Full field of Democrats, Republicans compete for 4 Statehouse seats representing Laconia

LACONIA — Four Democrats and four Republicans are competing for four seats representing Laconia Wards 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6 next month. Candidates have heard from constituents that hot topics are the housing crisis, affordability, and taxes. 

The General Election is Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Democrats

Marcia Hayward, a retired Laconia High School science teacher and Belmont High School principal, is running in Belknap 5, knowing public education funding is a top issue. Hayward is chair of the city’s zoning board of adjustment, well versed in the happenings of Laconia.

“I have a long history of demonstrating leadership and collaboration in my professional and personal life, and I believe those skills are needed in Concord,” Hayward said.

This is the first time the Laconia native is running for office.

Hayward has been hard at work getting the word out about her candidacy, knocking on doors, writing letters to the editor, and posting on social media. The Democrat has attended meet and greets and candidate forums, including one held by Citizens for Belknap slated for Tuesday night.

“I continue to hear concern over property taxes, housing and funding of public schools,” Hayward said. “I believe the Democratic Party has the right priorities in New Hampshire, which is why I am confident that voters will support us on Nov. 3.”

After the death of Rep. Charlie St. Clair, Ward 3 City Councilor Eric Hoffman rose to the occasion to take his place on the ballot. He said it was one small thing he could do to continue the work of St. Clair, who served from 2017 to 2020, then from 2022 until his death in August.

Hoffman’s decision came after the Primary Election, and since then he’s been door knocking, attending events, distributing literature, and connecting with voters however possible.

“You may have seen people holding signs for the Democratic candidates some mornings downtown,” Hoffman said. “That’s us. My campaign takes no corporate PAC money, no support from out-of-state extremist organizations, and uses no social media. I’m locally focused, funded by local residents, and that’s who I work for.”

Hoffman said it seems like everyone has a story about how the housing crisis affects them or someone they know. He’s heard of people priced out of their homes, or even leaving the state entirely to start a family. Employers struggle to hire employees because of the lack of affordable living.

“Going into this campaign, I understood this issue on an economic level, but this issue goes far beyond economics,” Hoffman said. “People’s lives are on hold, or even completely upended by the housing shortage, and the lack of progress from the Statehouse is inexcusable.”

Hoffman has been disheartened by the apathy he's heard. He said state policy decisions are more important than ever, but “extremists” have taken over the state government, and many seem “completely unaware” of what’s at stake.

“I expected to convince people to vote for me; I did not expect I would have to convince them to vote,” Hoffman said.

Hoffman’s experience on the council for two terms gives him a “unique perspective.” He said he has a front row seat to how policies passed in Concord affect Laconia directly. He sees the “downshifting” of costs and continued loss of local control.

"I understand the problems facing Laconia, and I think I am the best qualified to try to solve them,” Hoffman said.

Lois Kessin — a Laconia High School graduate with decades of community activism under her belt — is for the restorative justice program, and has stressed protecting the area’s natural resources, and creating affordable housing.

Kessin has been putting out campaign signs, canvassing, attending meet and greets, speaking with those in the nonprofit space, and meeting with city and county leaders. This has helped her get a good idea of issues affecting the people of Laconia the most.

“Most people with whom I have spoken are concerned with rising housing costs,” Kessin said. “They are worried about health insurance costs. Rising property taxes is the biggest issue.”

Kessin has served on the Laconia Heritage Commission, and on the board of the Lakes Region Scholarship Fund. She volunteers with Hands Across the Table, along with a women’s shelter, and organized food drives at Temple B’nai Israel.

“I believe in service to one’s community,” Kessin said. “I will work hard to serve my constituency. Working collaboratively with anyone, no matter their political party, is paramount.”

Kessin hopes people will hit the polls Nov. 3, but is concerned about turnout.

“Sometimes, I am surprised by the lack of urgency about voting,” Kessin said. “Voting is a citizen’s privilege and obligation.”

Denise Riley is running for public office for the first time, but has long paid attention to happenings in the Statehouse.

“I decided to run largely to address the housing affordability issue, and in speaking with the people of Laconia, there were no surprises, only validation of my concerns,” Riley said.

A public school student who went on to earn a criminal justice degree from Saint Anselm College, Riley spent three decades as a public defense investigator.

Riley has been campaigning for five months, and speaking to voters, she said rising costs — which she called “unsustainable” — have compromised the freedom of Granite Staters. Housing costs are concerning, and people have had to adjust their living situation to “less desirable options.”

“It does not have to be this way, but here we are under 10 years of Republican control in Concord,” Riley said. “Parents and adult children are moving back under one roof. Young parents are raising children in apartment complexes because buying a house is way out of reach. Families are living together to afford rent.”

Despite social media negativity, Riley said she’s confident voters see her for who she really is: “an honest and fair-minded person who believes all voices should be heard.”

Riley takes pride in her approachability and communications skills, and handling tough tasks with people from all different socioeconomic, political, and educational backgrounds.

