Voters in New Hampshire’s state Senate District 5 will choose between Democratic incumbent Suzanne Prentiss of West Lebanon and Republican Conrad Schoeffter of Plainfield on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Both candidates point to the cost of living in New Hampshire, and property taxes in particular, as the top concern. They differ on how to address it. Prentiss focuses on housing, health care and support for public education. Schoeffter calls for no new taxes and more efficient school spending.
The Valley News asked both candidates in a survey about their experience, why they are running and what they see as the biggest issue facing the state. Their answers, edited lightly for style, appear below.
SUZANNE PRENTISS
62, Democrat, West Lebanon
Political experience: State Senate, three terms (2020-2026); Lebanon City Council, 12 years, including two years as mayor.
Professional experience: Paramedic.
Community service: Lebanon city councilor and mayor; Enfield Fast Squad; Advance Transit board; EMS and civic leadership.
Why are you running? I am running to make New Hampshire more affordable, strengthen public education, expand access to health care and housing, and ensure our communities have a strong voice in Concord.
Biggest issue: I believe affordability is the single biggest issue facing New Hampshire today. Rising housing costs, property taxes and everyday expenses are making it increasingly difficult for young people, working families and older residents to remain in the communities they call home.
Online: prentissfornh.com
CONRAD SCHOEFFTER
74, Republican, Plainfield
Political experience: New Hampshire GOP vice chair for Sullivan and Cheshire counties; Log Cabin Republicans trustee.
Professional experience: Executive career in film and television and, later, seafood farming.
Community service: Founder and chair, Plainfield-Cornish Republican Town Committee.
Why are you running? To give voters in Senate District 5 a Republican alternative.
Biggest issue: No new taxes; rent-to-own for the young; more efficient school spending to curb property taxes.
Online: schoeffter4nh.com
| CANDIDATES: STILL WANT TO BE INCLUDED? If you are running for office in the Upper Valley and have not received the Valley News candidate questionnaire, contact Managing Editor Allison Rogers at arogers@vnews.com or 603-727-3220, or Deputy Editor Molly Hughes at mhughes@vnews.com or 603-727-3213. |