Laurie Warnock, Candidate for State Representative
Rockingham District 15, Hampstead NH
What is important to you is important to me.
Hampstead Hospital and
the new Youth Development Center
As Selectwoman for the past six years, I've taken on Governor Chris Sununu, the NH Departments of Health and Human Services and Safety to demand security, transparency and compensation during the forced evolution of the Hampstead Hospital site.
While Representatives Walsh, Guthrie and Pearson sat mute, I've worked closely with Hampstead Police, Fire and EMS to hold the decision makers accountable for the safety of our residents and to demand compensation for the lost property tax revenue and the expenses we've incurred responding to the campus.
With the new Youth Development Complex almost complete, I am fighting to guarantee NH State Police will still have primary responsibility for security, response and investigation, and to have the Office of the Children's Advocate restored.
The State's failure to protect the children in its care is a disgrace. As taxpayers we are paying millions of dollars for that negligence. As neighbors to the new facility, we demand security, transparency and compensation.
Legalization of Marijuana
It's time. Legalizing marijuana for retail sales will allow NH to set safety standards, will weaken the 'black market’ and provide the revenue we lose to Maine, Massachusetts and Vermont. .
The Republican's budget cut millions from Health and Human Services, including substance misuse prevention and treatment programs. Committing cannabis revenue to the Education Trust Fund would bring the state's contribution to public schools in line with the Supreme Court decisions, and would lower our property tax. The Liquor Enforcement Bureau has the necessary structure for overseeing production, distribution and sales. Retailers should have to apply for a license, accept regular inspection, purchase limits and other guardrails. Communities should also have the option to 'opt out' of allowing retail sales in their town, in keeping with the revered concept of local control.
It’s time.
Defend Local Control
We've seen an all-out assault on local control by the NH Legislature:
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Imposing planning and zoning changes like permitting accessory dwelling units that may conflict with local septic considerations
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Forcing confusing and deceptive school budget cap proposals onto the ballot
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Denying elected officials the right to refuse ICE contracting local law enforcement
By eliminating revenue sources like the Interest and Dividends tax, cutting contribution to municipal employee retirement plans and failing to comply with court decisions to fund an adequate education, the NH legislature has shifted expenses onto local taxpayers then claimed increased property taxes are due to municipal mismanagement!
Hampstead voters know what Hampstead needs and we expect to make those decisions ourselves.