Colleen Harkey: Responsibility that comes with spending taxpayer money

To The Daily Sun,

Every dollar government spends comes from someone who earned it.

That simple fact should never be forgotten.

I believe New Hampshire's fiscal decisions should begin with a basic question: Is this a responsible use of the taxpayers' money?

Fiscal responsibility is not about automatically saying no. It is about asking questions, understanding the facts, and making sure taxpayers receive meaningful value for the money being spent.

That requires transparency. Residents should be able to understand where their money is going, why it is needed, what alternatives have been considered and whether there are other resources available before additional taxpayer dollars are requested.

It also means looking beyond the immediate expense. Good stewardship considers long-term costs, sustainability, and whether today's decisions will create greater financial obligations for tomorrow's taxpayers.

I believe New Hampshire has an important advantage in having no broad-based income or sales tax. Protecting that advantage requires discipline. We should focus on responsible spending rather than continually looking for ways to increase revenue.

As state representative, I will ask questions, examine the numbers, and expect accountability. I will support investments that provide real value to our communities while being willing to challenge spending that cannot be adequately justified.

Taxpayers should not have to apologize for asking how their money is being spent.

Fiscal responsibility means treating every taxpayer dollar as if it matters — because it does.

Colleen Harkey

Gilmanton