KIM STRATHDEE, CANDIDATE FOR EXECUTVE COUNCIL DISTRICT 2

1 – Why are you running for the executive council?

I am running to represent and serve District 2, while concurrently looking out for the best interests of New Hampshire, as a whole. One of an Executive Councilor’s most important duties is to respond when a constituent calls seeking help, or guidance from Concord. 

2 – What is your background and experience?

Education:

West Side Elementary, West Stewartstown, NH 8th Grade Diploma

Beaver River Central School, Beaver Falls, NY High School Diploma, NYS Regents Diploma

SUNY Canton, Canton, NY Associate Degree Hospitality Management

New England College, Henniker, NH Bachelor of Science Accounting Summa Cum Laude 

3 – What relevant experience and qualifications do you believe make you the best fit for the job and why do you believe you are the best candidate?

I was born in Syracuse, NY; however, in addition to being a resident of NH, I have sworn an Oath to the Constitution of the State of New Hampshire, so am now a citizen, as well.

As the oldest of six children, I’m familiar with group dynamics; although each are elected by an individual district, the councilors must work together cooperatively and in the best interest of the whole state.

My accounting, bookkeeping, and tax prep experience will be relevant when reading contracts, attending to financial oversight, and performing other administrative duties of State.

My resume of work includes too many jobs to list, however I am very comfortable in a kitchen, have a lifetime of acquired knowledge and practical skills from across a variety of industries which will make me a valuable resource when a constituent has a question to be answered, or problem to be solved.

My current occupation is buying and selling antiques, I love to reduce, reuse, repurpose and prevent waste from occurring… don’t get me going on Blue Willow! 

4 – If elected, what are your priorities?

Our infrastructure, especially bridges and dams along the Connecticut River, and five highly traveled, yet structurally deficient bridges in Concord, as identified by the American Society of Civil Engineers, are of particular concern. I feel we should get ahead of these problems before they become disasters, requiring us to demonstrate the level of emergency preparedness possessed by first responders in New Hampshire.

Education is a particular passion of mine. I believe it is not so important to know all of the answers, but to know the correct resources to find them; the door has many keys, we only have to find the right one!

I would like to develop a New Hampshire based history and civics program for middle to high school level students which would lead to an internship program for high school to college level students who may be interested in state government and politics.

From there, I am willing to listen and discuss any other topics that impact or concern New Hampshire residents. If it’s a problem for you, it’s a problem for me. 

5 – Are there any particular contracts, regular or rare, that would give you pause if they came before the council for approval? If so, which ones?

All new contracts require careful consideration and all existing contracts are worthy of oversight and should be reviewed on a regular basis. 

6 – What is your thought process and requirements for confirming nominations?

All nominations brought before the council should be reviewed, with confirmation decisions being made in a timely manner, such that the nominee is either confirmed and assumes responsibility, or is able to move on and another candidate is chosen in his/her stead. 

7 – What is your philosophy of constituent service and are there any particular areas of constituent service that will be a focus?

My philosophy of constituent service is to inform by providing regular reports of the Governor’s Council meetings, the decisions made, and actions taken. Also, I believe it would be incumbent upon the me to respond when called upon by a constituent; to travel throughout the 81 towns of District 2 attending events and meeting as many people as possible.