8 candidates seek 4 Statehouse seats serving Gilford, Gilmanton, Laconia Ward 2

With the election less than 10 days away, it’s crunch time for the Belknap District 6 state representative candidates, as they get their last campaigning in before voters hit the polls.

With four Republicans and four Democrats vying for four seats representing Gilford, Gilmanton and Laconia Ward 2, the candidates have been meeting with their constituents through door knocking, forums and events. While some issues have surprised them, cost of living concerns continue to dominate voter concerns.

Republicans

Rep. Glen Aldrich (R-Gilford) is the lone incumbent in the Republican Party, seeking his sixth term in the Statehouse. A prominent member of the Free State Project, Aldrich was a representative 2014-22, before being voted out. He was elected back to the Statehouse in 2024.

“It seems property taxes and affordable housing are the issues I hear about most,” Aldrich said. “No surprises so far, but I’ve been doing this for a long time.”

Over the past several months, Aldrich has been holding strategy meetings with other candidates, attending meet-and-greets, and having one-on-one conversations with voters. He’s done some advertising, and has signs up, which he admits he hates, because it takes so much away from the beauty of the state. For that reason, he only puts them out about a week before the Primary Election, and then again before the General Election.

Aldrich said voters should cast a ballot for him because of his strong voting record.

“I always work for the best possible outcome, while keeping an eye on what will be the most cost-efficient path forward,” Aldrich said. “I am working on legislation to legalize cannabis, and the funds go toward reducing property taxes.”

Priscilla Bean is meeting directly with constituents, giving her the chance to understand what matters most. This is where she’s asked the difficult questions, and often hears about the growing impact of school budgets on property taxes.

“Many homeowners are struggling with increasing tax bills and are concerned about how much longer they can absorb these costs,” Bean said. “What has been particularly clear is that residents are not looking for a new, broad-based tax that simply increases their overall tax burden. Instead, they want greater fiscal responsibility, reasonable spending by their school districts, and a commitment to ensuring taxpayer dollars are being used effectively.”

Bean said people want safe neighborhoods, and to know law enforcement and emergency services partners have the necessary support and resources.

She has heard from both sides of the aisle about government spending, public safety and the future of their community.

As a rental property owner, she has seen how property taxes, operating expenses and housing needs affect everyone. She said her family’s stewardship of the land around Saltmarsh Pond, in Gilford, shows her commitment to preserving natural resources.

“These experiences have shaped my perspective on public service,” Bean, widow of the late Rep. Harry Bean, said. “I understand the importance of fiscal responsibility, respect for local decision-making, and considering the real-world consequences of legislation.”

Colleen Harkey, of Gilmanton, is leaning on her 30 years of business and nonprofit experience for knowledge about “making every dollar count.”

“As a conservative Republican, I believe in fiscal responsibility, responsible growth, strong schools, parental rights, and preserving the New Hampshire Advantage,” Harkey said. “I would bring practical experience, sound judgment, and a commitment to accountability to the Statehouse.”

Constituents have consistently raised concerns about property taxes, school spending and the rising cost of living, Harkey said. Voters have expressed desire for a government which “listens, spends responsibly, and answers to the people it serves.”

She’s been surprised about how many people are discouraged about participating in local government, while questioning the transparency of local budgets, notably in school districts.

Residents ask how a state income or sales tax would reduce property taxes. She’s stressed there’s no guarantee additional taxes would lower them.

“The solution is not more taxes; it is improving transparency, identify economies of scale, reduce overlapping services, and explore consolidation where appropriate — and — receiving the return on the investments promised for every tax dollar spent,” Harkey said. “Additional taxes are not an option — not a first, second, third, or any choice as a solution to a spending problem.”

Harkey is proud of an endorsement from Gov. Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), but knows as a first-time candidate, she’s got her work cut out for her.

“Voters will decide, and I’ll continue working hard to earn their trust, and, hopefully, their vote,” Harkey said.

Jade Wood has knowledge of the workings of the county delegation, through sometimes “difficult and contentious circumstances” and interactions in her time serving on the Gunstock Area Commission for five years.

“I have seen firsthand how important responsible oversight, transparency, financial accountability and good leadership are,” said Wood, who lives in Gilford.

Through conversations with voters and attending events, Wood has learned voters want government to be responsible with their money, and focus on what matters most to their families.

“Affordability comes up again and again,” Wood said. “Seniors and families just like mine are feeling the pressure of higher property taxes, housing costs, groceries, energy bills and everyday expenses.”

She also believes the state’s lack of a sales or income tax is a “tremendous advantage,” and will work to protect that.

Wood said voters clearly want people who will exercise good judgment, while being “responsible, transparent and accountable.”

“That is the kind of representative I intend to be, and I have already delivered on those commitments as evidenced by my service history,” Wood said.

