Cheshire District 14 includes Rindge.
Voters will choose between two candidates for one seat. Democrat Gene Andersen will challenge Republican incumbent John Hunt in the general election.
Gene Andersen
Party affiliation: Democrat
What town/city do you live in? Rindge
Political experience: 3 terms in the NH State Legislature
Professional experience: Corrosion specialists working on bridges, Hydro Power, Fuel Tanks, Piers, Communication Towers and Paper mills in 16 U.S. states and U.S. bases in Japan.
Community service experience: Worked on NH Floods Commission, 3 years
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? Mandate municipalities adopt housing-friendly zoning policies.
How involved should NH government and law enforcement be in immigration enforcement? Local policing is for local policing — involvement should only be when there is a crossover between immigration enforcement and public safety.
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? I would not have repealed the business and enterprise tax and interest and dividends tax, as repeal increased the burden on the property taxes without coming up with an alternative plan for business to pay a fair share of the tax burden.
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. There are few areas that expenses can be cut that I am aware of — so I can’t put forward a proposal on cutting expenses. On the revenue side — NH people are opposed to any type of income tax, so for a broad-based that is less unacceptable, a sales tax that exempts groceries and similar items would bring in the required revenue and could be distributed statewide unlike the property tax. Sales taxes are a regressive tax but they are not as regressive as the property tax. In addition I would look to a tax on credit card charges. The banks have increased their profits astronomically from credit card use and costs for the banks have gone down in place of rising. Another item would be a tax on housing owned by investors rather than homeowners as they are pricing out the home owners.
As people across the state struggle with their local school tax bills, what role should the state play in funding education? The state should provide 80% of the cost of funding an education. The NH Supreme Court has consistently mandated this — but it has been ignored.
Aside from those mentioned above, what do you believe is the biggest issue facing the state today? Affordable housing remains one of the biggest problems for NH residents both for renting and homeownership. We need to look at limiting investor options to dominate the housing market as that domination will lead to exorbitant rents and lack of ability to own a homes.
This candidate did not provide a link to a campaign website.
John Hunt
Party affiliation: Republican
What town/city do you live in? Rindge
Political experience: I am a 40-year incumbent.
Professional experience: Retired computer retailer
Community service experience: I am treasurer of the Rindge Historical Society and the Ingalls Library 1894 Association.
Policy Positions
Should NH legalize recreational marijuana use and possession? Over the years I have been opposed because of the federal law. Two years ago I did support state operated stores.
What is the No. 1 action the Legislature should take to address the housing shortage? Cut unnecessary state government regulations.
How involved should NH government and law enforcement be in immigration enforcement? NH should assist only when directly asked by the federal government.
Do you support the Education Freedom Accounts program? Yes
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? NH Secretary of States regulation of public risks pools. Risk pools are insurance and therefore should be regulated by the NH Insurance Department.
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. What state does not “consistently struggle with funding”. From town, city, county or state everyone struggles with funding government and services. I believe we do not need more revenue, we just need to work with the revenue sources we have and live with in our means.
As people across the state struggle with their local school tax bills, what role should the state play in funding education? I support the constitutional ballot proposal.
Aside from those mentioned above, what do you believe is the biggest issue facing the state today? Inflation and the high cost of living from health insurance and the price of gas and fuel.
This candidate invites people to call him at 603-345-1129.
