TRAVIS O'HARA
District 4 - Belmont
Mr. O'Hara is a State Rep running for re-election
Recommended
Mr. O'Hara has our full support as he has represented his constituents in a reasonable and responsible manner.
To vote for Rep. O’Hara, YOU MUST WRITE HIM IN as a candidate on the Republican Primary Ballot on Sept. 10.
Learn more below.
About the Candidate
Candidate
Questionnaire
Travis O’Hara is an incumbent state representative for Belmont’s District 4. Due to a heavy home, work and local board schedule, Rep. O’Hara had opted not to seek re-election. But, as a “common sense Conservative” who believes in responsible government, he saw that Belmont’s only 2024 candidate (Travis Toner) was a step too far, and is once again standing up for Belmont citizens, not extreme agendas.
Rep. O’Hara was born in Laconia and now lives in Belmont. He received a degree from Granite State College and now works as a Business Development and Profitability Advisor.
Since fall of 2022, Rep. O’Hara has served as Secretary of the Belknap County Delegation. He was part of the majority coalition which supported Gunstock’s management and disapproved of the packing of the Gunstock Area Commission with libertarian extremists. Among his top issues are protecting county jobs and institutions.
In his biography on the NH House site, Mr. O’Hara writes, “Small business is the lifeline to keep a district booming, and expanding burdens on them only hurts the whole district, not just the business. Intense competition between businesses will raise wages and benefits in our community; laws to increase salaries will demolish the companies that have started to blossom in Laconia/Belmont.”
Another priority for O’Hara is transparency in government, but he didn’t approve of his Delegation libertarian colleague Barbara Comtois’ NH House bill HB 1414. It mandated not routine outside audits, but “forensic” audits, as are used for criminal investigations, and tried to extract more money from Gunstock, He and the Delegation majority, the Gunstock Area Commission, the NH House Municipal & County Government committee all voted to oppose Comtois’ bill. It failed in the full House.
In His Own Words . . .
Mr. O'Hara returned his Citizens for Belknap Questionnaire with these responses:
Why are you running, and what do you hope to achieve in the next legislative term?
My primary goal is to ensure Belknap County maintains a highly skilled workforce. Providing employees with the necessary tools to perform their duties effectively in a positive work environment is critical. The Belknap County Delegation has made significant strides since the challenges faced during the Gunstock situation, and it is crucial to continue building on this progress.
Assess the recent performance of Gunstock. If elected, would you keep it in the same direction or change course, and how?
I am committed to maintaining the current direction for Gunstock, as it consistently provides a valuable annual payment to the county, helping to offset our county taxes. I worked closely with the Gunstock Area Commission during the Free-State/Libertarian debacle to the successes of today by safeguarding our community’s interests and ensuring Gunstock remains a valuable asset.
Given budget constraints for the Belknap County Nursing Home, how would you stretch county taxpayer dollars and still meet our high standards of care?
During my first term, I met with the nursing home administrator numerous times to gain a deep understanding of her needs and future plans. This insight has allowed me to recognize the importance of bringing services directly to residents and enhancing the environment to attract and retain high-quality staff. Achieving 100% occupancy will be a key focus, balancing budgetary constraints with exceptional care.
As a member of the Belknap County Delegation, how would you improve county hiring practices to attract the highest quality candidates for our nursing home, public safety, and administrative positions?
The city and towns in Belknap County are attractive places to work and live for many and I will collaborate with the commission to attract a broader pool of applicants, enabling department heads to select the best candidates. Given that a significant portion of our workforce is unionized, it is essential to maintain a positive working relationship with unions, mirroring the approach of the NHGOP.
Should Belknap County manage its own nursing home and county corrections departments, or privatize them? What about Gunstock Recreation Area/Gunstock Mountain Ski Area?
I firmly believe that these entities should remain under county management, ensuring they are directly accountable to the residents and overseen by elected officials. Privatization could undermine the accountability and community focus that are essential to these operations.
What are your ideas for the former 220-acre Laconia State School property?
A comprehensive development plan should be crafted, involving the developer, state, and county to ensure this property positively impacts the future of the Lakes Region. Collaboration and strategic planning are key to maximizing the potential of this significant asset.
What would you do as a State Representative to improve the opioid and drug problem in the region?
A top priority is to increase penalties for known drug suppliers. Addressing the opioid crisis requires a coordinated state-wide approach involving all stakeholders. A unified strategy is essential, as fragmented efforts by multiple agencies have not yielded the desired results.
What do you think is the most important skill of being a good State Representative, and why?
Communication is the most critical skill. While I may not be an expert in every area, my ability to engage with subject matter experts allows me to develop informed and effective solutions for Belknap County and my constituents.
What do you see as the biggest needs of Belknap County, and what would you do to address them?
Homelessness, substance abuse, and mental health are interrelated challenges that must be addressed through an integrated approach with all parties, state, county, and local. By tackling these issues together, we can create more effective and sustainable solutions.
What percentage of your campaign funding comes from outside the county? How much from out of state?
In the current election cycle, I have received no external donations and am entirely self-funded.
Do you think our current county government should be smaller, larger, or stay the same?
The size of our county government is determined by the state and the New Hampshire Constitution. The New Hampshire House of Representatives prides itself on having the smallest representative-to-population ratio in the country, ensuring the government remains close to the people.
What distinguishes you from the other candidates?
Having lived in Belknap County my entire life and being a Belmont resident for nearly 15 years, I am deeply invested in our community. My involvement in local politics, especially during the pandemic and the Gunstock reopening, highlights my commitment to serving and improving our
county.
What endorsements have you received?
Currently, I am running as a write-in candidate, so I have no official endorsements. However, I am honored to have the recommendation of Citizens for Belknap and appreciate their ongoing support.
How long have you lived in Belknap County?
I have been a lifelong resident of Belknap County, actively involved as a small business owner and elected official for state, county, and local offices.
