Get to Know the Candidates

September 8th is the New Hampshire Primary.

By Lisa Thorne

Ten of our neighbors and community members are stepping up to represent your voices and the needs of Epsom in the legislature in Concord beginning January, 2027.

We asked each to answer three, nonpolitical questions about themselves. We wanted to explore their “why” behind their decision to run for public office  and to invest their time and treasure to move solutions forward for our town. 

Following are the candidates' questions, answers, political party, and the offices that they are seeking.  We thank the candidates for sharing their stories. To learn more about the candidates, visit epsomtogether.com.

1. What was a/the moment when you knew you wanted to run for State Representative/Senator in New Hampshire?
   

2. What is something Epsom residents might not know about you that they should know to help them make their decisions in September?
   

3. What would you like Epsom to know about your background and experiences that have prepared you to work across the aisle in what can be a challenging political environment? 
   

Candidates are listed in alphabetical order by last name. 

NH State Senator District 17 race (one seat open):

Howard Pearl (Republican incumbent)

On 7/15/2003, my farm lost 4 buildings to a major structure fire.  Communities responded from all over southern NH to battle the blaze.  On that day and the weeks following, I experienced a huge outpouring of support from my community and the surrounding communities through donations of needed equipment, financial support and, most importantly, donations of their time to undertake the massive cleanup. I am forever grateful and that inspired me to step into public service as a way to give back.

My roots run deep in New Hampshire.  I am a sixth generation farmer and my wife and I operate the family farm on Loudon Ridge. Growing up on a farm taught me the value of hard work and commitment.  For 10 years my life experience has guided me through the legislative decision-making process on establishing policy for New Hampshire.

The most important aspect of being in the legislature is respecting opinions of others, especially those that differ from you.  The ability to listen and engage in civil discourse is imperative in developing good public policy. I have spent three of my five terms in the legislature chairing committees, and I have always been inclusive of both sides of the aisle in the discussions.

Julie Smith (Republican candidate challenging incumbent)

Honestly, I must swap out the words "the moment I knew I wanted to run"(for State Senate) for "the moment I knew that civic duty was calling me" on June 12, the last day of filing time when I saw that no non-incumbents had filed to run.

I moved to NH in 1990 to get away from Massachusetts.  In February 2025, I moved to Epsom to get away from Nashua after watching its decline in the latter part of my 35 years there.

Though it hardly counts as "background experience," having attended both deliberative sessions and seeing the results of several warrant articles on things like open enrollment and zoning in addition to observing the recent Northwood data center issue, I know I can properly represent the will of Epsom voters on things that matter to all of us, like local control. 

Other candidate running for Senate District 17:

Robert Lawliss (Democratic candidate challenging incumbent)

Candidate did not respond to our outreach.

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NH House of Representatives Merrimack District 14 race (one seat open):

Glenn Horner (Democratic Candidate running for vacant seat)

I was inspired by a suggestion from Miriam Yeaton; Epsom Democratic Chairperson and one of the most principled and hardworking individuals I know.  My wife, despite her misgivings, convinced me to go ahead with Miriam’s suggestion saying, “Someone has to do it.”

As an Epsom Zoning Board member for 27 years, I have worked diligently to learn zoning law and processes.  Using that knowledge, I have worked with the Board to issue fair and even handed zoning decisions. Decisions which, when challenged in court, ensured the Town prevailed in nearly every case during my tenure. 

As a licensed professional engineer and nuclear engineer by profession, I am inherently more focused on the nuts and bolts of creating a product than political theater.  The State has many challenges that demand consideration and logical solutions.  If given the chance, I will work with likeminded legislators to find the best possible solutions and prove our government can work. 

Gary Matteson (Republican Candidate running for vacant seat)

I first testified in front of the NH House Agriculture Committee back (continued →)in the mid-1980s.  Researching policy, developing examples to explain the impact of legislation, and delivering testimony have been part of my personal and professional life ever since.  I am a policy guy, not a politician.

I fix things.  I repair and maintain my construction and farm equipment.  I do home remodeling, plumbing, electrical, oil burners, welding and even refrigeration (had to go to night school for that).  I finish the jobs I start.  I am happiest when hard at work.

After 30 years’ farming in Epsom, I lived and worked in Washington DC for 10 years as the ultimate outsider—a farmer with small town government and agricultural finance experience, more interested in good policy than politics.  I served on national farm policy advisory committees under Obama, Trump, and Biden.

Joshua Shapiro (Republican candidate running for vacant seat)

I decided to run for State Representative when I heard the incumbent was stepping down. I knew someone new needed to step into that position; someone who will listen to the people of Epsom and work to make it a better place. 

Most people might not know how much I have worked with the community. When my family first moved to New Hampshire, I spent about two years volunteering in Manchester with the Police Athletic League as an ambassador to troubled youth. 

I have years of business experience working with various vendors, clients, and contractors. The most important thing is bringing people together to focus on one common goal (finishing the project). Politics is very similar; if you can work with people from all walks of life and political ideologies you can achieve those common goals.

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NH House or Representatives Merrimack District 27 Floterial race (2 seats open):

Vanessa Poulin (Republican candidate challenging incumbent)

For me, running for State Representative wasn’t about politics, it was about service. After serving our country in the U.S. Navy for over a decade and volunteering throughout Epsom on local boards and committees, I realized I wanted to do more to help shape the future of the community my family calls home. 

Many people may not know that I am one of the few candidates in recent years with three children currently attending our local public schools. The decisions made in Concord affect my own family every day. My husband and I are raising our children with the values of family, personal responsibility, respect, and service, and I believe parents should always have a meaningful voice in their children’s education. 

My military service and work on Epsom’s boards have taught me to listen, respect different perspectives, and build practical solutions that strengthen our community and represent Merrimack 27 with integrity.

Phillip Walker (Democratic candidate challenging incumbent)

I decided in February, 2025 that I needed to run after I watched Donald Trump get inaugurated for a second time. I wanted to keep on fighting and decided this was the best way to do it.

I am a lawyer and real estate professional. Previously I was a U.S. Foreign Service Officer (and later consultant) and served all over the Middle East.  I will show up and do the work and try my best to represent all of my constituents.

After a career in international diplomacy, I feel I have a lot of practical experience in dealing with people with radically different points of view. It is a hard balancing act to walk, both holding to the integrity of your own position while keeping the door open for conversation and possible compromise. I have successfully done it in the past and can do it successfully again.

Other candidates running for NH House District 27 Floterial seat:

Harold Kozlowski (Democratic candidate challenging incumbent)

Ray Plante (Republican incumbent)

Candidates did not respond to our outreach.

Guest Writer Lisa Thorne is an Epsom neighbor on Griffin Road and an enthusiastic fan of the Blasty Bough Brewery Company and McClary Hill Farm.