TOM PLOSZAJ
District 1 - Center Harbor / New Hampton
Mr. Ploszaj is currently a state representative and is running for re-election
NOT RECOMMENDED
Mr. Ploszaj has done nothing in his last term to change our position. He is a Free State libertarian who follows the anti-government libertarian agenda. Further, he made an immoral vote to protect a reprehensible action by a fellow state rep (below), which should disqualify him in the eyes of any reasonable voter.
In his own words: See his questionnaire below
Candidate Data
from
Citizens Count & NH Liberty Alliance
Attendance (House avg 92%) 100%
Roll call votes (House avg 88%) 100%
Libertarian Rating A 94.6% (B and higher = Extreme Libertarian/Free Stater)
Rep. Ploszaj is running for re-election in 2026, despite actions in the last term which would normally disqualify any responsible candidate. We credit him, however, for completing both his Citizens for Belknap questionnaires.
In addition to supporting the libertarian agenda in the County Delegation, which included cutting funding to long-standing nongovernmental agencies, he attempted to protect a fellow libertarian from censure by the NH House. He was one of only 53 state reps who voted NO to protect Travis Corcoran, who used Nazi "final solution" language toward a Jewish state representative, and said Rep. Luz Bay, a fellow state rep and current candidate for Executive Council, should "be deported."
In the 2025-26 session, Rep. Ploszaj had a 94.6%/A rating from the NH Liberty Alliance. Any rating B or higher receives a Porcupine rating from Citizens for Belknap.
Ploszaj sponsored three bills, none of which were Belknap-specific bills, and none of which were prime-sponsored by him. All three were killed in committee.
One bill set guidelines for the still experimental science of “cloud seeding” to encourage rainfall. It requires public notice when such activity is to take place. The bill was killed in committee.
Another bill sponsored by Mr. Ploszaj involved disclosure by utilities of radiation from “smart meters,” which have radiation levels similar to cell phones, but have been the subject of conspiracy theories.
We are grateful to Mr. Ploszaj for voting to take HB 1105, a bill to lengthen the terms of County offices from 2 years to 4 years, off the “consent” calendar. Consent bills are intended to be “no brainer bills” and not face a floor debate. This bill was strongly opposed by Citizens for Belknap because of the recent attempts by Free State and other extreme libertarians to hijack county government.
His track record on recent education bills was not good.
-- He supported HB 1815 which, instead of adequately funding public schools using state aid, changed the rules to limit the amount the state could pay. He also supported the "open enrollment bill," widely seen as damaging to school district budgets.
-- He joined the Delegation in cutting 50% or more from agencies like the Belknap County Conservation District, UNH Cooperative Extension, Lakes Region Mental Health, and made smaller cuts to Community Action Partnership, which runs Meals on Wheels, and senior and family support programs.
Mr. Ploszaj gets points for reliably communicating with constituents. But we can’t overlook his support for extremist, pro-Free State libertarian views. Center Harbor and New Hampton would be better served with a state representative who serves his constituents, and not that libertarian agenda.
We do not recommend Mr. Ploszaj.
Our past reviews:
Rep. Ploszaj, despite having a change of heart on protecting Gunstock in 2022, has a track record of supporting crackpot libertarian bills, but has sponsored NO legislation in the last term.
Tom Ploszaj - an Original Free-Stater
Mr. Ploszaj is currently a state representative and is running for re-election. In 2022, Mr. Ploszaj denied he is a Free State libertarian, and instead calls himself a “constitutionalist.” It was our conclusion in 2022 and continues to be that Mr. Ploszaj is being disingenuous with his constituents. He has consistently supported fringe bills in the state house, and continues to support .
In the above picture, he claims only to have been serving as an EMT for the event. However, a document that he wrote promoting PorcFest 2008 is here:
https://www.objectivistliving.com/topic/5502-porcupine-freedom-festival-free-state-project/
" If you believe in the Objectivism, smaller government and are looking to achieve liberty in your lifetime, you definitely need to check this out. I had watched the Free State Project grow and its members’ activism. The quality and quantity of successful liberty activists I met, and the community they enjoy with The Free State Project and their legislators are amazing." - Tom Ploszaj
Mr. Ploszaj was one of the key players in the Free Town Project in the town of Grafton, NH.
The “Free Town Project” (it later became the “Free State Project”), was a venture wherein a group of libertarian activists attempted to take the tiny New Hampshire town, Grafton, and transform it into a haven for libertarian ideals—part social experiment, part beacon to the faithful. The movement was cooked up by a small group of ragtag libertarian activists who saw in Grafton a unique opportunity to realize their dreams of a perfectly logical and perfectly market-based community. It failed, and almost drove the town to ruin when the Free Town Project defunded the fire department.
An excellent picture of the Libertarian movement and mindset can be found in a well-written and entertaining book called "A Libertarian Walks into a Bear: The Utopian Plot to Liberate an American Town (And Some Bears)" Mr. Ploszaj is featured throughout the book.
