Meet the Merrimack County District 5 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 5

Newbury, New London (2 seats)

KAREN EBEL

Party: Democrat

Age: 58

Town: New London

Occupation: Not employed/former practicing attorney

Incumbent? No

Do you support . . .

Right-to-work legislation? No, but I need to understand much better what the impact of this highly contentious law would be on our state’s workers and businesses to assess properly any future proposed legislation.

Repealing gay marriage? No

Allowing guns on college campuses? No

Legalizing medical marijuana? Yes, but I would assess future legislation as proposed and related research.

Allowing any employer to exempt contraception from insurance plans? No, All employers should not be able to exempt contraception at will.

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

A constitutional amendment giving the Legislature full authority over education funding? The Legislature should have more authority over education funding, but the amendment as proposed this year was too broad.

A business tax credit to fund scholarships? No

The efforts of the Committee on Redress of Grievances? No. This committee inappropriately attempts to assert legislative authority over our court system, in violation of the separation of powers so vital to the constitutionally established system of checks and balances provided by our three branches of government.

A constitutional amendment barring an income tax? No. Future generations should not be bound by a constitutional amendment restricting their ability to make budgetary decisions.

Requiring voters to present a photo ID? I do not support the current law. Much has been written about students, but it also presents problems for seniors and others who do not drive, especially those who rely on others for assistance with daily needs.

Some form of expanded gambling? No.

What would you like voters to know about your philosophy, principles or priorities? New Hampshire must focus on creative, efficient Granite State solutions to its challenges, including economic growth, sound infrastructure, education funding and taking care of those who need it. We should not be sidetracked by ideological battles. I want to help bring moderation, common sense, civility and much-needed bipartisanship back to Concord, so the Legislature can make the best decisions possible for our state. If elected, I will do my best to get the input of my constituents on important issues such as those noted in this survey.

Where can voters find out more about your candidacy? Facebook: KarenEbelforStateRep; email me at ebelforstaterep@gmail.com

STEVEN RUSSELL

Party: Democrat

Town: Newbury

Incumbent? No

Did not respond to survey

STEVE WINTER

Party: Republican

Age: 74

Town: Newbury

Occupation: Retired airline captain

Incumbent? Yes

Do you support . . .

Right-to-work legislation? Yes. That means an “open shop.” I was national secretary/treasurer of a large union that was “open shop.”

Repealing gay marriage? No

Allowing guns on college campuses? Yes. Adults who legally purchase guns have a constitutional right to defend themselves.

Legalizing medical marijuana? I support medicalizing marijuana like many other drugs.

Allowing any employer to exempt contraception from insurance plans? Yes. The “right” to contraception is not in our Bill of Rights. Birth control pills remain legal, available and affordable. Walmart sells a month’s supply for $9.

Last year’s 50 percent cut in university funding? Yes. Hopefully to be restored with some long-awaited cooperation from the University System.

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

A business tax credit to fund scholarships? Yes. Not a penny of tax money goes to these restricted scholarships. Exposure to the loss of adequacy money is limited to one quarter of 1 percent (.0025).

The efforts of the Committee on Redress of Grievances? Yes. It is a constitutional right in the N.H. Constitution.

A constitutional amendment barring an income tax? Yes

Requiring voters to present a photo ID? Yes

Some form of expanded gambling? No

What would you like voters to know about your philosophy, principles or priorities? I am a fiscal conservative and a social moderate (or libertarian). “Low taxes are the result of low spending.” I believe in safety nets for those who are in need. But when these safety nets become universal spending, I am offended. Social issues are mostly not on my radar except when they take away rights. I think individuals and businesses should make their own decisions in these matters without government interference.

Where can voters find out more about your candidacy? They can read the InterTown Record, our local newspaper where I write a weekly column. I am the only representative who explains the legislative process, tells how I vote and why I voted that way, and puts constituent mail first in my efforts.

DAVID KIDDER

Party: Republican

Age: 64

Town: New London

Occupation: Realtor

Incumbent? Yes

Do you support . . .

Right-to-work legislation? No

Repealing gay marriage? No

Allowing guns on college campuses? No

Legalizing medical marijuana? Yes

Allowing any employer to exempt contraception from insurance plans? No

Last year’s 50 percent cut in university funding? It was a little severe but UNH will survive. The cuts to the community colleges were more serious. We get a great return from them.

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

A business tax credit to fund scholarships? No

The efforts of the Committee on Redress of Grievances? No

A constitutional amendment barring an income tax? No

Requiring voters to present a photo ID? Yes

Some form of expanded gambling? No

What would you like voters to know about your philosophy, principles or priorities? I am a moderate Republican and my priorities are the folks in my district, then the state as a whole and then party. I have never taken any money from anyone and as a result I am beholden to no one. There is no place for the extreme ideologies of either party in Concord.

Where can voters find out more about your candidacy? Email david03257@yahoo.com; call 526-4680 or 496-6157