This is Joe.
He believes in community.
Not just as a concept, but as a daily practice.
As Chairman of the Salem Town Council, Joe Sweeney is committed to shaping a town that’s thriving, connected, and forward-thinking. From state politics to local leadership, Joe has spent over a decade working to support community development across New Hampshire.
He’s not just making decisions—he’s building solutions. Whether it’s tackling zoning laws, housing challenges, or the very fabric of civic life, Joe is focused on making Salem a place where people don’t just pass through, but stay and belong.
Joe Sweeney is the Chairman of the Salem, NH Town Council and Rockingham District 25 Representative to the NH General Court.
Links & Notes:
This episode was recorded at Treeline Outfitters in Portsmouth, NH
Music provided by Sneaky Miles
Youtube
Episode Summary
What is your connection to New Hampshire?
We were born and raised in New Hampshire—specifically in Salem. Aside from a brief time in Massachusetts as a newborn, we’ve lived here our entire lives, attending public schools in Salem and later studying at UNH.
How did you get involved in politics at such a young age?
Inspired by our grandfathers, who were active in their communities, we became involved in student government and local organizations in high school. At 18, we decided to run for state representative, winning a seat in the New Hampshire legislature.
What was your motivation for entering politics?
We saw politics as a way to contribute to our community and solve problems. Growing up, we had deep conversations with family members about how to improve the world, which instilled a belief that solutions exist if people are willing to engage and work toward them.
What do you love about New Hampshire?
New Hampshire is a state that doesn’t give up on its people. There’s a strong sense of community, resilience, and individualism, but also a willingness to help one another and find solutions to challenges.
What is unique about the New Hampshire legislature?
New Hampshire has one of the largest legislative bodies in the world, with 400 representatives. Unlike in many states, most lawmakers are everyday people—teachers, firefighters, and business owners—rather than career politicians, which keeps the process close to the people.
How does the legislative process in New Hampshire differ from other states?
It is intentionally designed to be deliberative rather than reactionary. Bills take time to work through committees, and most solutions happen through quiet, bipartisan discussions rather than high-profile debates.
What are some misconceptions about government work?
People often think government is all about big, dramatic debates, but in reality, most work happens in committee rooms, solving everyday problems like infrastructure, zoning, and regulations—issues that directly affect people’s lives.
What motivated you to take on a leadership role in Salem?
Salem played a crucial role in shaping who we are. Having received support from the town as a child in speech therapy programs, we feel a deep responsibility to give back and help shape its future.
What are the biggest challenges facing Salem today?
Like much of New Hampshire, Salem faces challenges with zoning and housing availability. Many of the regulations that exist today were created with good intentions but now serve as obstacles to smart development and economic growth.
How do you think towns like Salem can adapt for the future?
We need to rethink zoning and land use to allow for mixed-use development, walkability, and better-designed communities. Right now, many towns prioritize car-centric infrastructure over creating vibrant, livable spaces.
Why is housing such a big issue in New Hampshire?
Decades of restrictive zoning laws have led to a housing shortage. We can solve this not by expanding into untouched land but by making better use of already-developed areas through more flexible regulations.
What is your approach to leadership and governance?
We believe in empowering individuals, reducing unnecessary barriers, and letting people and businesses thrive. Our philosophy is that if government steps out of the way in the right places, communities will naturally prosper.
What keeps you optimistic about New Hampshire’s future?
There is so much untapped potential in New Hampshire. If we can make thoughtful changes to outdated policies and give people the freedom to innovate, we have the opportunity to build an even stronger, more dynamic state.
*This episode summary was generated by an AI analyzing a transcript of the interview. The questions, wording, and written meaning of particular sections may contain slight differences to the original conversation. We include these summaries to give listeners a brief, readable synopsis of the episode. The full episode transcript is available on granitegoodness.com.
Oh for fuck’s sake.
That potato was dug up and transplanted from Massachusetts.
He just tried to eliminate the Arts Council and the State Library to offset cutting business taxes and eliminating the Interest and Dividends Tax for his wealthy, parasitical friends.
Live free to be stupid and die bankrupted by medical debt and Trump tariffs is his motto. But not for him, of course.