Rick Faulconer

Rick Faulconer earned a high school diploma from Mount Angel Seminary High School and a graduate degree from Mount Angel Seminary in 1986. His career experience includes working as a banking professional.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Before settling in New Hampshire, I lived a life dedicated to service and learning. I spent years as a Benedictine monk. I hold advanced degrees and have a proven track record of solving complex problems in my professional career for a Fortune 500 bank. Locally, I serve on the Newton Recreation Commission, helping to build community with programs and activities for all ages. My husband, Michael and I built our life here because it is a place where people genuinely look out for each other. That core belief in mutual responsibility and building stronger communities is exactly what drives my politics.

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?

People in our towns need property tax relief. Families across Rockingham District 20 pay property tax rates well above many of our neighboring communities — homeowners in Newton and Plaistow pay 17% to 46% more per dollar of home value than residents of Portsmouth or Hampton. I understand that these crushing taxes hit our family budgets hard, making it tougher to afford groceries, gas, and everything else. I will fight tirelessly to stop state politicians from shifting their responsibilities onto local homeowners, ensuring we keep more of our hard-earned money right here in our community.Constitutional education funding. The New Hampshire Supreme Court has ruled that our public schools remain unconstitutionally underfunded. I believe every child deserves a quality education, and the state has a fundamental responsibility to adequately fund our schools. I will fight to ensure the state meets its constitutional duty, so property taxpayers are no longer forced to make up the difference.Restoring tax fairness. Year after year, the state has cut taxes on investment income and corporate profits, leaving regular homeowners to carry the financial burden alone. I stand for common sense: making sure working families aren't stuck paying more while special interests pay less. I'll fight to make wealthy investors and massive corporations pay their fair share, so we can finally fund our schools and fix our crumbling roads.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am personally passionate about tax fairness, human rights, education, and fair wages.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

So far: Rights and Democracy New Hampshire. https://radmovement.org

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What would be your top three priorities, if elected?

1. Improvements to education in our state and fix education funding

2. Solutions to the opioid crisis

3. Protections for the land and environment of NH

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Public education both pre-K through HS and higher education; environmental protections and clean energy; health policy including mental health and substance disorders.

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

The ability listen and respond to your constituents' concerns. The vision that look towards the future and strive for something better than the status quo. The willingness to ask the hard questions and look for solutions seeking expert advice.

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

I am a good listener. I can seek compromise, but am willing to stand on principle when it is important to do so. I work hard.

What legacy would you like to leave?

A state that is better than when I first was able to serve it.

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

Fixing our broken revenue system. Finding clean sources of energy that are affordable for ratepayers and do not harm the environment. Attracting talented young people and families to live in our great state.