In His Own Words . . .

Mr. Bordes answered the 2026 General Election Questionaire. 

 

1.  Give three examples of waste you would cut in our NH state or county government.

1. Duplicative Administrative Layers

 

New Hampshire has state programs and county programs that often perform the same administrative function two HR offices, two grant processing offices, two compliance units reviewing the same paperwork.

As both a mayor and a state representative, I’ve seen how this slows down service delivery and inflates payroll.

 

My proposal: consolidate overlapping back office functions so taxpayers aren’t paying twice for the same job.

 

2. Underutilized State Owned Properties

 

Across the state, we maintain buildings that sit half empty, outdated, or functionally obsolete. Heating, staffing, and maintaining them costs hundreds of thousands of dollars annually.

My proposal: sell, lease, or repurpose these properties so they generate revenue instead of draining it and reinvest savings into housing, public safety, and infrastructure.

 

3. Inefficient Contracting and Procurement

 

Government often pays above market rates because procurement rules are outdated, slow, and discourage competitive bidding. Counties and the state sometimes renew contracts automatically without reviewing performance or pricing.

 

My proposal: modernize procurement, require competitive rebidding, and eliminate automatic renewals unless they clearly save money.

 

2.  Do you believe New Hampshire needs to explore additional sources of state revenue, or do you believe the state’s current approach to taxation and revenue is working? Please explain.

New Hampshire does need to explore additional revenue streams, but not new taxes. Our tax structure is one of the strongest in the country, and it’s a major reason families and businesses choose to build their lives here. I will not support an income tax, a sales tax, or any new tax not now, not ever.

 

What we do need is smarter, modern, non‑tax revenue. That means expanding partnerships, monetizing state assets more effectively, capturing fair contributions from out of state users of our infrastructure, and improving how existing dollars are managed. We can grow revenue without growing government or burdening taxpayers.

 

The current tax model works. What needs improvement is how we innovate within that model. New Hampshire can strengthen its financial footing by being creative, efficient, and disciplined  not by abandoning the New Hampshire Advantage.

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3.  Do you support having an AI data center located in Belknap County?  Explain. 

An AI data center can be a powerful economic engine if it’s planned responsibly. These facilities bring high skill technical jobs, construction work, and ongoing operational positions that help keep young professionals in the region. If a company is willing to invest in Belknap County in a way that expands our workforce pipeline and creates opportunities for local residents, that’s something I would take seriously.

 

Infrastructure is another major factor. AI data centers require strong broadband, reliable power, and modern utilities. If a project helps accelerate upgrades that benefit the entire community not just the company building the facility then it becomes a real asset. I want to see investments that improve connectivity for families, businesses, and schools, not just a private operation behind a fence.

 

Energy use is also a critical consideration. These centers consume significant electricity, and I would only support a project that includes a responsible energy plan. That means a mix of renewable sources, grid‑stability protections, and a guarantee that local ratepayers won’t see higher bills because of the facility’s demands. Innovation is welcome here, but not at the expense of homeowners.

 

A well structured agreement can also expand the commercial tax base and reduce pressure on residential property taxes. Belknap County families deserve economic development that helps stabilize their tax burden, not projects that create new costs. If an AI data center contributes meaningfully to the tax base, that’s a strong argument in its favor.

 

Finally, any project must fit the character of the region. It has to respect local land use expectations, environmental standards, traffic patterns, and community priorities. Belknap County has a unique identity, and development should enhance it, not disrupt it.

 

So yes, I would support an AI data center in Belknap County but only if it strengthens the economy, protects the environment, improves infrastructure, and delivers real, measurable benefits to the people who live here. Innovation has a place in our county, but it must be grounded in responsibility and community value.

 

 

4.  Because Laconia hosts more city and county services for the homeless, it also shoulders more of the impact and financial burden. Would you support a county-wide plan to offset those problems and costs? Why or why not?

Yes, I would support a county wide plan. Laconia carries a disproportionate share of the regional impact because most city and county homeless service infrastructure is located here. That means our police, fire, EMS, welfare office, and local nonprofits absorb more calls, more strain, and more cost than any other community in Belknap County. A regional challenge needs a regional solution.

 

A county wide approach would allow responsibility and funding to be shared fairly, improve coordination among municipalities, and create better outcomes for the people who genuinely need help. I would support it only if the plan is structured, enforceable, and financially equitable. Laconia will always step up, but we cannot continue to be the only community carrying the load for the entire county.

 

5. Should Belknap County towns heavily impacted by out-of-state visitors receive a  higher share of Rooms & Meal tax revenue?

Yes. Belknap County towns that absorb the highest impact from out of state visitors should receive a larger share of Rooms & Meals revenue. As both Mayor of Laconia and a State Representative, I see the strain firsthand. Communities like ours host the bulk of the region’s recreation, tourism traffic, and public safety response tied to visitors who don’t pay into our local tax base. That creates real pressure on police, fire, EMS, infrastructure, and seasonal staffing.

 

The Rooms & Meals tax was designed to help offset exactly that kind of impact. When the burden isn’t shared fairly, the towns doing the heavy lifting end up subsidizing the rest of the county. That’s not sustainable, and it’s not the intent of the system.

 

I support a distribution model that reflects actual usage and actual cost. If a community is providing the services, managing the crowds, and maintaining the infrastructure that visitors rely on, then that community should receive a proportionate return. It’s a matter of fairness, fiscal responsibility, and protecting local taxpayers.

