"Hi friends, my name is Matt Mayberry. I’m running for mayor of Rochester because I care about you. I believe in strong customer service. We need to treat our neighbors and our friends better.

What happened with the property tax assessment was wrong. That hurt the least of us, and we need to do a better job at that. I believe in customer service. I want to bring all the parties together.

But the Rockingham correction—the Rochester Fairgrounds is in kind of tough shape—but if we work together, we got to remember that the brightest diamond comes from the darkest coal. We can make that amazing. We’ll create a performing arts center, a public park, and medical manufacturing.

Friends, I also want to look at that Sky Haven Airport. It’s 195 acres of opportunity for us. Only 80 planes are out there right now—talk about underutilization. I want to diversify our tax base so we can get it off the backs of taxpayers.

You folks, please, on November 4th, vote for me, Matt Mayberry. Think of where Andy and Opie live, on November 4th. And if you have any questions, give me a call anytime. 6039697077.

Friends, again, thank you so much. And Rochester is an amazing place, but we’re at a crossroad. I need you to get off the couch and come and vote, and I hope I can earn your vote. Again, any questions, give me a call. Have a great day, and thank you for your time."

Notes:

The Public Information and Community Engagement Office for the City of Rochester is pleased to announce that the Meet the Candidates video series is now available for viewing ahead of the upcoming Municipal Election.

The nonpartisan series introduces voters to candidates for Mayor, City Council, School Board, and Police Commission. Each candidate was given up to three minutes to speak directly to voters, share their priorities, and present their personal message.

To ensure fairness and transparency, all videos were recorded live in a single take, without edits, hosts, or predetermined questions.

The views and opinions expressed in the following video are those of the candidate and do not necessarily reflect the views of the City of Rochester, its elected officials or staff. The content is presented as part of a public information effort to provide equal opportunity for all candidates to address the community.

Transcript was taken directly from the GovTV website closed captioning. AI added bold/italic fonts for emphasis and separated paragraphs where appropriate.

In this survey, the candidate answered the following questions:

• "Why are you running?"
  
  

• "Do you support the city’s tax cap and for what, if any, reasons would you support going over it?"
  
  

• "How can Rochester ease the burden on residential property taxpayers?"
  
  

• "How can the city further the affordability and availability of housing? Do you support efforts in the state legislature aimed at reducing local control of zoning rules and regulations?"
  
  

• "What can Rochester do to attract new small businesses and support the small businesses already in the city?"
  
  

• "Rochester purchased the old Care Pharmacy and nearby properties for more than $3.3 million. Do you agree with this purchase and what should Rochester do with the property it now owns?"
  
  

• "Short-term and long-term, what should the mayor/council do about the growing homeless population in Rochester?"
  
  

• "The Legislature has empowered cities to create “social districts” where outdoor drinking of alcoholic beverages is allowed. Do you support bringing social districts to Rochester?"
  
  

• "What else would you like voters to know about you?"

You can view the survey by clicking here.

Pastor Micah invited each of the mayoral candidates to discuss their campaigns on the "Sunday Sermons with Pastor Micah" podcast.

You can listen to the entire podcast with Matt Mayberry by going here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6sSaJ7mjY8em0UgwOnkwBG 

Below is an AI generated summary of the podcast:

𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 – 𝐄𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞: 00:00–01:42
𝐓𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐜: Intro & setup
Candidate Quote: Micah, 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦.
Summary of section: Pastor frames Rochester/community context and teases a list of listener questions. Matt thanks him and settles in for a candid conversation.

𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 – 𝐄𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞: 01:42–06:01
𝐓𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐜: Faith & personal testimony
Candidate Quote: 𝘐 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘪𝘹 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘴: “𝘐 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱.”
Summary of section: Matt recounts his father’s recovery from alcoholism through prayer and his own near-suicide moment that crystallized his faith and reliance on asking for help.

𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 – 𝐄𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞: 06:01–11:16
𝐓𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐜: Being a gay Republican; transparency in politics
Candidate Quote: 𝘗𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵—𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘴𝘢𝘧𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘵𝘴, 𝘦𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘬𝘪𝘥𝘴, 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘫𝘰𝘣𝘴—𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶.
Summary of section: He describes initial resistance in GOP circles, then acceptance as people get to know him. Emphasizes straight talk, accessibility, and showing up.

𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 – 𝐄𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞: 11:21–13:16
𝐓𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐜: Homelessness—severity & public safety
Candidate Quote: 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘤𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘮.
Summary of section: Shares a resident story (attempted propane theft with a child at home) to underscore urgency and the need to act.

𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 – 𝐄𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞: 13:59–17:11
𝐓𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐜: Policy: trespass enforcement & no-camping zones
Candidate Quote: 𝘐 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬 𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘸𝘰 𝘤𝘢𝘮𝘱𝘴.
Summary of section: Proposes strengthening trespass laws, designating no-camping areas, and differentiating situational vs. chronic homelessness to tailor responses.

𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 – 𝐄𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞: 16:17–20:14
𝐓𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐜: “Tiny homes” plan for situational homelessness
Candidate Quote: 𝘐𝘵’𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘵… 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬.
Summary of section: Suggests 10–12 tiny homes near county facilities with drug testing, quarterly inspections, and work requirements—aimed at a 1-year runway back to stability.

𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 – 𝐄𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞: 19:31–20:20
𝐓𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐜: Employer partnerships
Candidate Quote: 𝘛𝘶𝘳𝘣𝘰𝘊𝘢𝘮 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘻𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘦𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘰𝘺𝘦𝘳…
Summary of section: Points to local employers (e.g., precision manufacturing) as partners for jobs and supportive work cultures.

𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 – 𝐄𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞: 20:14–25:06
𝐓𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐜: Veterans village & “mayor’s ecumenical council”
Candidate Quote: 𝘉𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦—𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘳𝘴, 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘬𝘦𝘳𝘴.
Summary of section: Envisions a strict veterans tiny-home village and a city-led council to coordinate churches, advocates, and number-crunchers on practical help.

𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 – 𝐄𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞: 25:06–26:12
𝐓𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐜: Bus passes & church-led outreach
Candidate Quote: 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘥𝘪𝘥𝘯’𝘵 𝘢𝘴𝘬 𝘮𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘤𝘢𝘴𝘩—𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘴𝘬𝘦𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢 𝘣𝘶𝘴 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘴.
Summary of section: Suggests quarterly multi-church events at accessible locations (near bus lines), including distributing bus passes with simple resource sheets.

𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 – 𝐄𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞: 29:27–31:32
𝐓𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐜: Harm reduction in the field
Candidate Quote: 𝘈𝘥𝘮𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦’𝘴 𝘢 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘮. 𝘉𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘤 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘵.
Summary of section: Though not a fan of needle exchange, he acknowledges fewer loose syringes at cleanups; proposes locked trash cans plus sharps boxes where people actually are.

𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 – 𝐄𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞: 33:11–41:20
𝐓𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐜: Drugs, vaping & cannabis legalization
Candidate Quote: 𝘐 𝘥𝘰 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘢 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘮 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘭𝘦𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘻𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘤𝘢𝘯𝘯𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘕𝘌.
Summary of section: Favors legal, regulated cannabis to reduce contamination/lacing; wants tighter rules on vape shops and to bring activity “into the light.”

𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 – 𝐄𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞: 42:10–47:06
𝐓𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐜: Roads, bridges & wastewater (big-ticket infrastructure)
Candidate Quote: 𝘎𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘳𝘰𝘢𝘥𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘨𝘦𝘴 𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘰𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺.
Summary of section: Describes pavement life-cycle strategies; proposes a “Gateway Project” to clean up main corridors; warns wastewater upgrades could cost ~$40–$42M and need planning/funding.

𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 – 𝐄𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞: 47:30–48:04
𝐓𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐜: City identity—“Lilac Month”
Candidate Quote: 𝘞𝘦’𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘪𝘭𝘢𝘤 𝘊𝘪𝘵𝘺—𝘭𝘦𝘵’𝘴 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘭𝘪𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘴.
Summary of section: Wants visible pride along gateways with plantings and sponsorships.

𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 – 𝐄𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞: 48:10–55:20
𝐓𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐜: Schools—Salmon Falls, public access & EFAs
Candidate Quote: 𝘞𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘦𝘭𝘴𝘦—𝘸𝘩𝘺 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯?
Summary of section: Argues the new elementary was needed and built for safety with public-use design for the gym; supports EFAs/school choice; criticizes unions/tenure and urges embracing new tools (e.g., AI) and real-world skills.

𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 – 𝐄𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞: 55:20–59:10
𝐓𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐜: Homeschool/private participation & governance safeguards
Candidate Quote: 𝘞𝘦 𝘱𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘮 𝘪𝘯—𝘸𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘳 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘵.
Summary of section: Supports homeschool/private students accessing public sports; says the legislature can adjust EFA parameters to prevent overreach.

𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 – 𝐄𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞: 60:10–63:34
𝐓𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐜: Term limits, taxes & accountability
Candidate Quote: 𝘛𝘸𝘰 𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘮𝘴—𝘧𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴—𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐’𝘮 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘵.
Summary of section: Advocates two-term limits, says his taxes doubled while long-timers “lowered the rate” but hiked assessments; promises to call out closed-door positioning vs. public votes.

𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 – 𝐄𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞: 63:52–66:12
𝐓𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐜: Closing & call to local civic engagement
Candidate Quote: 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘪𝘨𝘯𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘵—𝘭𝘦𝘵’𝘴 𝘵𝘳𝘺.
Summary of section: Pastor urges turnout in local elections; Matt reiterates accessibility (posting his number publicly) and the need to move from complaints to action.

The candidate responded to the following questions in a survey by GraniteGrok:

The questions.

• 1. Do you support state control of zoning or local zoning control? 

• 2. Do you support a Tax cap? 

• 3. What is your plan, if any, to lower property taxes?