“I am an easy person to talk to, and I listen to people, not just hear them,” Riley said. “I have a reputation for being a genuine person, and I can see myself working with anyone in the Statehouse, to serve the needs of the people.”

Republicans

Rep. Mike Bordes (R-Laconia), is vying for reelection, and hopes voters will send him back to Concord for a fourth and final term in the Statehouse. He’s the only incumbent in the election.

He's been endorsed by the Professional Firefighters of New Hampshire, SEIU 1984, the National Rifle Association, the New Hampshire American Federation of Labor & Congress of Industrial Organization, the New Hampshire Police Association, and Gov. Kelly Ayotte (R-NH).

Bordes has learned through serving that people want government based on affordability, public safety, strong schools, and responsible spending, calling these “the basics.” Bordes is focusing on supporting law enforcement and first responders, and improving infrastructure.

“Families are feeling the pressure of rising property taxes, housing costs, and inflation, and they expect their elected officials to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars,” Bordes said.

Bordes believes in “people before politics,” and said he will work across differences when possible, and fight for practical solutions to strengthen communities and protect taxpayers. He said voters appear to want someone who will listen and focus on common sense solutions, instead of political rhetoric.

“In uncertain times, people want elected officials with a proven record of getting things done, working with others, and delivering real results for the community,” he said.

Being the mayor and a member of the Statehouse has allowed Bordes to understand how government works, navigate the legislative process, and get results. District 5, he said, deserves a representative who can be effective immediately.

“I don't need on-the-job training,” Bordes said. “I have a proven record of service, a broad coalition of support, and the relationships necessary to make a real difference for Belknap County, Laconia, and the State of New Hampshire. That's why I'm asking for voters support."

Timothy Minor — husband of Rep. Sheri Minor (R-Laconia), who is not running for reelection — is hoping to pick up where she left off in the Statehouse.

Minor is a lifelong resident of Laconia, noting it's where his family started their real estate rental business in the early 1980s. He thinks he can be a difference maker.

“There’s a lack of apartments in Belknap County, and the ones that are being built are not affordable for our average residents,” Minor said. “The homeless population and the problems that follow them don’t seem to be improving.”

To get a feel for voter concerns, Minor said he’s been getting more involved in the community, including donating time and resources to “keep our beautiful City on the Lakes looking its best. Affordability and “keeping property taxes in check” are two of his top priorities.

“I know I can make a difference in bringing affordability back to our renters by common sense solutions,” Minor said. “A vote for Minor is a vote you can count on.”

Cody Pfaff has lived in Laconia since 2014, after growing up in Florida. He’s a barber and small business owner, who rebranded JD’s Barber Shop to Main Street Social Club seven years ago.

Pfaff has a unique perspective as he chats with city residents while cutting their hair, hearing what's on their minds.

He has been running a “grassroots campaign” while operating his business full-time, leveraging social media, newspaper ads, yard sales and community events.

“District 5 residents are concerned about the rising cost of living, including property taxes, housing, energy, and groceries,” Pfaff said. “They also want greater accountability from some of the organizations providing services in our area, and more consideration for the impact those programs have on our community.”

Pfaff has heard city residents are considering leaving due to high property taxes. He wants to find practical ways to ease the burden, and keep Laconia a “strong and affordable place to live.”

He also said energy costs are of concern, and while they are influenced at the federal and global level, the Granite State should explore alternative energy sources.

“As a state representative, I want to focus on the things we can influence in Concord, while being honest about things we cannot,” Pfaff said.

Priorities include public safety, infrastructure, responsible spending, and reducing unnecessary costs and regulations making it hard for families and businesses.

“I also believe it's important to bring a younger perspective to the Statehouse, particularly one shaped by the everyday responsibilities of running a business and raising a family,” he said.

Paul Rossi is a retired math teacher whose priorities are creating economic opportunity, lowering energy and housing costs, improving education, and holding government accountable. He’s been knocking on doors, allowing him to hear directly from voters.

Cost of living is atop everyone’s list, including rent, food, and energy prices. Raising property taxes can make it hard for people on fixed incomes to stay in homes they’ve owned for years. Rossi knows the homeless problem is of concern locally, and believes publicly funded shelters should require sobriety or recovery participation.

“Ultimately, whether we're discussing school spending, property taxes, or homelessness, we need policies that produce measurable results, rather than simply committing more money to problems that persist,” he said.

Rossi said with New Hampshire ranking seventh in the country in per-student education spending, Laconia spends more than $23,000 annually on a student, which he notes is 3% above state average. This doesn’t align with proficiency rates being 10% lower than average in math and reading. One surprise to Rossi is how often school spending debates are framed as a choice between selfishness and compassion.

“As a former mathematics teacher and department head, I believe we can provide excellent public education while exercising fiscal discipline,” Rossi said.

Rossi supports school choice and open enrollment, and supports protecting individual rights.

He supports more nuclear power and better access to natural gas, as well as competitive electric contracts, to bring energy costs down.

“I want to bring a sensible, independent approach to Concord, focused on what works and what matters to the people I represent,” he said.