William Lawrence, Jr.
District 3 - Tilton & Sanbornton
Mr. Lawrence is running for state representative.
Under Review
Due to no contested primary seats in District 3, no recommendation will be made until after the Sept. 8th primary. In the meantime, review his 2026 Questionnaire.
In his own words - - -
William Lawrence, Jr.
2026 Candidate Questionnaire
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?
73 years
2. Why are you running, and what is the most important legislative issue you hope to tackle the next legislative term?
I've spent many years volunteering in local government and now have more time to spend at the next level. As Budget committee chair, I am concerned that rising property taxes are outstripping the average wage earner's ability to pay.
3. What do you see are the biggest needs or issues in Belknap County, and what would you do to fill that need?
Any government needs dedicated citizens to promote for constituents.
4. What distinguishes you from the other candidates running in your district?
I don't really know the other candidates, but I have over 50 years of experience running a small business and equal time volunteering in community orgs.
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?
I'll have to read that report. Safety of all and prudent spending is important.
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?
I believe a quality education is important everywhere to everyone. Currently 60 % of my tax dollar goes to local education. From what I've read the state is deflecting it's duty to assure fair funding. But I need more education on the matter.
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?
I don't know what I can do yet. I'll have to research the issues. It is an important service to our county.
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?
No, I'm for local control of these important county assets
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 believe drug addiction is a mental health issue. Lack of education, job opportunities, and inadequate health care all play a part.
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?
Yes, if physically possible
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?
The 287(g) program was established in 1996. I don't know what the MOA or Program Model entails
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?
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?
Affordable housing is a very complicated situation. High rents, high property taxes and low average Belknap County wages are just a few of the factors. From my years on the planning board, certain residential expansion means higher taxes in our current tax scenario.
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?
Personally, clean air and water is a priority for me. NH is a valuable resource for tourists wanting to enjoy this experience. Managing these resources is essential.
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?
Sounds like part of the problem, but I haven't sufficiently studied the state income stream.
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?
Yes, yes, yes & yes.
