Meet the Merrimack County District 3 House candidates

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The Monitor sent questionnaires to area House candidates. We asked the candidates to answer a checklist of questions about positions the most recent Legislature took on a range of issues. Although we asked for yes or no responses, many of the candidates went further. Rather than limit the responses, we provided as much leeway as space will allow. Each candidate was also given a chance to add information specific to their candidacies. Here’s what they said:

Merrimack County 3

Franklin Ward 3, Northfield (2 seats)

LEIGH WEBB

Party: Democrat

Age: 62

Town: Franklin

Occupation: Retired

Incumbent? No

Do you support . . .

Right-to-work legislation? In its current one-sided anti-union form, absolutely not.

Repealing gay marriage? No, as a matter of civil and human rights.

Allowing guns on college campuses? No. Students and campus police would be even more at risk.

Legalizing medical marijuana? This is strictly a federal matter, as a state cannot indemnify any provider or user against federal prosecution.

Allowing any employer to exempt contraception from insurance plans? Yes

Last year’s 50 percent cut in university funding? No. Educational support at all levels must be priority one.

A constitutional amendment giving the Legislature full authority over education funding? No, checks and balances are as important today as in our forefathers’ day.

A business tax credit to fund scholarships? No, this would only degrade public education, leaving many children behind.

The efforts of the Committee on Redress of Grievances? Although a good idea, until this committee can approach each grievance fairly, with no partisanship, and with respect to law and the separation of church and state, I would say no to political party grandstanding.

A constitutional amendment barring an income tax? No, as it limits discussion on fair taxation.

Requiring voters to present a photo ID? As long as the state guarantees a free photo ID, with no barriers, to anyone who cannot afford one.

Some form of expanded gambling? Contingent upon local approval and appropriate safeguards, yes.

What would you like voters to know about your philosophy, principles or priorities? I am a moderate, with a B.A. in psychology from the University of California at Los Angeles, who worked for more the 40 years in LA as a member of various entertainment unions, now retired, who strongly believes that the far extremes of political ideology are pulling this state and the country apart. Until we can start moving more to the middle, to accommodate the people of New Hampshire instead of the political parties, little or no productive movement of lasting value will or can be achieved.

Where can voters find out more about your candidacy? franklindemocrats.org

CAROLYN VIRTUE

Party: Republican

Town: Northfield

Occupation: Health care administrator

Incumbent? No

Do you support . . .

Right-to-work legislation? Yes

Repealing gay marriage? No

Allowing guns on college campuses? Yes

Legalizing medical marijuana? Yes

Allowing any employer to exempt contraception from insurance plans? No

Last year’s 50 percent cut in university funding? No

A constitutional amendment giving the Legislature full authority over education funding? No

A business tax credit to fund scholarships? Yes

The efforts of the Committee on Redress of Grievances? Not sure

A constitutional amendment barring an income tax? Yes

Requiring voters to present a photo ID? Yes

Some form of expanded gambling? Yes

What would you like voters to know about your philosophy, principles or priorities? I have lived in the area over 30 years and raised my family in this wonderful part of New Hampshire. After a successful career in the health care industry, I believed that I could offer more and started my own business in 2000 as a passionate voice for community-based long-term-care services and maintaining seniors’ independence in the home. As a small business owner and mother with proven leadership qualities and a strong desire to affect our future in a constructive way, I am running because I am willing to work hard for the people of the district, and I believe I can make a positive difference. My commitment to you is to provide an honest, fair voice for the people of Franklin and Northfield.