Mr. Ploszaj is Endorsed by a Libertarian/Free Stater Group.
The Liberty Alliance is a group that promotes an extreme Libertarian and Free State Libertarian agenda. They have rated all 424 of New Hampshire's legislators in terms of how well each of them conforms to their brand of Libertarian values. Mr. Ploszaj, who pretends to be a Republican on the ballot, receives high marks from this group. True Republicans may want to take this fringe endorsement under consideration before casting a ballot.
Support for Gunstock Depends on Which Way the Wind is Blowing
Rep. Ploszaj, after having supported Mike Sylvia in attempting to derail Gunstock and the subsequent litigation, ultimately voted to support less controversial members of the Gunstock Area Commission. However, earlier this year, he again sided with the libertarian anti-Gunstock forces to keep Rep. Barbara Comtois’ HB 1414 from being killed on the House floor.
Mr. Ploszaj Voted ‘Nay’ on State Constitutional Amendment Prohibiting Slavery in 2024
In a 366-5 vote in January, Tom Ploszaj joined four others, including Meredith’s Lisa Smart is voting No on CACR 13, a NH constitutional resolution prohibiting slavery in the state. It reads:
“Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within New Hampshire, or any place subject to its jurisdiction.” Mr. Ploszaj’s indefensible defense for voting No is contained in a Laconia Daily Sun article, “Anti-slavery amendment broadly supported, but not by three Lakes Region representatives.”
It’s important to note that even though New Hampshire ratified the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution on June 30, 1865, Mr. Ploszaj maintains he is a “constitutionalist.”
Supports Fringe Gun Bills
Sensible gun rights are one thing. But Rep. Ploszaj was one of only 63 reps out of 400 who tried to keep two fringe gun bills from being killed in January 2024. HB144 would have restored firearm ownership rights to ex-felons. The other, HB 512 was a sweetheart bill to protect Sig Sauer by exempting firearms manufactured in New Hampshire from federal laws and regulations. Ploszaj was one of 69 libertarian reps who tried to keep the bill from its “inexpedient to legislate” fate.
Refused to Condemn January 6 Violence in 2021
A resolution was proposed in the New Hampshire House of Representatives condemning the violence in Washington, DC. Mr. Ploszaj voted against a rules change that would've allowed that motion to be voted on by the full house. The resolution to condemn the violence was never voted on, and therefore failed. Read a Letter to the Editor on this vote, A shameful vote on the part of Belknap County legislators.
2026 General Election Candidate Questionnaire
Mr. Tom Ploszaj, District 1
1. Give three examples of waste you would cut in our NH state or county government.
There first needs to find what is financially wasteful, what can be consolidated, if the cuts are substantial enough to be relevant to the budget, and any over staffing or actual workloads. I would consider bills that pass Finance Committees after debate.
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, there is enough revenue. The extra spend and expanding retirement benefits need to be discussed. Where the latest state fiscal report has shown larger than anticipated revenue.
3. Do you support having an AI data center located in Belknap County? Explain.
There are presently data centers already in New Hampshire. I would oppose AI data centers that may be an environmental hazard.
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?
No. Towns that do not have a "seat at the table" and say in how their citizens' county funds are spent should not be obligated for expenses offered by other towns.
5. Should Belknap County towns heavily impacted by out-of-state visitors receive a higher share of Rooms & Meal tax revenue?
I believe my district citizens would be in favor of reviewing how the Rooms & Meal Tax is distributed and possible reappropriations. I also believe that my district local governments would oppose any cuts to our towns and the same with citizens if it increases their taxes..
6. By 2030, what would be your vision for education, and its method of funding?
Increase in proficiency levels and compare them to industrial nations. Concentration on teaching the fundamentals of education. Address lowering the out of balance of SAU costs and staffing compared to education/instructors and student costs. Use of existing tax revenue sources. No income tax or sales tax.
2026 Primary Candidate Questionnaire
Mr. Tom Ploszaj, District 1
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?
11 years. We moved in 2015 to downsize our living and yard spaces. Center Harbor had a foreclosure available in our size and price range. We stay because of the neighbors and reasonable tax rate and wish to keep it so. I was a resident for five years when the Republicans asked me, as a former Democrat of 46 years, to run in 2020.
2. Why are you running, and what is the most important legislative issue you hope to tackle the next legislative term?
I am the incumbent for Belknap District 1 and humbly asking the citizens for their support again to maintain the past six years, 2020-2026, which provided Center Harbor and New Hampton with access to a non-aligned Representative who multiple times requests voter’s input on legislation and to listen to their concerns on issues. Most importantly is the continuation of our district’s residents to have a voice on legislation by asking me to continue my pledge to represent the district and its residents. I have no political or personal agendas nor special legislation.
3. What do you see are the biggest needs or issues in Belknap County, and what would you do to fill that need?
The district voters have overwhelmingly made it known that taxes are too great and not used efficiently along with high costs of fuel and consumer goods.
