Stephen Villee

Stephen Villee was born in Boston, Massachusetts. He earned a high school diploma from St. Paul's School and a bachelor's degree from Harvard University in 1980. His career experience includes working as a software developer. As of 2024, Villee was affiliated with Toptal.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I'm a software developer by profession. I was one of the earliest Free State Project participants, moving to New Hampshire in 2003. I've served as treasurer for both the New Hampshire Liberty Alliance and the Free State Project. My other interests include algebraic number theory, yoga, hiking, and traveling to see total solar eclipses.

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?

We libertarians need to encourage like-minded people from across the country to move to New Hampshire, to form a majority here, so that we can finally get the representation in government that we deserve.Getting at least 4% of the governor vote will give the Granite State Libertarian Party major party status. That will allow candidates in the next election to run as Libertarian without the effort and expense of a ballot access drive.We should all try to keep political discussions civil and polite. We can propose bold initiatives without insulting anyone.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I'm passionate about classical liberalism. That means keeping taxes low, while opposing the welfare state. It also means letting individuals act in any way they like, as long as it doesn't hurt other people. I'm well aware this is the minority view nationwide, and that's why those of us who hold this view need to concentrate ourselves in New Hampshire.

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

The governor is responsible for proposing a state budget, enforcing the laws of the state, and signing or vetoing bills that pass the House and Senate.

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

When I was 17, I had a summer job working as a software developer for a researcher at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole. The job lasted until the end of the summer.

Under what circumstances should the governor of your state be able to use emergency powers?

The governor should use emergency powers when there is some crisis that demands immediate, rapid action. These emergency powers should extend only for a short time, generally a few weeks, until the legislature can resume making decisions.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Granite State Libertarian Party

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

I was 8 years old when Robert F. Kennedy was assassinated. I remember that I was getting ready to practice the piano when the news came on the TV, and my mother said I could skip piano practice that day and watch the news coverage instead.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I'm a software developer by profession. I was one of the earliest Free State Project participants, moving to New Hampshire in 2003. I've served as treasurer for both the New Hampshire Liberty Alliance and the Free State Project. My other interests include algebraic number theory, yoga, hiking, and traveling to see total solar eclipses.

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?

We libertarians need to encourage like-minded people from across the country to move to New Hampshire, to form a majority here, so that we can finally get the representation in government that we deserve.Getting at least 4% of the governor vote will give the Libertarian Party of New Hampshire major party status. That will allow candidates in the next election to run as Libertarian without the effort and expense of a ballot access drive.We should all try to keep political discussions civil and polite. We can propose bold initiatives without insulting anyone.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I'm passionate about classical liberalism. That means keeping taxes low, while opposing the welfare state. It also means letting individuals act in any way they like, as long as it doesn't hurt other people. I'm well aware this is the minority view nationwide, and that's why those of us who hold this view need to concentrate ourselves in New Hampshire.

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

I would recommend the book I wrote, the Club 75 Alliance Manifesto.

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

The governor is responsible for proposing a state budget, enforcing the laws of the state, and signing or vetoing bills that pass the House and Senate.

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

I was 8 years old when Robert F. Kennedy was assassinated. I remember that I was getting ready to practice the piano when the news came on the TV, and my mother said I could skip piano practice that day and watch the news coverage instead.

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

When I was 17, I had a summer job working as a software developer for a researcher at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole. The job lasted until the end of the summer.

What is your favorite book? Why?

My favorite book is The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt. It explains why there is so much hatred in politics, and how we can approach those with different political views and treat them with civility.

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

The song Show Yourself by Ayla Nereo has gotten stuck in my head recently.

What do you love most about your state?

New Hampshire is the most libertarian-leaning state in the country. It was chosen by the Free State Project. It also has great natural beauty, particularly in the White Mountains.

Tell us your favorite joke.

Under what circumstances should the governor of your state be able to use emergency powers?

The governor should use emergency powers when there is some crisis that demands immediate, rapid action. These emergency powers should extend only for a short time, generally a few weeks, until the legislature can resume making decisions.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Libertarian Party of New Hampshire