative is more important than ever today.

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?

I believe that the Radical Right coalition in the state house is making it difficult for the legislature to help control inflation, create clean energy initiatives, and fully fund our public schools.Taxpayer dollars are being diverted from our public schools to finance the education of children going to private and religious schools. Over time, this will mean an increase in your property taxes, and significant harm to public education.State legislators should not be making health care decisions for women, their families and health care providers. Reproductive decisions should not be made by politicians, who do not have the training and background to make broad decisions that can be detrimental to a woman's health.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about women's reproductive rights, fully financing public education, and developing clean energy policies which will create jobs throughout NH.

I am also fully supportive of legislation that will enhance Medicaid benefits, particularly as they pertain to dental care, eyeglasses and hearing aids. These all pay a key role in our well-being, but are often considered to be benefits outside of mainstream healthcare.

A majority of moderate legislators is sorely needed from both parties so that we can tackle inflation, the high price of fuel oil, and help push healthcare costs down. The radical right wants to end state government as we know it, which makes it difficult to pass common sense legislation.

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

I look up to Barack Obama for believing that he could achieve a goal that few initially thought would be possible. He is tenacious, has a strong family life, and is an honorable man. I appreciate his intellect, compassion, and his ability to be fierce when it was needed.

I am to be forceful in the work that I do, while being respectful of those that I work with. It is important to me to treat others with kindness, even when people do not reciprocate.

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

Honesty, integrity, a concern for their constituents, and an ability to communicate about what is going on in the state house. They also need to do their homework for committee and legislative work.

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

I take my job seriously, doing my homework on committee bills, and going prepared to the Commerce Committee as well as to legislative sessions.

I also think it is important to speak your mind on the issues being debated, and to call out improprieties in the legislative process when you see them.

I also see constituent services as an important part of my job, and try to help people in my district whenever I can.

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

Constituent services are critical, as our citizens depend on us to help them navigate through the state government system.

They should also be prepared to ask questions and debate issues in committee and in the legislature.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like people to remember me as a kind and caring person who worked hard to make her community and NH a better place.

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

I remember the assassination of President Kennedy when I was seven years old. I somehow thought this meant that we would go to war with Russia and was very anxious about it.

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

My first job was working for an outpatient drug treatment center for youth; I worked there for 18 months.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Anything by DH Lawrence. I love historical novels as they allow us to go back in time.

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

Crazy Little thing Called Love which I heard a young man singing in a campground.

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

It would ideally be one of mutual respect and communication, which has not always been the case. I find that our current governor is often disrespectful of people who do not agree with him, which is not conducive to finding solutions to problems.

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

I believe that adopting clean energy policies is critical to maintaining the natural beauty of our state, and to combating climate change.

I also believe that there will be ongoing attempts to control women's reproductive rights, and that a woman's right to choose should be codified under NH Law.

And moderates of both parties will need to come together to mitigate the impact of inflation on working families.

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

I believe that the danger of having a unicameral state legislature is that there is not a firewall or a checks and balance system for legislature.

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

In New Hampshire, it can be beneficial for our state legislators to have served in town government, but not critical. Many of our state reps have never served in office.

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

Having good relationships with legislators on both sides of the aisle is critical to drafting successful legislation, and to see it through to the finish line.

What process do you favor for redistricting?

I support an independent, bipartisan commission for redistricting. Our current system is unfair and undermines our free and fair elections.

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

I was drawn to the Commerce Committee as it is a good fit with my background. I have an MBA, and currently work with my husband in a national healthcare consulting company that he founded.

I find the bills interesting and varied, and they range from issues such as Crypto currency to providing a private place for nursing mothers in the workplace.

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

Yes, Rep. Marjorie Smith, who was chair of. the Judiciary Committee on which I served. Marjorie always treats others with the utmost respect, while at the same time being forceful and passionate about issues that she cares deeply about.

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

No

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?

I was touched about a disabled constituent who was down to $30 because there was a snafu with his unemployment benefits. I was able to help get his account straightened out and he got an immediate response. It felt amazing to be able to help someone in this situation.

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

Yes, the governor should not have emergency powers without any oversight.

