Merrimack 9 includes four seats representing Bow and Hopkinton. Democrats Eleana Colby, Muriel Hall, David Luneau and James Newsom are all running uncontested.
Colby and Newsom did not respond to the Monitor’s candidate survey.
Muriel Hall
Party affiliation: Democrat
What town/city do you live in? Bow
Political experience: I was elected to the NH House of Representatives in 2021. I currently serve as the Deputy Ranking Democrat on the House Education Policy and Administration Committee.
Professional experience: My teaching career in the Granite State spanned 40 years, 32 of which I taught math and computer literacy at Bow Memorial School.
Community service experience: I have volunteered as an election poll worker, served meals to seniors, served on various school district panels and committees and coached a middle school XC team.
Policy Positions
Should NH legalize recreational marijuana use and position?
No
What is the No. 1 action the Legislature should take to address the housing shortage?
Give towns and cities grants to revise their local zoning restrictions.
How involved should NH government and law enforcement be in immigration enforcement?
NH should not assist at all.
To what extent should NH restrict abortion, if at all?
It should not restrict abortion at all.
What is one law currently on the books in NH that you would repeal, and why?
Universal Education Freedom Accounts. The Education Trust Fund monies should be spent on adequately funding our public schools, which it was created to do, and not on giving vouchers to private school students and homeschoolers, the vast majority of whom have never attended our public schools.
NH consistently struggles with funding its government and services. What is one way you would raise state revenue, and what is one area you would cut expenses? Be specific.
I would support raising state revenue by reforming business taxes and reduce expenses by cutting tens of millions of dollars spent on EFA school vouchers.
As people across the state struggle with their local school tax bills, what role should the state play in funding education?
The state should assume its constitutional responsibility to adequately fund its public schools, which would in turn lessen the burden on local property taxpayers.
Aside from those mentioned above, what do you believe is the biggest issue facing the state today?
NH has an affordability crisis. The skyrocketing costs of food, gas, healthcare, childcare, etc. are making it difficult for families to make ends meet.
Find more information at the candidate’s website:
David Luneau
Party affiliation: Democrat
What town/city do you live in? Hopkinton
Political experience: State Rep 12 years, vice chair and ranking member on education committee
Professional experience: Co-founder and president of ClassCo Inc., developer of accessible telecom products
Community service experience: Hopkinton School Board (12 years), budget committee, past president Hopkinton Rotary
Policy Positions
Should NH legalize recreational marijuana use and position?
Yes
What is the No. 1 action the Legislature should take to address the housing shortage?
Give towns and cities grants to revise their local zoning restrictions.
How involved should NH government and law enforcement be in immigration enforcement?
NH should not assist at all.
To what extent should NH restrict abortion, if at all?
It should not restrict abortion at all.
What is one law currently on the books in NH that you would repeal, and why?
The school voucher program was introduced in 2022 to help low-income families find alternatives to their public schools. But the fact is very few students have exited their public school for a voucher, and nearly all the money ($200 million so far) has gone to kids already attending private and home schools. I would repeal the program and direct the funds to public schools and reduce the burden on property taxpayers.
NH consistently struggles with funding its government and services. What is one way you would raise state revenue, and what is one area you would cut expenses? Be specific.
I have proposed reforms to the state property tax, coupled with expansion of the low and moderate income property tax relief program and introduction of a homestead exemption from the state property tax. And direct school voucher funds to public schools.
As people across the state struggle with their local school tax bills, what role should the state play in funding education?
Everyone knows New Hampshire is dead last when it comes to the state share of funding for public schools. The current state budget reduced school funding by $25 million, and most districts will receive less from the state this year than last year while facing increased costs for health insurance, energy, facility maintenance and special education services. In response, many school districts cut programs such as career and technical education. The state should increase funding to public schools in order to guarantee every child has an opportunity for a high-quality education and reduce the burden on property taxpayers.
Aside from those mentioned above, what do you believe is the biggest issue facing the state today?
In addition to affordable housing and public school funding, the state is facing a childcare crisis. All of these issues hit young families the hardest, and we need state government to take these matters seriously and find solutions.
Find more information at the candidate’s website: