NH election 2022: Pace vs. Porcelli for Hampton Falls/Kensington state rep.
Democrat Joe Pace, of Kensington, is facing Republican Susan Porcelli, of Hampton Falls, for the Rockingham County state House District 19 seat representing Hampton Falls and Kensington.
Joe Pace
Hometown: Kensington
The U.S. Supreme Court has overturned Roe v. Wade and placed the power to regulate abortion with the states. What should state lawmakers do regarding abortion laws?
For women to be full and equal citizens, they must be free to decide for themselves whether and when to bear children. We should enshrine that fundamental right in state law so no court can try to take it away.
The state's residents and businesses face many economic challenges, including high prices for electricity and fuel, a labor shortage, a lack of affordable housing and rising prices due to inflation. How would you address these challenges?
The people of New Hampshire face both short-term and long-term issues related to energy, housing, and economic opportunity. In the short term, Concord needs to work with local communities to address the impact of global inflation on our neighbors, including home heating fuel subsidies and access to other forms of assistance. In the long term, New Hampshire can work to attract new working professionals with investments in a broad range of education and training opportunities that includes college, trade schools, and paid apprenticeships. We can also tackle affordable housing by giving our towns and cities the flexibility they need to diversify their housing options. None of this can be accomplished in an environment of distrust and partisan rancor. We need to work together for the people of New Hampshire.
What else do you want voters to know about you or your policy positions before the election on Nov. 8?
In my years as a local elected official, business banker, and full-time dad, I’ve learned what it takes for communities, entrepreneurs, and families to succeed. And in my terms on the Select Board in Exeter and here in Kensington, I’ve always tried to put solutions before politics. I’m asking for the opportunity to bring that experience and that approach to Concord, working for a New Hampshire where it’s possible to go to great public schools, earn a living wage, start a successful business, raise a healthy family, and retire with dignity.
Susan Porcelli
Hometown: Hampton Falls
The U.S. Supreme Court has overturned Roe v. Wade and placed the power to regulate abortion with the states. What should state lawmakers do regarding abortion laws?
In 2022 legislation was passed that allowed abortion in N.H. for any reason without restriction until 24 weeks. After that abortion is permitted in cases with fetal anomalies incompatible with life or a medical emergency such as issues related to the life of the mother. Late-term and partial-birth abortion is restricted unless outlined under the permitted cases. This policy is consistent with over 22 other states to place limits on third-trimester abortions. Currently, N.H. does not collect abortion data and legislation is needed to request statistics.
The state's residents and businesses face many economic challenges, including high prices for electricity and fuel, a labor shortage, a lack of affordable housing and rising prices due to inflation. How would you address these challenges?
Until recently the U.S. was a net exporter of oil and natural gas; current federal policies restricted U.S. energy production without a short-term plan to replace these energy sources resulting in 40-year high inflation. ISO New England warned of potential blackouts this winter. Currently, wind and solar technologies cannot "power" the N.H. economy; work with N.H. entrepreneurs, business innovators and universities to solve storage and reliability issues. New England governors must cooperate to increase fuel supply. Review programs to determine effectiveness and accountability for ratepayers. New sources of cheap and reliable energy including hydroelectric must be pursued. Maintaining business-friendly policies of low taxes and reduced regulations will "recession proof" our economy without sales or income taxes. Streamline bureaucratic processes to approve housing in communities with infrastructure to build without additional burden on property taxes. Evaluate InvestNH but maintain local control over zoning and planning decisions. Prioritize hardworking N.H. residents for these units. N.H. needs workers in mechanical trades. Women possess the creativity, problem-solving and critical thinking skills needed for these high-paying jobs. Prioritize recruiting women (similar to the STEM initiative) for high schools and community colleges to attract women into this lucrative field. Maintaining low taxes, personal freedoms, a strong economy and high quality of life are legislative priorities.
What else do you want voters to know about you or your policy positions before the election on Nov. 8?
I have worked hard in the corporate world, contributed to my community, and supported extended family members. I thought I was living the American Dream; with each day I see this Dream is in jeopardy. I am taking action to restore the promise of the American Dream for hardworking N.H. families and seniors on fixed incomes. I grew up in New Jersey to first generation parents of modest means, understand the value of hard work, and moved to NH after seeing what happened to the “Garden State” as a result of big government policies. As a senior executive in financial services, I focused on outcome-based solutions and cooperative problem solving. I will listen to you, the voter, and be your strong voice for Hampton Falls and Kensington. I will promote safe and secure schools with a focus on academic excellence and parental rights. I will protect hardworking families from skyrocketing inflation and "recession proof" the N.H. economy. I will advocate for overburdened taxpayers and overregulated small businesses. I will defend the N.H. Advantage, support local control and traditional values. I will promote common-sense solutions and protect paychecks. I will support veterans and focus on the special needs of women veterans. I am a board member of the Exeter Area Woman’s group providing a hand up to citizens in need; events coordinator for the Hampton Falls Tricentennial celebration; early member of the Hampton Falls Recycling Committee. I live in Hampton Falls with my husband Michael.
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: NH election 2022: Pace vs. Porcelli for Hampton Falls/Kensington state rep.