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

Absolutely, I have been dismayed at how our two parties have failed to work together on a bipartisan basis over the past two years. I feel that compromise of the two parties is the only way to pass critical legislation.

Note: Burroughs submitted the above survey responses to [the profile publisher] on October 30, 2022.

Show past responsesHide past responses

August 16 submission

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I have lived in Bartlett NH for 30 years with my husband Jonathan. Jonathan, a former Emergency Room doctor and director of Memorial Hospital's ER, started a national healthcare consultancy, and I worked with him managing the marketing and operations for the company.

Prior to running for office, I was one of the founding board members of the Conway Area Humane Society and chair of their board for 11 years. Subsequently, I was the chair of Starting Point, Services for the Victims of Domestic and Sexual violence for 4 years.

I have two adult stepchildren and two grandchildren and all of them have been a joy.

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?

I am a fierce advocate for women's reproductive rights and advocate that NH codify this rightWe must do better in creating clean energy alternatives that will also create jobs in NHOur tax dollars should not be utilized for private schools through the "Freedom Accounts"; public education should be for the public good.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about clean energy, gun safety, women's reproductive rights, and public education.

I also believe that the Free State Project and the Radical Right pose a danger to New Hampshire's traditional values, and I am working to ensure that Granite Staters understand the damage that this group is doing.

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

I look up to Barack Obama for being a man of principle and a decent and honest human being. He followed the rule of law, and could bed trusted to tell the truth to the American people.

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

Street Fight, about Corey Booker's first run for office in NJ.

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

Honesty, the ability to listen, flexibility and acting with respect towards fellow legislators and constituents.

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

I am passionate and tenacious. I take my work as a state legislator very seriously, and put in a huge effort at this work.

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

To provide constituent services to those facing difficulties navigating state government, to do your homework before any vote on a committee or in the legislature, and to collaborate with others to pass critical legislation.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like to be known in my community as someone who spent a large chunk of my life trying to do good work for the citizens of Carroll County and beyond.

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

I vividly remember the assassination of John F Kennedy. I was in grade school and remember watching the news coverage. it felt surreal.

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

I worked in a drug and alcohol counseling center for two years in Massachusetts.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Anything by DH Lawrence

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

Clifford The Big Red Dog, because I love all dogs and anything to do with them.

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

Crazy Little Thing Called Love

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

Not always giving myself credit for my abilities and talents.

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

Respect and a willingness to listen, which I do not believe has happened under Gov. Sununu.

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

I believe that the Free State Project and the Radical Right is the greatest challenge that we face in the state legislature today. The radical right is moving NH away from its traditional values towards a complete lack of trust and respect for state government.

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

The unicameral legislature does not have checks and balances as a two chamber system has.

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

I believe that you can come into the NH State Legislature with no previous experience in state government. I believe what is needed is a desire and willingness to come up to speed on state issues, and to learn from those who have been in the House and to draw on their experiences as mentors.

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

Absolutely. It is virtually impossible to pass legislation without collaboration with others on both sides of the aisle. Establishing relationships becomes a strategic advantage to those serving in the legislature.

What process do you favor for redistricting?

An independent, bipartisan commission.

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

I was drawn the the commerce committee because of my business background and my MBA training.

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

Yes, Rep. Margie Smith, who chaired the Judiciary Committee, where I previously served. Rep. Smith told our committee that we were three to serve the people of NH, not to represent the Democrats or Republicans. I have taken this message to heart.

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

No, I am very happy being in the state legislature.

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?

What was most impactful to me was hearing from constituents whose unemployment ran out during the COVID crisis, and they were down to their last few dollars. On these occasions, its is imperative to drop everything you are doing to help them get the benefits they need into order to feed their families.

Tell us your favorite joke.

I'm not sure I have one but I do love to laugh and not always take life seriously.

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

Yes, I do not believe that the governor should have unilateral authority to utilize emergency powers. There must be checks and balances.

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

Absolutely, you cannot move forward unless both sides of the aisle are willing to come to an agreeable conclusion.

Anita Burroughs did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2020 Candidate Connection survey.

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What would be your top three priorities, if elected?

