Hillsborough District 32 includes New Ipswich, Temple and Wilton.
There are five candidates for three seats. Two Democrats, Kermit Williams and Richard Swanson, are challenging the three incumbent Republicans: Diane Kelley, Jim Kofalt and Shane Sirois. Kelley, Kofalt and Sirois did not respond to the Ledger-Transcript’s survey.
Richard Swanson
Party affiliation: Democrat
What town/city do you live in? Wilton
Political experience: Wilton Selectman, 3 years
Professional experience: Retired Development Director
Community service experience: Former board member of Arts Alive
Policy Positions
Should NH legalize recreational marijuana use and possession? Yes
What is the No. 1 action the Legislature should take to address the housing shortage? Simplify zoning policies.
How involved should NH government and law enforcement be in immigration enforcement? NH should not assist at all.
Do you support the Education Freedom Accounts program? No
To what extent should NH restrict abortion, if at all? It should keep the current law of restricting abortion after 24 weeks of pregnancy.
What is one law currently on the books in NH that you would repeal, and why? Mandatory auto inspections. Many states don’t require them.
NH consistently struggles with funding its government and services. What is one way you would raise state revenue, and what is one area you would cut expenses? Be specific. Legalize recreational cannabis use and tax it.
As people across the state struggle with their local school tax bills, what role should the state play in funding education? The state should fund education as required by the NH Constitution and should not shift the tax burden to local property taxes.
Aside from those mentioned above, what do you believe is the biggest issue facing the state today? Rising energy costs.
This candidate did not provide a link to a campaign website.
Kermit Williams
Party affiliation: Democrat
What town/city do you live in? Wilton
Political experience: 4 terms as a state representative, 5 terms as Wilton Select Board member, Wilton Water Commissioner, Wilton Sewer Commissioner.
Professional experience: I spent 30 years in the software development business, as a developer and in management.
Community service experience: Multiple terms as president of the Wilton Lions Club.
Policy Positions
Should NH legalize recreational marijuana use and possession? Yes
What is the No. 1 action the Legislature should take to address the housing shortage? Identify key areas for workforce housing and work with developers and nonprofit housing organizations to build.
How involved should NH government and law enforcement be in immigration enforcement? NH should only assist when it involves criminal activity.
Do you support the Education Freedom Accounts program? Yes, but with income caps and no payment for homeschooling.
To what extent should NH restrict abortion, if at all? It should not restrict abortion at all.
What is one law currently on the books in NH that you would repeal, and why? The new law that put school funding caps on the ballot. It creates an environment where voters make a decision without adequate information.
NH consistently struggles with funding its government and services. What is one way you would raise state revenue, and what is one area you would cut expenses? Be specific. NH should have a broad-based tax — either a sales tax lower than Massachusetts, or an income tax with significant exemptions. The bulk of the funds raised should be used for education to reduce the burdensome property tax rates in the state. Costs should be reduced through more effective management and elimination of redundant positions and redundant efforts.
As people across the state struggle with their local school tax bills, what role should the state play in funding education? See my prior answer.
Aside from those mentioned above, what do you believe is the biggest issue facing the state today? We are an aging state with cost headwinds that keep young people from settling here. As the average age rises, the problems will get worse.
This candidate did not provide a link to a campaign website.
