Building a future here: an interview with James Thibault
Rep. James Thibault is one of the youngest state legislators in the nation. He’s hearing the same concern from his peers across the state: it’s getting harder to build a future in New Hampshire. In this interview, Thibault discusses the affordability crunch, from housing and property taxes to energy costs, and the reforms he believes can help keep the Granite State within reach for the next generation.
You’re a younger member of the New Hampshire House, and a lot of young people are struggling with the cost of living, especially homeownership and financial independence. To what extent do you think federal overspending has contributed to today’s inflation and affordability crunch, and what can you realistically do as a state legislator in response?
Rep. James Thibault: I talk with many young people who worry they’ll never be able to own a home—and even more who feel they may have to leave New Hampshire to afford a future here. There’s no doubt that irresponsible federal spending has contributed to inflation and higher interest rates, which drive up housing costs and constrain supply.
At the state level, we have to focus on what we can control: making it easier and more affordable to build housing, and addressing the out-of-control property tax situation by providing transparency and accountability that empowers taxpayers at the municipal level. If we want New Hampshire to remain the best state to live and raise a family, housing affordability has to be a priority.
What do you think Republicans in New Hampshire and maybe across the country should be focusing on right now? How will they best gain the trust of the electorate while remaining principled?
Rep. Thibault: Right now, people are really worried about affordability—housing, heating, electricity, and food. People are concerned about providing for themselves and their families. Republicans need to show our constituents that we are pursuing policies to keep costs down, which is consistent with our party’s values and identity.
New Hampshire has a distinctive governing model, a large citizen legislature, and town meeting traditions. What does it get right that other states miss?
Rep. Thibault: New Hampshire has the most representative legislature in the world, with an average of 1 legislator for every 3,300 citizens. Having so many representatives allows us to be close to our constituents and very approachable. In addition, every bill gets a public hearing in both chambers, allowing citizens to have a great deal of input on the legislative process, providing us with insight and perspectives from our constituents and subject matter experts that we may not have received otherwise.
What do you like most about the kind of people you represent and what do you like most about living in New Hampshire?
Rep. Thibault: I’ve lived in this part of New Hampshire for my entire life, and I really love it and the people I represent. Franklin and Northfield are full of hard-working, passionate people who care deeply about their communities and want to see them thrive. Just this winter, a group of volunteers got together to build a skating rink in Odell Park in Franklin to give kids something to play on in the cold, and they raised the money and put it together. That took a real community effort, and it shows what makes New Hampshire so special: a strong local spirit and pride that has largely been lost in the modern age.
Fast-forward 10 years: what would you like to be able to say you helped change in New Hampshire?
Rep. Thibault: I love New Hampshire, and there are few things I want more than helping other people love New Hampshire too. In 10 years, I would like to say I helped make it possible for more people to stay in or move to New Hampshire when they otherwise wouldn’t have been able to. I also care deeply about civic education, and I want to help prepare the next generation of young people to step up and get involved in public life. Seeing them flourish over time would be immensely rewarding.
