3 newcomers enter Belknap 7 race to represent Alton, Barnstead

While the swath of incumbents in Belknap 7 remains strong in Reps. Barbara Comtois (R-Center Barnstead), Paul Terry (R-Alton) and Peter Varney (R-Alton) there are three political newcomers eyeing the three seats up for vote in the General Election on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Democrats

A special education teacher for 32 years, Laura Dunham, of Center Barnstead, was motivated to seek office after witnessing firsthand the defunding of public schools. She decided to run based on her experience, knowing she brings valuable input to decision-making in Concord.

While on the campaign trail, she heard similar concerns from parents.

“Public schools are not being fairly funded. We are an extraordinarily wealthy nation, yet we fail to adequately fund our public schools. The federal government also needs to do more to support schools with students who have high-cost special education needs,” Dunham wrote in an emailed response to questions. “A large school district may be able to absorb these expenses, but they can devastate the budget of a small district, especially in New Hampshire. And we must protect and educate our most vulnerable children.”

Dunham knows something needs to be done at the Statehouse about the downshifting of costs to towns, especially as cost of living increases continue to impact residents and school budgets.

“The most pressing issues [Nancy Mitchell and I] have heard from people are the high property taxes and rising housing costs, which are making it increasingly difficult for residents to afford to stay in New Hampshire. Some are even considering moving to neighboring states like Maine or Vermont in search of more affordable living. We have heard this from young couples, as well as folks looking to retire,” she wrote. “We need to have an honest discussion about revenue and how New Hampshire pays for the services its residents depend on.”

She supports the protection of Lakes Region natural resources, namely Lake Winnipesaukee and Gunstock Mountain.

“I want the people of Barnstead and Alton to know that I will show up for them. When I retired after 32 years of teaching, I had almost 250 unused sick days. I showed up for my students, and I will show up in Concord to work for the people in Alton and Barnstead,” Dunham wrote. “I don’t claim to know everything, but I believe in asking questions, listening to others, and seeking advice from people with the knowledge and expertise to help me make informed decisions.”

Nancy Mitchell, a Navy and Army veteran, conservation advocate and volunteer who lives in Alton, has been campaigning alongside Dunham as a combined force. Together, the two have knocked on over 600 front doors.

Mitchell could not be reached for comment.

She advocates Education Freedom Accounts are “draining resources” from public schools and the program needs better transparency and accountability. In two Facebook posts, Mitchell wrote, “Education freedom accounts are big issues for many reasons. Let’s follow our tax payer money to see what’s really going on. Demand transparency,” and “Let’s fund our public schools and stop giving that money away to those who don’t really need it — we need a cap on EFAs.”

The downshifting of costs from Concord to small towns like Alton and Barnstead is a major disruptor to the status quo. Taxpayers just can’t handle the squeeze anymore.

On her website, which is jointly shared with Dunham, the two blame current representatives for contributing to the crisis.

“Our current Republican representatives have been part of that trend — cutting assistance to local governments while leaving communities to pick up the tab,” the website states.

Mitchell also said she believes there should be no income tax, and is a “proud supporter” of the Second Amendment, who thinks responsible gun ownership is of utmost importance.

If elected, she will approach the Statehouse in a common sense way.

"We can and must work together to focus on practical solutions for the citizens of Alton and Barnstead — not political parties or special interests,” reads a statement by Mitchell on the website.

Joining Dunham and Mitchell is newcomer Stephen Copithorne, of Alton.

When he bought his Lakes Region home in 1987, he transplanted a sapling from a nearby pine grove that was taking root in the fallen needles. He moved the tree to the side of his driveway, where it has since provided moments of sweet summer respite from the sun.

The sapling needed a little help in order to thrive, and he thinks running for office — and supporting the Democratic Party — is another one of those opportunities.

“We can do this for ourselves just like I helped this tree,” Copithorne wrote on his Facebook candidate page. “Republicans are not willing to do this for you. Please vote in your own self interest.”

Pursuing higher education in teaching taught him the frustrations of the current school system. It was a job he was excited to pursue, but he didn’t make it through Christmas. Given 27 students to supervise and educate by himself, along with three different sets of curricula, proved insurmountable.

He wants the state to release funding earned through Education Freedom Accounts.