 

6. By 2030, what would be your vision for education, and its method of funding?

By 2030, my vision for education is a system that gives every New Hampshire student access to strong schools, modern tools, and real career pathways, without adding new taxes. We can strengthen education and protect taxpayers at the same time.

 

I want to see an education model that is flexible, career focused, and aligned with the needs of today’s workforce. That includes expanding trades and technical programs, building stronger partnerships with local employers, supporting teachers, and modernizing classrooms so students graduate ready for real opportunities.

 

On funding, my position is clear. We do need new revenue streams, but we do not need new taxes. New Hampshire can grow education funding through smarter use of state assets, targeted public private partnerships, efficiencies in state operations, and better accountability for how current dollars are spent. We should innovate within the system we already have, not expand government or create broad‑based taxes.

 

By 2030, I want a funding model that is stable, predictable, and fair to local taxpayers. Strong schools and responsible budgeting can and should go hand in hand.

 

 

 

In  2024, Mr.  Bordes returned that year's Citizens for Belknap Questionnaire with these responses:

1. As a candidate running for re-election , my desire to serve stems from a deep-rooted passion for making a positive impact in my community. I believe that effective representation is crucial in ensuring that the voices of all people are heard, and their needs are addressed. In the next legislative term, I hope to achieve meaningful progress in areas such as safety, education, and tax reduction. By working collaboratively with my colleagues.

2. Gunstock Recreation Area has been a beloved attraction for both locals and tourists, offering a variety of outdoor activities throughout the year. In assessing its recent performance, I believe that Gunstock has done a commendable job in providing quality recreational opportunities for the community. If re-elected, I would strive to maintain its current direction while also exploring ways to enhance its offerings and accessibility. By investing in infrastructure improvements and marketing efforts, we can further solidify Gunstock as a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

3. The Belknap County Nursing Home plays a vital role in providing care for elderly individuals in our community. With budget constraints posing a challenge, it is essential to find creative ways to stretch taxpayer dollars while still upholding our high standards of care. One approach could involve exploring cost-saving measures such as streamlining operations, leveraging technology, and negotiating favorable contracts with suppliers. Additionally, seeking out grants and partnerships with local organizations can help alleviate financial pressures and ensure the continued quality of care at the nursing home.

4. Improving county hiring practices is crucial in attracting top talent for positions within the nursing home, public safety, and administrative sectors. As a member of the Belknap County Delegation, I always advocate for transparent and merit-based recruitment processes that prioritize qualifications, experience, and diversity. By implementing thorough screening procedures, professional development opportunities, and competitive compensation packages, we can attract and retain qualified candidates who are dedicated to serving the community with excellence.

5. In terms of managing key county departments such as the nursing home, corrections facilities, and Gunstock Recreation Area, I believe that these services should remain within the control of Belknap County. By keeping these services public, we can ensure that they are accountable to the community and provide high-quality care for residents

6. The former 220-acre Laconia State School property holds great potential for redevelopment and revitalization. With its prime location and ample space, there are numerous opportunities to transform the site into a vibrant mixed-use development that benefits the community. Ideas for the property could include affordable housing, recreational amenities, green spaces, and cultural attractions. .

7. Addressing the opioid and drug problem in the region requires a multi-faceted approach that combines prevention, treatment, and enforcement measures. As a State Representative, I always prioritize initiatives that focus on expanding access to substance abuse treatment and recovery services, increasing resources for mental health support, and implementing evidence-based prevention programs in schools and communities.

8. The most important skill of being a good State Rep is effective communication. By listening attentively to the concerns and ideas of constituents, building relationships with colleagues across the political spectrum, and articulating a clear vision for positive change, a State Representative can facilitate dialogue, consensus-building, and progress on key issues. Effective communication fosters transparency, trust, and accountability in government, enabling policymakers to make informed decisions that reflect the needs and values of the community.

9.One of the biggest needs in Belknap County is affordable housing. Many residents struggle to find housing that is both safe and affordable, leading to homelessness and housing instability. As a county leader, I would work towards implementing policies that encourage the development of more affordable housing options, as well as work with local organizations to provide support services for those experiencing homelessness.

10.While I have received some funding from outside the state, a lot of my support comes from within our community

11. When it comes to the size of our county government, I believe that it should stay the same. I think that our current government structure is effective in meeting the needs of our community, and I would work to ensure that it remains transparent, accountable, and responsive to the needs of our residents.

12. This was asked previously but In terms of managing key county departments such as the nursing home, corrections facilities, and Gunstock Recreation Area, I believe that these services should remain within the control of Belknap County. By keeping these services public, we can ensure that they are accountable to the community and provide high-quality care for residents.

13. One of the key things that distinguishes me from other candidates is my commitment to community engagement and collaboration. I believe that effective leadership involves listening to the needs of all residents regardless of political party, working together to find solutions, and building partnerships with local organizations to create positive change in our community.

14. In terms of endorsements, I am proud to have received the support of Governor Chris Sununu. His endorsement speaks to my commitment to serving the people of New Hampshire with honesty, integrity, and dedication.

15, I have lived in Belknap County for 8 years, and in that time, I have grown to love this community and its residents. I am committed to working towards a brighter future for Belknap County.