In Her Own Words . . .

CITIZENS FOR BELKNAP COUNTY

GENERAL ELECTION SURVEY

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

The question reads like there are large areas of waste in state and county

government which requires a scalpel. I just don’t know of any, so for that reason I

would like to re-phrase the question to finding areas of opportunity for savings.

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  1. In 2024, the County received a clean financial audit, but that doesn’t mean there

are not areas where savings could be found.

Corrections is an area that deserves scrutiny. In 2017 the cost per inmate per day

was $117.90, IN 2024, the cost was $191.61 or close to a 69% increase. Why

when the average jail population remains relatively small (avg 85)?

  2. Medicaid DHHS 2024 audit found weaknesses in several areas:

First, the department in some cases did not verify the accuracy of the amount

being billed before making payment. Another area involved 3.3 M in federal funds

where 3 out of 4 subrecipients documentation was not obtained but where it is a

requirement. The state is not following its own monetary procedures. Better

oversight should bring savings.

  3. This item is off the beaten path, but how about Governmental contracts. Chris

Sununu appointed Dianne Martin to the Public Utilities Commission with

$130,000 salary. She leaves 2 years later and becomes the administrator of AOC

with a salary of $143,000. Martin’s oversight was so bad the Department of

Administrative Services had to take over her responsibilities. Martin gets relieved

of her duties and is offered a position with the Court’s bar admissions. There was

already a lawyer holding that position so she “shadowed” him for 5 months,

which is longer that what is allowed by the courts. During this time 2 employees

are being paid $154,109 each! Although Martin was reassigned, she took a 48-

hour break and converted the job transfer into a termination that gave her an

extra $50,000. Who is monitoring these contracts?

 

 

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.

No, I do not believe the current approach to taxation and revenue is working. NH

ranks first in the nation in its reliance on property taxes to fund government. It has

shifted billions of dollars in costs for funding essential services onto our towns and

cities that 64% of local government revenue comes from property taxes .

When it comes to paying for education, providing police and fire protection,

maintaining infrastructure municipalities have little choice but to raise taxes on

property.

Communities often have the same responsibilities but have very different amounts

of taxable property. This in turn influences how much the community can afford to

invest in public services.

New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute reports that local property taxes increased

12% (adjusted for inflation) from 2016-2026 reaching $4.73 Billion. In that same

time period roughly 3 Billion of the 4.73 billion was supporting public education

which came from local property tax revenue. This makes the tax burden difficult on

low- and middle-class income homeowners. The poorest among us pays 6% of their

household income in property tax and the wealthiest among us pays 2%.

New Hampshire is using an inflexible and inequitable financing system and it needs

reform.

 

 

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

No, I do not support an AI data center in Belknap County. Data centers require

hundreds of megawatts of electricity and should be placed in a high megawatt

corridor. I would be concerned about the water requirement and how it would

impact our lakes, groundwater, and wetlands quality. Also, data centers are noisy

and could be a visually unappealing . This could impact property values. Data centers

need backup generators which produce air pollution. There are so many questions

that need thoughtful answers before they are allowed anywhere in the state, not just

Belknap County.

 

 

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?

Being a Laconia resident, absolutely I would like to see a county wide plan to address

this problem. Laconia has essentially the only shelters for the homeless: the Carey

House, Belknap House (which is the only family shelter in the county and takes

residents from other towns in the county) and Isaiah 61 Café . Current estimates of

homeless in Laconia is 300-400 and they are not necessarily Laconia residents but

come to Laconia for services. Laconia’s Welfare Department pays for shelter, food,

rent, utilities and medications These services are paid by Laconia property taxes.

According to the Laconia budget, the Welfare Department is part of the city’s overall

response to homelessness. The city projected a $146,000 increase in relief expenses.

For comparison other town expenditures 2024 were: Meredith $53,435 or $7.60 per

resident, Alton $992 or $1.66 per resident, Gilmanton $35,861 or $9 per resident,

:Laconia $146,000 or $8.47 per resident.

The important point, the residents of all Belknap County can use Laconia facilities

while Laconia taxpayers are hosting and supporting those facilities.