On their concerns, I explain that the cost increases affect the town taxes also, that their tax concerns are addressed at town and school budget and voting meetings. I am able to help by continuing voting against questionable increases in spending. I will continue to respond to any corrections or additions via correspondence or at my website where a copy of this survey will be accessible.
4. What distinguishes you from the other candidates running in your district?
I do not see another candidate representing the majority of our district’s citizens and able to vote against their party’s ideological agendas.
My pledge to represent our district voters’ instructions resulted in that I have voted 7-10% against my party’s Roll Call recommendations and 10-17% on voice votes because of our district’s conservation concerns and other instructions.
As a registered Democrat for 44 yrs, during 2012-2014 I ran to represent Grafton residents and from 2020-2026 New Hampton and Center Harbor as a Republican and also in 2026 for a short time as an Undeclared Representative (why? call me) to best represent New Hampton and Center Harbor residents, including the 38% undeclared voters and not a NH political party’s or my own agendas.
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 would need to review the reports and suggestions comparing the renovations, a new jail. or with decommissioning Belknap jail and contracting with abutting counties’ jails present available spaces for Belknap’s approximately 81 inmates.
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?
Public schools with low or falling proficiency rates, a decreasing student population in conjunction with increased administration spending and staffing to that of teachers and students is not attractive to parents or businesses.
The state has been increasing funding to education far above inflation and is presently getting close to the ConVal cost per student.
Constitutionally, appropriations originate in the NH House. Courts have upheld that Art. 83 of the state to fund education but they do not have the constitutional authority to determine the expenditures and their appropriations. In 1968 the voters amended NH Constitution Article 6 to remove the individual right to an education with it being an item cherished by the state which diminished the state’s obligation to provide public education.
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 60-64% occupancy may mostly be due to staffing issues with not enough job seekers in conjunction with staff leaving shortly after hire. The waiting list is a moving number though last I knew it was around 30 applicants. The Delegation has no actual control on the Commission and Nursing Home operation,running, planning of the nursing home other than reviewing and appropriation of funds. I am available to be included in any discussion of how to reallocate county funds so that the Delegation has an input on making decisions prior to receiving the final county budget with mandated expenses which the Commission negotiated.
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 am unaware of any interest or knowledge of removing these from County ownership or control. There have been false accusations of the sort years ago to create a biased political narrative. I am opposed to any changes in the present operations of either resource.
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 the law enforcement and health departments are doing their best and I would look at supporting their suggestions. At this moment I would have to first see what, how and why the expense and effort being presently spent is not working. Belknap 1 instructions have been not to throw money at problems to maintain failed systems.
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?
N.a. This question is not applicable to me. I have kept my election pledge for six years to represent the voter first and to attend every committee meeting and voting session. I believe my attendance rate is close to 99% for the six years of service.
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?
I understand and have witnessed where some who actually make or want to make statute believe they can pick and choose which statutes they will uphold. My oath is to uphold the Constitution and the statutes to it. I understand that Sheriff Wright, as our constitutional sheriff, knows which Federal laws and agreements are constitutional and I have not heard of any constitutional or civil rights violated by any department in Belknap County.
To have our constitutional Sheriff’s deputies present to witness federal interactions, protects our residents constitutional rights. Unless I’m mistaken, a Sheriff’s deputy would step in and address any actual constitutional violations by our and other LEO officers. I would expect the sheriff dept. to collect any applicable federal reimbursement for the department’s expenses.
12. 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?
I would need to know the District 1 views are on corporate ownership of properties in residential zones and what restrictions might be needed on residential properties used or owned solely for commercial purposes. Mostly this is a market / supply issue that is being manipulated by businesses and corporations purchasing residential properties for short term rentals profits and for speculation of a property’s scarcity.
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?
No. Goes back to the number one issue of Belknap 1 tax increases. The county budget is high enough. This needs to be a state NHDES issue. Please inform anyone wanting to increase taxes by funding this to consult with and expand on the Belknap County Conservation District free will donations via NHGives to fund a program by environmental organizations.
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?
No. Reports have shown that there has been fund increases to both towns and education. Property taxes increase because citizens at deliberative and voting meetings agree to those increases. The court’s ConVal decision of student cost amount are almost met.
An on-air interview of NH Sen. Dan Innis explained some of the funding misrepresentations.
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, I am in support of changing the Delegation’s public meeting format but to leave it to the Chairman.
No, there is no apparent need or work load for having monthly meetings . I have been available and had received questions and instructions concerning delegation meetings. Nor is the additional expense justified.
Yes, one way is for public input after accepting the minutes and agenda AND again prior to adjournment. These suggestions have been discussed. I still believe the Chairman should run and set the meeting agenda.
I am okay with the present use of the guidelines of Robert Rules.
I would like to have the Delegation involved in the Commission”s negotiation of contractual expenses. At present there is no restraint on contractual expenses since once negotiated the Delegation must accept them or cause litigation thus acceptance of those line items are more or less a fixed increase to county taxpayers with minimal oversight.
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