In Her Own Words . . .

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2026 QUESTIONS FOR BELKNAP CANDIDATES

for State Representative

Denise Riley

 
1. How long have you lived in Belknap County?  Over 5 years.
If you moved to the county, why did you choose to do so?

Employment originally brought me to Belknap County, and it has become home. I love living in this area with the beauty of our lakes, parks, and mountains, and the ability to enjoy
many outdoor activities year-round. I appreciate the friendships I have made
with long-term residents.

If you have always lived in Belknap County, why have you stayed? N/A
If you’ve been a resident for one year or less, what prompted you to run so soon? N/A
 
2. Why are you running, and what is the most important legislative issue you hope to tackle the next legislative term? 

Unaffordability, particularly with housing costs, was a strong motivator in my decision to run - real estate prices, rents, and property taxes. I understand that lowering these costs is a complex task and I plan to work across the aisle to come up with ideas and solutions.  

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

Beyond affordable housing, it is important to preserve our natural resources that provide quality of life for residents and attract tourism. I would seek out experts in environmental science / issues and contact local agencies to learn what needs to be done to keep the county safe and beautiful.

4. What distinguishes you from the other candidates running in your district?

I am well-qualified given the skills that I have employed for many years in my career
in investigations: researching, analyzing, collaborating, interviewing,
writing, and most importantly for a state rep, listening to understand, not simply to hear.
 
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? 

It would be important for me to work with County Commissioners and outside consultants to reach an understanding of what the renovations would cost and I would support renovating provided it is the more cost-effective choice.  

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6.   Do you agree that traditional public schools are essential to attracting business and
retaining employees in Belknap county?  Yes, I do.
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 would need to research what funding at the level of the ConVal decision provides to schools versus what funding at lower rates provides schools to answer that question. My understanding is that some education costs rise annually, and I would include the impact of that in my analysis.

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 would need to investigate the details to learn what has contributed to this unfortunate problem. Ensuring that care is available to our elders who need it would be a priority.

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 think not, but I would be open to hearing from those who think otherwise.

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? People struggling with
substance use disorder often do not get help until they are involved in the criminal
justice system. The issue of drug abuse is complex and deserves thorough study of what
has and has not been working in Belknap County.

What resources are you willing to commit? Included in the study would be finding programs and solutions that minimize the total financial impact on taxpayers.

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, I do.

11.   The Belknap County Sheriff’s Department has entered into an agreement with a U.S Immigration & Customs Enforcement 287(g) program agreement.   Do you support this, and why?

I do not feel there is a need for this arrangement given that immigration has not been a widespread problem here. I think the federal government ought to pay for all costs related to this, not Belknap County taxpayers.

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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 will look for ways to lower property taxes without adding other new taxes, and for ways to increase the state’s share of funding public education. I would research and study possible incentives for landlords to lower rental rates.

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?  Yes.
Why or why not? We should protect our natural resources, for the safety and quality of life
of residents and for tourists/tourism.
 
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?  Yes, I do.   Why or why not?  I have followed reporting on this topic, including from current state reps and the New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute.

16.   Would you favor reforming the Delegation’s meeting format?

Possibly. I would need more information before opining on that. I plan to watch meetings online. Should the Delegation conduct monthly meetings?  I believe so.
Would you increase public input opportunities? Yes.
Continue with Roberts’ Rules? Yes.