 

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

Good question. Currently all revenue from this tax goes into a pool and then is

redistributed to towns by population. Towns that generate most of the revenue

have higher expenses than those that generate less. Logically it would make sense to

provide more of the revenue to those towns that generate it but I’m unsure how to

structure a new formula for dispersal.

 

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

Currently, NH’s share of education costs is 19-20%. The national average is 45%.

A five-year goal would have the following established targets.

Year State share target Approximate increase

2027 - 31% + 3 points

2028 34.5% +3.5 points

2029 38% +3.5 points

2030 41% +3.5 points

2031 45% +3.5 points

Year 1 put $50 M - $300 M in the system

Year 2 put $300 - $400 M in the system

Year 3 put 450-500 M in the system

Year 4 , and Year 5 put same as year 3.

It takes a commitment as well as legally earmarking the funds for public education.

The funding would come from:

Revised Interest and Dividends Tax - 100-250M

Increase Business Profits Tax - 100-200 M

Fair Share Millionaires Tax (4%) - 200-350 M

Reform EFA - 25-50M

Close loopholes - 50-100 M

Dedicate additional existing revenues - 50-100M

Economic Growth $100 M

Potential $626 M to $1 billion annually

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CITIZENS FOR BELKNAP COUNTY

PRIMARY ELECTION SURVEY

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1. How long have you lived in Belknap County?  If you moved to the county, why did you choose to do so? If you have always lived in Belknap County, why have you stayed? If you’ve been a resident for one year or less, what prompted you to run so soon?

I have lived in Belknap County for more than 50 years, divided between
Gilford and Laconia. My family history goes back 5 generations in the area.
Thus, I have deep roots in the community. After graduating from college, I
wanted to return to the area and raise my family here. At the time I moved
back, the area afforded recreational,  housing, employment, and educational
opportunities. Today, those same opportunities are more difficult for residents
and need addressing.

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2. Why are you running, and what is the most important legislative issue you hope to tackle the next legislative term? 

I am running for State Representative from Laconia because I am concerned
NH is first in the nation with reliance on property tax as a source of revenue. This
reliance is a burden on the local taxpayer, especially those with lower incomes.
I am concerned that NH is last in the nation for its support for public education.
Seventy two percent of the cost is downshifted to municipalities which increases their
property taxes.

I am concerned about the State impinging on local control. Local control is
a fundamental rule of law for NH, and legislation coming from State is undermining
this law.

I believe our current legislators are not interested in solving these issues so I believe
NH needs to be on a new path with new representation.

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3.  What do you see are the biggest needs or issues in Belknap County, and what would you do to fill that need? 

I met with Commissioner Spanos. He brought me up to date on the need for a new County Jail, additional support for the County Attorney, the problems relating to the nursing home,
the tight budget at the Sheriff's department and the benefit of Gunstock
It would appear that the greatest need is a new county jail. However, I will
defer to the County Commissioners. They have been in a position to
understand the needs of the county more than I.

 

4.  What distinguishes you from the other candidates running in your district?
I can only tell you what distinguishes me from the current representation from Laconia. I have always been one to contact my representatives whether it be federal, state or local.
When I’ve contacted my state representatives, my inquiries have been met
with silence, with the exception of Representative Bordes. Mike Bordes does
respond but his remarks are extremely brief. So one characteristic that will
define me, i my responsiveness to my constituents.

I did receive 1 response from a Laconia representative that I found disturbing.
It was “ I ran as a Republican, I was elected as a Republican, I vote as a
Republican”.   Government is supposed to be by the people, for the people, not by the party for the party.   A representative listens to the voices of all of his or her constituents no matter your party affiliation. 

 

5.   A recent independent report found deficiencies in the current Belknap County jail.  Would you support construction of a building that meets modern standards? Or should the existing jail be renovated? 

Would I support the construction of a new county jail? I believe I addressed
that in question 2.

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6.   Do you agree that traditional public schools are essential to attracting business and retaining employees in Belknap county?  Should our students’ education be funded at ‘adequate education’ levels as defined by the NH Supreme Court’s in the ConVal decision? Why or why not?

Absolutely! My entire professional career has been centered on public education.  Businesses like good school systems because they attract skilled workers with families, boost the local housing stability and build a steady workforce. 

