Don House

Don House earned a high school diploma from East Aurora High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Clarkson University and a master’s degree from both Temple University and Clark University. His career experience includes working as a program manager.[1][2]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I've lived in Belmont NH for the last 17 years. I'm married with two adult children and grandchildren. I retired after a 40-year career in IT services and program management. I'm now a full-time volunteer and board member on several local non-profits. I'm the President of my homeowner's association and prior President of the Board for Belknap House, a homeless shelter for families in Belknap County. I'm an active outdoor person and enjoy skiing, sailing, and hiking. I'm the moderator and worship committee chairperson for the church I belong to. My educational background is a bachelor's degree in math from Clarkson University and an MBA from Clark University. I'm active in the Civil Air Patrol as a mission pilot and an incident commander.

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?

The continual increase in local property taxes is causing a hardship for working families. The increase is due to the state shifting more expenses to the towns. Reduction in NH corporate taxes along with the dividends and interest tax have decreased state revenue available to the towns. In addition, education funding accounts and open enrollment have increased costs to public schools. Since public education funding is the largest component of property taxes, these taxes have increased. Reversing these policy decisions will help address the rising property taxes.Keep healthcare decisions between a doctor and a patient. Healthcare options should not be restricted by legislation. Healthcare insurance and prescription costs are expensive. Legislation to help families with these costs is needed.Elections and politicians are being funded and supported by political action committees and large out-of-state donors. New campaign financing laws are needed to limit the impact of out-of-state money on NH elections.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Healthcare, Education, Environment, Transportation, Social Services

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

My prior campaigns have received endorsements from the Sierra Club, American Federation of Teachers, and Citizens for Belknap County

Don House did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2024 Candidate Connection survey.

Don House did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Don House is running for election to the New Hampshire State House from Belmont, NH (Belknap County District 6). He has lived in Belmont for 11 years. Don is married and has a son and daughter. While in high technology Don worked in various roles: sales support, professional consulting, product and service management, operational management, planning management, and program management. After a distinguished 30-year career in information technology, Don now happily volunteers for several charitable causes including instructing adaptive snow-sports at a local ski resort and flying as a mission pilot for the Civil Air Patrol. His wide-ranging community involvement has made him a well-respected local leader. Once elected, Don will use his technology and business experience to find data-driven, proven solutions to New Hampshire's problems. He will promote transparency in the state legislature, paid family leave, affordable housing, public education, voting rights, climate change action, reproductive rights, and affordable health care.

In his spare time, he enjoys reading, kayaking, sailing, wakeboarding, swimming, and skiing.

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 will bring a new perspective on how to address many issues at the state levelI am fiscally conservative and ensure accountability in state spendingI will help working class families address topics such as childcare, family leave, better paying jobs, job training, healthcare.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I'm personally passionate about protecting the environment, improving recycling, expanding affordable healthcare, providing the best public education, and reducing threats to our democracy.

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

I look up to Barack Obama. I think he was a great orator and leader in the US.

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

I would refer them to my website.

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

An ability to communicate clearly and simply. Taking action to address a problem quickly. Honesty in relationships. Decisions based on data and science when possible.

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

Experience in businesses both for profit and non-profit. Ability to learn new things quickly. A business improvement mentality. I value science and data. I've a good mathematical and statistical aptitude. I work well with many diverse personalities. I'm good at communicating.

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

To make the best decisions on pending legislation. To sponsor new legislation that improves NH.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I'd like to leave better healthcare, social services, educational programs, and a cleaner environment for NH residents.

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

I remember the launch of the Russian Satellite Sputnik and watching it orbit the earth at night. I was in the first grade when this happened.

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

My first job was as a programmer developing specialized software to help the US government better analyze satellite imagery. I did this for several years as a contractor for a small firm specializing in pattern analysis and recognition software.

What is your favorite book? Why?

I like the Foundation Trilogy by Issac Asimov. I enjoy science fiction and reading about space travel.

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

Superman

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

Finding enough time to devote to all my interests and activities.

Every state besides Nebraska has two legislative chambers. What do you consider the most important differences between the legislative chambers in your state?

One of the main differences between the two chambers in NH is how many citizens each represents. There are 24 NH state senators versus 400 NH state representatives. It is easier to come to a consensus in the state senate.

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

I think it is good to have a mix of new and experienced legislators in government and politics.

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

Addressing the needs of the citizens for more services while keeping taxes affordable. Helping to attract younger families to stay in NH.

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

The ideal relationship is a governor that is able to work with both political parties to support bi-partisan legislation that benefits the citizens of the state. Ideally there is good dialogue between both and a "give and take" attitude for both.

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

I think this is the only way anything is accomplished in the legislature, especially one the size of NH. I think the relationship bring other perspectives and ideas from the diverse communities of NH.

What process do you favor for redistricting?

I support an independent non-partisan committee approach to redistricting. I think redistricting should keep towns and cities together as much as possible.

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

Health and Human Service is one. Resources, recreation, and development is another.

If you are not currently a member of your party’s leadership in the legislature, would you be interested in joining the leadership? If so, in what role?

I'm fine supporting the existing party leaders at this time.

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

no

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

I would also be interested in the NH Senate.

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?

All stories from my town or friends about this have been impactful.