“The New Hampshire Supreme Court said, ‘release the state funds,’ and the Republicans that are in the House said they're not going to even vote on it. They won't release the money,” he said Tuesday. “That's why we need a change, because everybody's struggling, and if they release those funds, I think that's like 40% of the cost of education.”

He knows property taxes are a problem too, also increasingly getting worse under current leadership.

“I think [Republicans are] pushing everything down to the towns, and I'm not in favor of that.

"The state should pay a fair share, and then towns should pay their fair share, not put all the burden on the town,” he said. “They're trying to purposefully raise property taxes on everybody, so that we can leave New Hampshire to them.”

Copithorne believes New Hampshire’s minimum wage needs a hike. The last minimum wage increase for the Granite State occurred in 2018. It currently sits at $7.25, along with 20 other states in the nation.

He took to Facebook to promote his stance.

“New Hampshire has the lowest minimum wage of the New England States. It is no surprise that young workers move elsewhere. I believe that the minimum wage should be raised and tied to the cost of living adjustment. It hasn’t been raised since 2018 when the Democrats last had the majority of the House. It should be adjusted for inflation each year and be easier for employers to adjust to.”

Republicans

Comtois, who has served in her Belknap 7 seat for 10 years, is seeking reelection. She is a member of the Environment and Agriculture Committee.

Additionally, she is a member of the Governor’s Commission on the Humane Treatment of Animals, the University of New Hampshire Belknap County Advisory Council, the NH Farm Bureau, and the Belknap County Farm Bureau. She’s also an active member of the Barnestead Historical Society.

Comtois could not be reached for comment.

According to her voting record as listed on Citizens Count, she’s been an avid supporter of Education Freedom Accounts. In 2022, she supported keeping the program. In 2023, she supported legislation to expand eligibility for the program, and in 2024, she voted against limiting the voucher program to a budget.

In the past, she has not supported legislation to bolster public school funding by increasing the base cost and differential aid.

Comtois is in favor of decreasing business taxes. She has over 20 years of agriculture experience running Sticks and Stones Farm in Barnstead.

Terry seeks his fourth term in office this year. His background includes a bachelor of arts degree in economics from Union College, and a master's of divinity degree from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in Massachusetts.

He could not be reached for comment.

In material on his website promoting his candidacy, Terry is for Education Freedom Accounts.

“We all want the best education possible for our children because we love them and want the best for them and the state’s future. I believe the record shows that the best thing we can do for public education is to promote school choice, including private schools, home schooling, technical and trade schools,” his website states. “In almost every area of life, we know that competition stimulates innovation, higher standards and better overall performance. Supporting school choice will provide the incentives to make all schools better.”

He wants to keep the New Hampshire Advantage, and is against an income tax.

“The foundation of the New Hampshire Advantage is that we are the only state in New England not to impose an income tax upon its citizens. Democrats in Concord want and have voted to add an income tax (they called it a 'wage tax') to New Hampshire’s tax system,” said his website. “An income tax will destroy the New Hampshire Advantage and add to your already high tax burden.”

Terry recognizes the need to preserve the Granite State’s integrity.

“I am running for reelection to represent the citizens of Alton and Barnstead so that together we might continue to hold highly the torch of liberties and freedoms that have inspired and motivated generations of New Hampshirites,” reads his website. “The hope and inspiration provided by its light is needed now more than ever.”

Varney’s name is also on the ballot again.

Outside of politics, Varney is the former fire chief of the New Durham Fire Department, and owns several businesses, including Granite State Armory and ATS Applied Technical Services LLC, according to his Facebook page.

He could not be reached for comment.

In 2025, Varney voted to support HB 155, a reduction of the Business Enterprise Tax, beginning in 2028. A reduced interest rate from 0.55% to 0.50% means businesses are on the hook for smaller, more modest payments. The tax filing threshold also increased, providing more exemptions for business owners.

It was signed into law July 16 by Gov. Kelly Ayotte (R-NH).

Throughout his time serving at the Statehouse, Varney has supported legislation that would improve operations at Gunstock Mountain Resort, which just last week paid nearly $400,000 to Belknap County as part of their agreement.

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Katlyn Proctor can be reached at katlyn@laconiadailysun.com or by calling 603-524-0150.