Michele Roussel Buckley

Michele Roussel Buckley earned a high school diploma from Alvirne High School. Her career experience includes working as an educator.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am Michele Buckley, a lifelong community advocate, educator, and proud Nashua resident running for New Hampshire State Representative in Ward 3.

For more than 40 years, I have had the privilege of teaching and mentoring children and adults through dance and performing arts education. That experience shaped my belief that every person deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and feel supported. Teaching has taught me the importance of patience, listening, inclusion, and creating spaces where people can thrive.

My connection to Nashua runs deep. As the founder of Gate City Voices, I have worked to bring neighbors together, encourage civic engagement, and create opportunities for our community to connect and have their voices heard.

I believe leadership begins with listening. As your State Representative, I will bring integrity, compassion, and a commitment to finding practical solutions to the challenges facing our families and communities.

I am passionate about strengthening public education, expanding access to affordable healthcare and housing, protecting our environment, supporting local businesses, and ensuring every resident has a voice in our democracy.

I am running because I believe strong communities are built when we show up, listen to one another, and work together for a better future.

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?

Women, Children, and Survivors,

Supporting women, children, and survivors is a core priority for me. That means making sure people have access to safe housing, reliable childcare, and the kind of community support that helps families stay stable and secure. It also means advocating for resources that protect survivors of domestic violence and abuse, and working to ensure they’re treated with dignity, compassion, and real options for rebuilding their lives.

I believe in strengthening partnerships with local organizations, expanding access to mental health services, and making sure no one falls through the cracks when they need help the most. When we invest in the safety and well-being of women and children, we’re investing in a stronger, heEducation & Youth: Supporting education and investing in our young people is essential to the future of our community. I believe every child deserves access to strong schools, supportive environments, and opportunities that help them grow and succeed, both in and out of the classroom.

That means advocating for well-resourced public schools, expanding access to after-school and enrichment programs, and creating safe spaces where young people feel supported and inspired. It also means listening to students and families, and making sure their needs are reflected in the decisions we make.

By investing in education and youth today, we’re building a stronger, more connected community for tomorrow.I believe a strong Ward 3 starts with strong neighborhoods. That means safe, walkable streets, well-maintained public spaces, and a local economy that works for everyone.

I'm committed to supporting small businesses, investing in infrastructure, and listening to residents about what matters most, whether it's traffic safety, affordable housing, community spaces, or the growing burden of property taxes.

As your State Representative, I'll advocate for responsible state policies that strengthen our communities, ease pressure on local property taxes, and ensure our cities and towns have the resources they need.

Together, we can build a Ward 3 where people want to live, work, raise a family, and thrive. Let's connect!

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about policies that improve the quality of life for individuals and families in New Hampshire. My priorities include strengthening public education, expanding access to affordable healthcare, supporting affordable housing, protecting our environment and clean drinking water, and promoting fair taxation that helps reduce the burden on local property taxpayers.

I also care deeply about civic engagement, protecting voting rights, supporting small businesses, and ensuring government is transparent, accountable, and responsive. I believe the best public policy comes from listening to constituents, working collaboratively, and finding practical solutions that strengthen our communities.

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

The most important characteristics of an elected official are integrity, honesty, accountability, and the ability to listen.

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

The core responsibilities of a State Representative are to listen to constituents, understand the challenges facing their communities, and advocate for policies that improve the lives of the people they represent.

the responsibility of this office is to be a voice for the people, ensuring that every resident feels heard, respected, and represented in Concord.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I hope to leave a legacy of service, compassion, and community. I want people to remember that I listened first, led with integrity, and worked to bring people together to solve problems.

My goal is to help build a stronger Ward 3 and a stronger New Hampshire, one where families can thrive, children have access to quality education, communities are supported, and every person feels their voice matters.

I hope my legacy is not only measured by the policies I helped advance, but by the relationships I built, the conversations I encouraged, and the belief that government works best when it truly serves the people.

Most importantly, I want to inspire others to get involved and believe that every person has the power to make a difference.

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

My first job began when I was 12 years old. I helped subsidize my dance education by assisting with dance classes, working the front desk, and helping clean the studio.

That early experience taught me the value of hard work, responsibility, and giving back to a community that had invested in me. It also gave me my first opportunity to mentor younger students, develop leadership skills, and understand the importance of creating positive spaces where people can learn and grow.

Those lessons stayed with me throughout my career as an educator, community advocate, and now as a candidate for State Representative.

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

One of the struggles I have faced in my life has been learning how to balance caring for others while also making sure I take care of myself. Throughout my life, I have been someone who shows up for my family, my students, my community, and the causes I believe in. That commitment has been rewarding, but it has also taught me the importance of resilience, setting priorities, and asking for support when needed.

Challenges have shaped me into a stronger listener and a more compassionate leader. They have helped me understand that many people are carrying struggles that are not always visible, and that effective leadership begins with empathy, understanding, and a willingness to help find solutions.

Those experiences are part of why I believe in building communities where people feel supported, valued, and heard.

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

I believe the ideal relationship between the Governor and the State Legislature is one built on mutual respect, communication, and a shared commitment to serving the people of New Hampshire.

While each branch has its own responsibilities and perspectives, effective government requires collaboration and a willingness to listen. The Governor and legislators should be able to have honest conversations, debate ideas respectfully, and work together to find solutions that benefit residents across the state.

Disagreement is a healthy part of democracy, but it should be focused on policy, not personal or political division. The best outcomes happen when leaders put the needs of the people first, work across differences, and remain accountable to the communities they represent.

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

I believe New Hampshire’s greatest challenges over the next decade will be ensuring that our communities remain affordable, sustainable, and welcoming for all residents.

Housing affordability, access to healthcare, and the rising cost of living are putting pressure on families, workers, and seniors. We must also address the long-term needs of our public education system, protect our environment and clean drinking water, and ensure our municipalities have the resources they need without placing an unfair burden on local property taxpayers.

Another important challenge is rebuilding trust in government and encouraging civic engagement. We need leaders who listen, work collaboratively, and focus on practical solutions rather than division.

By investing in our people, strengthening our communities, and protecting the resources that make New Hampshire special, we can meet these challenges and create a stronger future for generations to come.

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

Yes, I believe compromise is both necessary and desirable for effective policymaking. Our communities are made up of people with different experiences, perspectives, and priorities, and good leadership requires listening to those differences and finding common ground whenever possible.

Compromise does not mean abandoning your values, it means being willing to have respectful conversations, consider new ideas, and work toward solutions that improve the lives of the people we serve.

As a State Representative, I will approach policymaking with an open mind, a commitment to collaboration, and a focus on practical solutions. I believe progress happens when we work together, even when we do not agree on every issue, while staying grounded in the needs and values of our communities.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Rights & Democracy New Hampshire (RAD NH), & AFT New Hampshire

What was the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember?

One of the first historical events I remember was meeting President Gerald Ford during his visit to Nashua. I remember standing at the top of Library Hill and having the opportunity to shake his hand. As a child, meeting the President of the United States made government feel real and personal—not something distant or disconnected from everyday people.

That moment stayed with me and helped shape my understanding that leaders are people who come into our communities, listen to residents, and connect with the people they serve.

Looking back, it was one of my earliest experiences with civic life and the importance of participation. It reminded me that our voices matter, our communities matter, and each of us has a role to play in shaping the future.