Meet the Merrimack County District 4 House candidates

• Email
• Print
• Comments (0)

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 4

Sutton, Wilmot (1 seat)

STUART COOPER

Party: Republican

Age: 30

Town: Sutton

Occupation: Government relations director

Incumbent: No

Do you support . . .

Right-to-work legislation? No. Federal law already gives employees the freedom to choose whether to become union members or remain independent.

Repealing gay marriage? No

Allowing guns on college campuses? Yes. A person’s right to defend themselves is greater than an institution’s right to deny them this ability.

Legalizing medical marijuana? Yes, but only for the seriously and terminally ill, and without legalizing dispensaries or retail outlets.

Allowing any employer to exempt contraception from insurance plans? No. Employees have the freedom to choose whether or not they use contraception. We don’t offer religious exemptions for other procedures or medications.

Last year’s 50 percent cut in university funding? Partially. I would support restoring some money to go exclusively toward freezing in-state tuition so New Hampshire residents can afford to attend our public universities.

A constitutional amendment giving the Legislature full authority over education funding? Yes

A business tax credit to fund scholarships? Yes. In fact, I would like to cosponsor this legislation.

The efforts of the Committee on Redress of Grievances? Yes

A constitutional amendment barring an income tax? No. I oppose any new or increased tax, but an amendment would hurt our bond rating and cost the state millions annually.

Requiring voters to present a photo ID? Yes, as long as it doesn’t conflict with the U.S. or N.H. constitutions.

Some form of expanded gambling? Yes. It would generate thousands of jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars in state revenue on an annual basis.

What would you like voters to know about your philosophy, principles or priorities? I want to bring solutions to Concord, not more politics. I believe in a limited government that stays out or your wallet, bedroom and business. I will oppose any new tax or tax increase and have a plan to generate thousands of permanent new jobs and millions of dollars in revenue for the state and its charities without increasing any taxes. I will protect your personal freedoms, your privacy, the Second Amendment, our state parks, and your property rights.

Where can voters find out more about your candidacy? Email to stuartecooper@gmail.com; call 927-4249; or mail to PO Box 85, N. Sutton, NH 03260

THOMAS SCHAMBERG

Party: Democrat

Town: Wilmot

Incumbent: No

Did not respond to survey