A Record of Accomplishment

An independent-minded voice of reason in the NH Senate … with a proven record of results!

  • Leading advocate of the previous school funding plan (2004), which restored nearly $3 million dollars in aid to the towns of District 11 and lowering property tax burdens district wide.
  • As Chairman of the busy Senate Judiciary Committee, authored an amendment to restructure the state's court system reducing the number of superior court judges by over one quarter (from 29 to 21), saving approximately $1 million dollars a year and improving the efficiency and responsiveness of our court system statewide.
  • Worked with the Governor, House and Senate leaders to face down the largest projected deficit in New Hampshire history (over $230 million), garner record amounts of federal aid for the Granite State and pass a responsible state budget and school funding plan without requiring new taxes or tax increases affecting our citizens.
  • Sponsor of low and moderate income property tax relief now in effect across New Hampshire
  • Lead Senate Republican Sponsor of the "Do Not Call List" Legislation.
  • Lead Senate Sponsor of Governor's Efficiency Commission Legislation.

- Biography -

Personal

  • Born in Peterborough, New Hampshire, November 11, 1956
  • Graduated Dartmouth College 1978
  • Married to Kirsten Peterson 1982
  • Attended School for Emerging Political Leaders at Darden Graduate School, University of Virginia, 1998
  • 4 daughters, Jennifer, Anna, Sarah, and Ellie, ages 14-22

Business

  • Vice President and co-owner of The Petersons, Inc., a leading real estate company in third generation of ownership by the Peterson family. The Petersons, Inc. was established in 1948.

Public Service

  • Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee
  • Vice-Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee
  • Member of the Executive Department and Administration Committee
  • Senate representative to the Ethics Panel
  • Former Chairman of House Executive Department and Administration Committee
  • Former Vice Chairman of House Judiciary Committee/Impeachment Inquiry Panel
  • Former Legislative Assistant to Senator Warren B. Rudman in Washington, DC
  • Past President, Peterborough Rotary Club
  • Former Chairman, Peterborough Budget Committee
  • Former three term Representative to NH House
  • Chosen as outstanding freshman Republican legislator in 1997-1998 and nominated by Speaker Donna Sytek to attend Darden School for emerging political leaders at the University of Virginia
  • Attended Darden School, summer of 1998
  • Member of NH Higher Education Savings Plan Commission
  • Legislative sponsor of Beaver and Claire Jutras (a Peterborough couple recently chosen for National Parents of the Year Award)
  • Prime sponsor of legislation which created the NH State Office of Volunteerism/Volunteer NH
  • Executive Board Member NH Youth Mentoring Project
  • NH Vice Chairman/Member Executive Committee New England Board of Higher Education
  • Board Member, Creating Positive Change
  • Member of the Peterborough Charter of Commission
  • Committee Chair, NH Citizens Commission on the State Court System