• 4. How “affordable housing” will get done without raising taxes?

• 5. Your definition of “affordable” housing?

• 6. Do you support boys in girls locker rooms and rest rooms at Spaulding?

• 7. Your position on age inappropriate books in the Rochester schools?

• 8.  What is your stand on conservation? How do you plan on saving farmland and open space or do you want them developed?

• 9. Plans for fairgrounds?

• 10. Plans for sky Haven?

• 11.  EPA contract regulations for the city’s wastewater treatment plant. How do you plan on paying for it?  Do you support a “rain tax” aka stormwater utility to pay for this?

You can view the candidate's responses by clicking here.

Matt Mayberry is a dedicated leader with the experience and grit to lead Rochester into the future. His commitment to the community and proven track record of delivering results make him the ideal candidate for mayor. With a focus on affordability and the working man and woman, Matt aims to bring positive change and empower the people of Rochester. Join us in this journey towards a better, brighter future for our city.

An Air Force veteran, non-profit CEO and member of Rochester's Economic Development Committee, Matt Mayberry is a dedicated public servant with a strong commitment to Rochester and it's people. He believes in the power of collaboration and aims to address the critical issues facing Rochester with innovative solutions. With a vision for a brighter future, Matt is determined to create positive change and improve the lives of all residents.

I will fight to rollback the massive tax assessment levied against the poorest of our neighbors. It was handled wrong and it was cruel. Our tax base can not solely rely on residential homes. We are driving our seniors out of their homes, this needs to stop.  We can do better and you deserve better. You voted for a tax cap not a tax bypass. Allow me to be crystal clear: I will NEVER support a sales tax nor an income tax…EVER. 

This is 195 acres of opportunity that currently serves as a private club for 80 users. We can do better. Let’s create high tech manufacturing and research labs. Let’s create homes the average citizen can BUY and create neighborhoods not renters. Rochester is open for business…and manufacturing, and distribution, and medical technology, and microchip development and more. 

The concept by the Strafford County Commissioners about relocating the warming center to the County Complex is interesting.  Homelessness is a regional issue.  I would encourage them to take it a step further and explore transitional housing for people who experience “situational homelessness”.  This is when someone loses a job or gets sick.  These people are trying to better themselves. I experienced situational homelessness when the economy crashed in 2009.  This is personal. 

This is private land owned by shareholders, not the city.  RAMA and the City have been fighting far too long.  I will bring the parties together and cool the tempers.  I, personally, would love to see a performing arts center with events and concerts.  It would be great to have a park that is connected to the downtown via the riverwalk. I support keeping the Rochester Fair intact with everyone working together. This could be a creative economic engine if we get the city out of the way. 

We can’t continue to cut police funding and expect them to do more.  We say we “support the blue”, we need to show it. We will look at funding from items that may be a “want” because safe streets is a “need”. 

Should I be elected as your Mayor of Rochester, I will not serve more than two terms (a total of four years).

Biography: Matt Mayberry was raised in Gorham, Maine, and at 19 years old joined the U.S. Air Force, stationed in Charleston, South Carolina, traveling the world on a C-141 aircraft. He is a decorated Air Force veteran and was instrumental in changing Air Force policy regarding required CPR training for all AF flight crews.

Matt returned to New Hampshire, where he has lived for the past 35-plus years. He served three terms on the Dover (NH) City Council and one term on the Dover (NH) School Board.

In 2019, Governor Chris Sununu appointed Mayberry as Chair of the NH Human Rights Commission, an adjudicative body weighing in on over 400 cases of discrimination each year.

In 2020, Mayberry ran for U.S. Congress after learning that four veterans were going to lose access to their mental healthcare because the Veterans Administration hadn’t paid for those services—owing hundreds of practitioners tens of thousands of dollars in unpaid fees.

In 2021, Mayberry assisted in running COVID vaccine clinics throughout Strafford County, including locations such as schools, parking lots, wooded areas (for the homeless population), and the county jail. Matt also assisted the Strafford County Meals on Wheels program, delivering over 2,500 meals himself during the pandemic. He also ensures that low-income children at Dover High School can attend their prom, get a yearbook, and have enough food to eat.

In 2021, Matt Mayberry became the CEO of the NH Home Builders Association, representing the 27,000 people who make a living within the residential building trades. Governor Chris Sununu appointed Matt to the Community College System of NH Board of Trustees in 2024.

Mayberry resides in Rochester, NH, where he also serves on their Economic Development Commission.

2020 WMUR Candidate's Biography (This was from when Matt was running for US House)

New Hampshire Public Radio Interview with Matt from 2020 (Begins at around 25 minutes)

Matt Mayberry for NH Facebook Page

Mayberry for Mayor Campaign Website

Matt Mayberry X (formerly known as Twitter) page

Sources

¹Intro, Platform and Priorities from Candidate's campaign website:  https://www.mayberryformayor.com/platform

²Biography Source: https://92896ea6.delivery.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Matt-Mayberry-Bio.pdf