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​7.    The Belknap County Nursing Home continues to operate under capacity, yet it has a waiting list of Belknap clients.  What will you do as a member of the Delegation, to assist the County Commission to maximize our nursing care facility?
The under capacity of the Belknap County Nursing Home is a complex issue
according to Commissioner Spanos. I was unable to get my mom admitted
even after a 2 year wait. There is nothing I would like to see more than the
Home be at capacity. However, with the immigration issue occurring at the
federal level and other factors I am unaware, I again defer to the 
Commissioners. I realize that staffing is a major issue that is not easy to solve. 

 

8.     The county nursing home and the Belknap Mountain Recreation Area, including Gunstock Mountain Resort, are revenue streams owned by Belknap County.  As a County Delegation member, do you support leasing out the property to a private company, or selling those operations?
I do not support the leasing or selling of any Belknap County Recreational
asset. I have a long history with Gunstock. As a youth I skied there. My
children participated in the racing program for years. My family was involved
with many others in the construction of the Gunstock Ski Club building.
Gunstock is a much cherished part of our community. So the answer is
NEVER.

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9.     Opioids and other drugs continue to be a problem in our communities.  What are your ideas to reduce the impact of these drugs in our community? What resources are you willing to commit?

I agree that this is a serious problem, and I have supported programs like Navigating Recovery and Isaiah House.  I am not an expert in this field, however, but we do have an expert in this field with representative Dr. David Nagel.

 

10.    Belknap County’s delegation of state representatives has the poorest rate of attendance in the state at 78% for the 2024-25 legislative session.  It’s so bad that the 2nd lowest, Strafford County, is 89%.  Do you commit to attending at least 80% of committee meetings, and 90% or more of Session vote days?

 Absolutely! I am retired. I would have no excuse not to.

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11.    The Belknap County Sheriff’s Department has entered into an agreement with U.S Immigration & Customs Enforcement  287(g) program agreement with Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE).  Do you support this, and why?
Belknap County Sheriff’s Department has entered into an agreement with
ICE. Do I support this agreement? I find it troublesome because of the
behavior of ICE; murdering individuals, not using body cameras, arresting
innocent people. If ICE were better trained, followed the law like our local
law enforcement agencies, I would feel differently.

 

Ignore - this is a duplicate of #8.

12.    The county nursing home and the Belknap Mountain Recreation Area, including Gunstock Mountain Resort, are revenue streams owned by Belknap County.  As a County Delegation member, do you support leasing out the property/operations to a private company, or selling the property/operations?

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13. Affordable housing continues to be a problem, causing challenges for our county economy, including limiting the worker pool, attracting business, and attracting younger families.  If elected, what will you do to increase the stock of affordable housing?

I believe affordable housing will continue to be a challenge. What
happens at the federal level with interest rates will have a huge impact.
However, at the state level, representatives can stop the Free Staters from
passing legislation that strips local boards authority over zoning and land use.

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14. Without clean lakes and rivers, the Belknap County tourism economy would be in jeopardy.  Should the county financially support pollution control and water quality monitoring programs?  Why or why not?

There are several wonderful organizations doing great work in this regard. If it is feasible to do so, my answer is yes.

15. Do you agree that the tax reduction for State revenue streams (Business Enterprise Tax, Rooms & Meals, Income & Dividends Tax, et. al), resulted in downshifted costs to Belknap county and local schools, and increased local property taxes?  Why or why not?

The problem of downshifting is a major issue. Over the last 10 years the State has downshifted over 4 billion dollars to local municipalities according to the NH Municipal Association. When costs get down-shifted, local governments have little choice in how to address it other than increasing property taxes. State statute gives little flexibility on
how local governments can raise revenue. This is an area that should be addressed.

16.  Would you favor reforming the Delegation’s meeting format? Should the Delegation conduct monthly meetings?  Would you increase public input opportunities? Continue with Roberts’ Rules? 

It's well known that the Belknap County Delegation meetings have recently dismissive of public input and fostered a caustic environment.     As chair of the zoning board, I've had to redirect the conversation in a more positive way.  After the election the new Delegation should be trained on proper meeting procedeures to avoid mistakes of the past. 

 

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