Question & Answers

(Q&A is from Foster's 2021 Candidate's Questionnaire)¹ 

Occupation: Owner of Low Budget Auto Sales and Service in Rochester.

Education:  Attended Spaulding High School 

Favorite movie, book or television show: Discovery Channel, Smithsonian Channel,   History Channel, AHC channel, Food Network, Science Channel.

What would be your top three priorities if you are elected?

My number one priority is to control the increases in the cost of living for Rochester Citizens through a two prong approach.

The first is by controlling the rise in property taxes by restricting the growth of government, So that we provide needs and not wants. Thus reducing wasteful spending.

The second is by reducing property crime in our city. High property crime rates directly impact insurance rates across the board, From home owners insurance, to renters and commercial policies, even auto insurance rates are directly, in part, based on the crime rates in a specific zip code.

My third priority is to work with our economic development department to increase more local job opportunities for our citizens.

What is the city doing well, and where is there room for improvement?

The city has done a great job with downtown redevelopment. The Chinburg project at the Scenic/Salinger site and the pending sale of the vacant Hoffman Furniture site are just two examples of this.

Where we need to focus more energy is in the industrial sector. It would be great if these new residents had a local place to work.

Can Rochester do more to increase affordable housing in the city?

I don't believe the local government should be in the real estate game. That being said, I do believe there are things the city can do to attract real estate developers who would create additional affordable housing opportunities. I would support that type of approach.

How do you feel about Rochester’s efforts around diversity, equity and inclusion? What more needs to be done?

I'm not sure what the city has done in this regard. I believe that all people are created equal, If any person or class of persons should demonstrate they have been excluded from any of the opportunities provided another, I would take that very seriously. I would use my office to the best of my ability to correct that situation.

Resources to Learn More About Matthew Richardson

Rochester, NH City Profile

Current Committee Assignments

Planning Board - Regular Member