Hillsborough County District 38 (2 seats) represents Antrim, Bennington, Francestown, Greenfield, Greenville, Hancock, Hillsborough, Lyndeborough, Wilton and Windsor.
Party:
Town of Residence:
Occupation:
What specific policy do you see as most vital? Getting businesses open 100%, getting people back to work, and bringing communities together again. This may not happen until there is a vaccine approved and distributed. In the meantime, we need to do our best to support our people, businesses and local communities as we adapt safely to the situation while remaining diligent and conscientious. I agonize over how the past seven months has affected the mental health and development of our young children who are not benefiting from the essential human affection and connections. I am concerned with how this has impacted our elderly population who have been isolated for their own safety. Many rely deeply on their attachment to friends and family that I feel there are some who are dying from loneliness. While the economy is crucial, I don’t believe it’s all about money. We have our dignity, our need to add value somewhere, somehow, and our need to be together. In doing this, we need to make sure individuals have access to their healthcare providers, testing facilities, affordable healthcare plans, and affordable medication.
How do you plan to address the significant budget challenges our state will face in the months ahead? I plan to scrutinize the budget for discretionary expenditures that could be postponed until our revenue returns. Having worked with budgets in the past, I am familiar with the method of projecting spending based upon realized revenue. It is necessary to balance the two. I will also look to find relief for our state without reaching into the pockets of our taxpayers. Individuals and businesses have suffered enough loss this year.
Party:
Age:
Town of Residence:
Occupation:
Incumbent? If so, how many terms:
What specific policy do you see as most vital? We must prioritize rebuilding New Hampshire’s economy safely. We need to get people back to work in an environment where they are both safe and free to maximize their own potential. To do this we must avoid new business taxes, income taxes, and sales taxes. We need to promote a positive business culture that excites new companies and workers to settle in New Hampshire while retaining the great people we have now. The Granite State is known for independent people that thrive on innovation and entrepreneurship. I would support state policies that encourage businesses to expand and grow by limiting government control; reducing rules and regulations; and promoting quality education and healthcare so that people who come to work have a high quality of life. These policies will serve to enhance the New Hampshire Advantage.
How do you plan to address the significant budget challenges our state will face in the months ahead? The current budget deficit is estimated at approximately $500M due to COVID-19 impacts. New Hampshire recovered from an $800M shortfall in 2010 without raising taxes. I believe that we can overcome our shortfalls now by enacting tight fiscal discipline and scrutinizing the current budget in order to reduce current expenditures until the economy can recover. Based on past experience, I believe that enacting new taxes and fees to cover the anticipated shortfalls will hinder growth, reduce the number of businesses and people coming to New Hampshire, and cause long term tax implications that will hurt the New Hampshire Advantage we now enjoy.
Age:
Town of Residence:
Occupation:
What specific policy do you see as most vital? The lacking pandemic response by the current administration has left many unanswered questions, uncertainties and insecurities. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) is one of the most critical parts of what should have been a comprehensive relief plan for Granite Staters. If not vetoed by Gov. Sununu, FMLA would have provided working people with the option to stay home to quarantine or care for those sick with COVID-19. In the 2021 session, we must work to pass this and other legislation to expand access to health care.
How do you plan to address the significant budget challenges our state will face in the months ahead? I support legislation that holds the state responsible for fairly funding our public schools rather than forcing municipalities to make up the difference. We must acknowledge the inequality from high taxes causing property-poor towns to alienate young home buyers and retirees wanting long term stability. Then, we must come together to address the high cost of college and students debt facing Granite Staters.
■James Bosman, a Democrat, did not respond to the questionnaire.