Voters in Cornish and Plainfield will choose between Republican Michael Belanger of Cornish and Democrat Jenny Ramsey of Plainfield for one seat in the New Hampshire House on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Both candidates name property taxes as the state’s biggest issue. Belanger calls for capping property taxes and freezing assessed values for older residents. Ramsey, a former Plainfield School Board chair, focuses on a fairer system and more state support for public education.

The Valley News asked both candidates in a survey about their experience, why they are running and what they see as the state’s biggest issue. Their answers, edited lightly for style, appear below.

MICHAEL BELANGER

Michael Belanger, Republican candidate for the New Hampshire House in the Sullivan 2 district. (Courtesy Michael Belanger campaign)

Republican · NH House Sullivan 2

66, Republican, Cornish

Political experience: Navigating the internal politics of the federal government.

Professional experience: Career with the federal government.

Community service: Cornish Energy Committee; St. Francis Parish Council; Charlestown VFW; board of directors, CPCC.

Why are you running? To serve the citizens of Cornish and Plainfield.

Biggest issue: Property taxes. Cap property taxes; freeze assessed property values for the elderly.

Online: mikebelanger4nh.com

JENNY RAMSEY

Jenny Ramsey, Democratic candidate for the New Hampshire House in the Sullivan 2 district. (Courtesy photograph)

Democrat · NH House Sullivan 2

42, Democrat, Plainfield

Political experience: Plainfield School Board member, 2015-2026, and chair, 2023-2026. Ran for state representative in 2024.

Professional experience: Degree in outdoor education and recreation for individuals with special needs.

Community service: Active member of the community as a full-time mom of four boys.

Why are you running? I’m running to bring common sense and my hard work ethic to Concord to create helpful change for the people of my community, specifically state support for public education.

Biggest issue: Impossibly high property taxes! Increased costs in healthcare, housing, food, fuel and property taxes mean the cost of living is prohibitive for most. I will work for a fairer system that reduces the tax burden of local homeowners and protects our community’s financial future.

Online: jennyfornh.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.