Julie Gilman

Julie Gilman was born in Exeter, New Hampshire. She graduated from Exeter High School. Gilman earned a bachelor's degree in architecture from the Rhode Island School of Design in 1984. Her career experience includes working as a manager of information systems with Cambridge Seven Associates, Inc.[1] Gilman has served as a selectwoman of the Town of Exeter, on the board of governors of the American Independence Museum, and on the Exeter Heritage Commission.[2][1] She has been affiliated with the NH Preservation Alliance.[3]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Exeter native and has been elected to the Select Board since 2007.

Graduated from the Rhode Isaland School of Design 1984 with a degree in Architecture. Worked at Cambridge Seven Associates. Member representative to Community Power Coalition of NH.

Board of Governors of the American Independence Museum. Currently serving as Select Board representative to Exeter's Historic District Commission, Heritage Commission, Energy Committee. Other community governance committees have included Arts and Culture, Facilities, Conservation and Zoning. Public School volunteer.

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?

Affordable housing is at a crisis. Zoning and tax credits are not the only solution. Affordability costs need to be addressed directly not just the number of housing units in the state.Renewable and green energy supply must continue to be addressed. NH is lagging behind other states on decreasing reliance on fossil fuels.Public education must be supported and protected. The Education Freedom Accounts participation numbers are seriously over the anticipated participation and budget. More public school money is going to private and religious schools and a private management company that takes 10% Guardrails for both monetary account management and academic standards do not exist. Our public schools continue to serve most of the state’s youth but now must do it with smaller budgets.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Energy conservation

Affordable and accessible housing and childcare

Women's Healthcare

Education

Statewide historic preservation

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

Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg. He is an effective communicator who speaks eloquently in words understood by all people.

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

Community and Consequences, both book and documentary film

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

Honesty, empathy, open mindedness

Willingness to listen and work hard

Act transparently

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

Representation of legislative action on behalf of constituents while also considering state-wide application of legislation

What legacy would you like to leave?

A positive and innovative change affecting everyday lives in the state

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

"Letting the Days Go By" by Talking Heads

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

The Governor should be open to the opinions of all parties and visit directly with legislative standing committees each year.

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

Housing, tax burden, elder care

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

Previous experience in governance is an advantage but not a necessity.

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

It is beneficial to establish working relationships with other legislators. It helps to be successful by sharing experience(s) and viewpoints. Building relationships with others widens the opportunity to communicate your message and successful support.

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

No. I'm interested in being directly available and have access to my constituents face to face.

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

No, if a true emergency to health and safety requires legislative approval then the emergency action will be delayed by scheduling sessions to vote on the merits of the action.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

Affordable housing programs that entice developers to create housing at less than market rate while maintaining the profitability they seek.

What committees interest you?

Municipal and County Government

Judiciary

Election Law

Science, Technology and Energy

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

These are absolute necessities of governmental representation

Would a state ballot initiative process be good or bad for your state?

Ballot initiatives are already a state option in NH. Legislators must be open to understand and recognize the difference between a popular opinion vs their personal preferences.

Reliance on ballot initiatives should be used cautiously so as to prevent a lack of trust in those voted into office.

Julie Gilman did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

Julie Gilman did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2020 Candidate Connection survey.

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What would be your top three priorities, if elected?

Public Transportation, Renewable Energy, Voting rights

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Gender equality - it just shouldn't matter in everyday life. People are people and their orientation and/or identity are personal matters that shouldn't influence basic human rights.

Affordable healthcare - elderly, low income families, children and the disabled need support services that aren't financially burdensome or unavailable in their area.

Environmental protection - we are reaching peak oil production, global warming is a scientific fact, regulations have been put into place to protect our health and welfare and are recently being reversed for the benefit of a few. So alternative energy sources and energy conservation must be encouraged and supported.

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

President Obama - He's a leader with the ability to support issues strongly but also be willing to change if convinced with a good argument.

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

"Team of Rivals" by Doris Kearns Goodwin

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

Honesty, broad perspective, willingness to compromise

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

Advocating for constituents. Being able to have reasonable discourse. Recognizing long range affects of legislation.

What legacy would you like to leave?

A healthy bi-partisan State government. Expanded Medicare. Strong voter rights, increased voter participation and answering the call to public service.

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

The splash down of Apollo 13. I was nine.

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

Making change at a penny arcade for two summers during high school.

What is your favorite holiday? Why?

4th of July. It's all about celebration. It's non-denominational. It typically involves fireworks.

What is your favorite book? Why?

"Persuasion" by Jane Austen. The main character was persuaded to make a poor decision but in the end stood up for herself. She maintained her sense of duty and responsibilities throughout trials caused by the poor judgment and uncompromising attitudes of others.

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

My collection of eggs. I have examples of many materials, sizes, artistry and places of origin. Almost all of them are gifts from others or souvenirs of travel. I've been told that once someone sees my collection they then start to notice eggs in stores and that reminds them of me.

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

"Pictures of You" by The Cure

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

Epilepsy

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

The number constituents represented by individual office holders.

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

Beneficial yes, but not necessary.

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

Affordable housing, public transportation, quality public education, environmental controls.

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

Yes. I believe we should endeavor to bring bipartisanship to the solutions decided during the legislative process. Dialogue with other legislators from all parties promotes a healthier result.

What process do you favor for redistricting?

An independent commission without Governor's authority to override.

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

My background in municipal leadership is directly suited to the legislation my committee, Municipal and County Government, reviews.

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 interested in Chairing a committee in the future.

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've heard several stories from constituents with disabilities who regularly need transportation for both medical and personal matters and how the stress of always needing to arrange rides from friends or volunteer services affects their quality of life. A blind person who can't see a ballot and so needs it to be read to them which eliminates the secret part when casting a secret ballot.