To ensure affordable and accessible healthcare in NH

Create a larger inventory of affordable housing

Ensure that young people in our state are not crippled by debt by going to our state universities, community colleges and vocational training programs

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

As I am involved professionally in the healthcare field, I am very passionate about lowering the cost of healthcare in our country and our state.

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

I look up to a number of representatives who are currently serving in the NH House of Representatives as they do much more than simply attend hearings and vote. Jerry Knirk and Ed Butler have helped shape policy in healthcare and for the LGBT community, and I admire all that they have done for the state.

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

Fear, by Bob Woodward, paints a picture of a White House that does not make decisions based upon objective data and the expertise of professionals, but rather by a seat of the pants mentality. This is the polar opposite to the way I conduct business in the non-profit world and in the for-profit sector. Good data and the experience of professionals in their field are key to being a good and responsible politician.

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

Honesty and integrity are the two things that no politician should be without.

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

Tenacity, integrity and honesty are all qualities that I would bring to the table. I also believe that my business background is a plus, as I would be able to look at the financial implications of legislation that is on the table. My many years of managing non-profit agencies as a board chair will also bring valuable experience to the state legislature.

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

I believe any state legislator needs to commit to understanding legislation that is on the table for a vote, and to making an independent assessment rather than on relying on popular sentiment. I also believe that a legislature should be open to points of view from the other side of the aisle.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like to be known as a state legislator who worked hard, was passionate about the work, and made some contribution to the state of New Hampshire that would have a lasting impact.

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

The first event I remember was the assassination of JFK when I was in grade school. That event had a profound impact on me at the time and for many years to come.

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

I worked for a number of years for a drug treatment program for young people as a social worker.

What happened on your most awkward date?

I was on a double date with a man I had just been introduced to and he did not say a single word during a two hour dinner. Awkward.

What is your favorite holiday? Why?

Valentine's Day...I love spending time with my husband.

What is your favorite book? Why?

I have too many favorites to choose just one. My most recent favorite is Bad Blood, the story of Theranos. It reads like a novel and you cannot put it down.

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

Lassie

What is your favorite thing in your home or apartment? Why?

My dog and my two cats. I could not live without animals in my life, I find them a comfort and a joy.

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

Living in America, James Brown

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

Learning that its not always a good idea to crack a joke.

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

The NH State Legislature was designed for ordinary citizens to serve in a leadership role, and I do not believe it is necessary to have served as an elected official. Many of our top elected officials have never served in office.

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

The greatest challenge in NH is to find ways to keep our young people in the state, as we are seeing a mass exodus of an entire generation. This means we need to create more affordable housing, and a higher education system that will not break the bank. We also need more professional jobs for those who are entering the workforce.

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

Absolutely. I believe that it is critical to have relationships on both sides of the aisle, as I believe that most solutions to NH's problems will be solve somewhere in the middle. Passing sound legislation is a collaborative effort, not a solo endeavor.

What process do you favor for redistricting?

One that is not determined by whatever party is in power at the time.

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

I would hope to be a part of the Health and Human Services committee, given my experience in managing non-profit agencies and because of my work in healthcare.

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

Yes, Jerry Knirk and Ed Butler, who both work to shape legislation, not to merely sit in legislative sessions to vote.

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

No, I would hope to remain in the state legislature for a number of years and then to pass on the baton to a qualified individual.

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?

I recently had a conversation with an acquaintance who had been working three jobs to keep afloat. She then was hired for a well paying job, and told me she would never be getting up to go to work at 4 a.m. again. I recently ran into her, working once again in the grocery store, and I asked her what had happened. She told me that she was still loving her job, but that she had broken a bone and needed extra money to pay for her care. She needed to choose between paying her rent or buying the insurance plan offered by her employer, and chose to maintain her residence. She could not afford the ambulance ride to the hospital, so drove herself with a broken wrist. This is not how our healthcare system should work, particularly for hard working people who are doing everything they can possibly do.

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What is your political philosophy?

I am hoping to bring a more bi-partisan perspective to the NH State House, and to champion decisions that are not made behind closed doors. I also hope to fight to create a safety net for those in our state who need help in terms of affordable housing and insurance, and to help bring down the cost of higher education in our state. I am also hopeful that we can mitigate the impact of climate change through state legislation.[2]

—Anita Burroughs[1]