Democrats

Rep. David Nagel (D-Gilmanton) is running for reelection, this time as a Democrat. The medical doctor changed his party affiliation this year, after being elected to the Statehouse twice as a Republican. He said the switch has allowed him to speak his mind properly on the issues that matter most.

Three main issues he’s heard on voters’ minds are increased cost of living, educational freedom, and property taxes. He’s surprised things like Medicaid cuts, the substance use crisis, mental health, and other medical aspects have not come up more.

Nagel said he’s “not a normal candidate,” and four years ago, he ran to achieve three things: save a dying healthcare system, advocate for the most vulnerable, and promote unity by representing the 70% of Americans identifying as undeclared, independent, or politically moderate.

“Respect all. Love all. Listen to all,” Nagel said. “Constructive criticism is one thing. Destructive criticism is another, one I am not willing to do.”

He said he was surprised about how many people were unaware of the Free State Project, viewing it as a thing of the past, but the “coup d’etat” is alive. Currently, 80 state and local legislators are part of the group.

Nagel hopes voters will cast a ballot for him, knowing he stands for what is right, regardless of party.

“If the voter wants someone who will always put you first, will listen to you, respect you, someone who brings all together to solve problems, and someone who does not just say he will, but does so every day, then I would suggest you support me,” Nagel said.

Bob McLean, a member of the Gilford School Board and Gilford Budget Committee, has been out knocking on doors both solo and with fellow Democratic candidates. He is a visible member of the community, moving the chains at football games, and attending as many public events as possible.

“I have felt a lot of support from the community,” McLean said. “I feel many of the people I’ve talked with are frustrated with the direction of our state and federal politics, and after a few minutes, are happy and wiling to let go and vent some of their concerns to a candidate. I am optimistic about the upcoming election, both in New Hampshire and nationally.”

The most pressing issues McLean heard about are property taxes, affordability, and housing. He said there is also a “deep concern” about democracy all the way up to the federal level, and a growing concern about the Free State Movement.

“I have been surprised, still, at the number of voters that don't know about the Free State Project and how deeply the Free Staters have infiltrated the New Hampshire Statehouse,” he said.

McLean’s local board experience has given him an understanding of how local and state government functions. He prides himself on being a team player, and trying to understand all sides before making decisions.

“We are so fortunate to live and raise families in this beautiful area of NH, and I will do my best to keep our communities thriving,” McLean said.

Gilford resident Al Frank is taking his first run at politics, and through campaigning, has seen how the cost of living is “bearing down hard” on residents.

“Fuel to get to work, heating oil to heat the house, the cost of groceries to feed the family, and property taxes have all combined to squeeze budgets to the breaking point,” Frank said. “Some households are better able to painfully absorb the costs, while others are approaching full-on crisis.”

A legislative priority of Frank’s is to ease the property tax burden on residents by demanding the state pay a fair share of public school costs, instead of pushing costs down to communities, forcing them to raise local taxes.

Frank noted public school funding in the Granite State is the lowest in the country, and he thinks open enrollment and the Education Freedom Account program aren’t helping. However, he’s spoken with people who have used school vouchers, and realizes they are important for some families.

“Prior to talking with our neighbors, I was inclined to ‘dial back’ the voucher program,” Frank said. “I now see that it is a tool that can enhance the education of some of our children, and needs to be integrated into a larger educational plan.”

Frank said he remains committed to supporting public schools by ensuring they receive funding required to provide an excellent education.

Frank will work toward creating a public policy that grounds itself in the political center, listens to all perspectives, and promotes solutions offering the most benefit for the most people.

“I believe that being new to politics allows me to bring a fresh perspective to the discussion and not get bogged down by entrenched thinking,” Frank said.

Lisa Rivard said one of the reasons she’s running is the opportunity for change. The Gilford resident said there’s a growing discontent with actions federally, and people are dismayed by the state’s displays of dysfunction and trying to get between Belknap residents. This year, she thinks people want an alternative.

“While the county is historically Republican-leaning, I think this year, if ever, people might be unhappy enough to want something different, giving me a better chance than I might have had in past elections,” Rivard said.

Rivard said most people believe in the importance of preserving public school access and quality, but have understandable concerns about budget structure increasing their property taxes.

“Knowing they are being taxed equitably and ensuring the funds are being used wisely are pivotal concerns from voters on the campaign trail,” Rivard said.

Like the other Democrats, she is surprised more people don’t know about the Free State Project. She tries to educate them, and let them form their own opinions.

Rivard said her goal is not to force her views, but rather to take the voice of the district to Concord.

“We need community input for community solutions, and I see myself as a moderator who can hear both sides and hopefully find middle ground we can build on together,” Rivard said.

The General Election is Tuesday, Nov. 3.