Hillsborough County District 2 (3 seats) represents Deering and Weare.
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What specific policy do you see as most vital? New Hampshire needs to increase wages. We need to follow the lead of our other New England states and raise wages above $7.25 an hour. That is not a living wage in this – or any – economy. We must also pass paid family and medical leave. Every New Hampshire resident – regardless of their job title – deserves a livable wage and the ability to take time off if they need to. This is not a new concept, and it’s time for New Hampshire to get on board.
How do you plan to address the significant budget challenges our state will face in the months ahead? New Hampshire needs to examine alternative revenue sources. I believe one thing the state should consider is the legalization and regulation of cannabis. In Colorado, a 2017 study showed that the legalization and regulation of cannabis contributed $80.8 million to the state’s economy in taxes and fees in just the first year. In Massachusetts, gross sales in the first year were $393.7 million, according to the state’s Cannabis Control Commission. While it won’t be the only solution, legalizing cannabis looks like a good place to start.
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Age: 63
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Incumbent? If so, how many terms:
What specific policy do you see as most vital? I know the easy answer is to talk about safety, I choose Liberty. A couple of examples of how your freedom is in peril, this year I introduced legislation to keep the state from using facial recognition software without a warrant, it failed. Also, the Democratically-controlled Senate and House passed dozens of bills that never had a hearing in the House. Your Constitution and liberty are hanging on by a thread. Wake up.
How do you plan to address the significant budget challenges our state will face in the months ahead? The state is having problems but I don’t represent the state, I represent the folks in Weare and Deering. What I won’t do is pass that burden on to them.
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What specific policy do you see as most vital? Education funding is our most vital policy in N.H. Education is the key to economic success. Our kids deserve a decent start in life, no matter what their zip code. Investing in the future generation benefits all of us. A good education provides opportunities for economic and social development. When our schools are successful, our towns and our state are successful. Our property values increase. Businesses will be attracted to our towns, adding to the tax base and local economies. We should invest in our kids; they are our future leaders and the future of the Granite State.
How do you plan to address the significant budget challenges our state will face in the months ahead? New Hampshire faces around a $400 Million budget shortfall over the next two years. We received about $1.25 Billion from the CARES Act, of which about $1 Billion has been allocated. Most federal aid cannot be used to offset any state and/or local revenue shortfall. The best way to start work on this challenge is to cut state spending where we can. In addition, we can dip into the rainy day fund, which currently has about $115 Million. This doesn’t solve the budget crisis, but it will help soften the blow a little bit. Most importantly, both sides of the aisle should come together to do this work.
■Leah Cushman, a Republican, Keith Erf, a Republican and Robert Girard, a Democrat, did not respond to the questionnaire.