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While different in many of their views, Howard Pearl and Kelly Roberts find common ground in lowering property taxes for New Hampshire residents and wanting to serve their constituents to the best of their ability. “I firmly believe that New Hampshire citizens and businesses, like my small farming business, prosper with lower taxes and less government interference,” said Pearl, the Republican incumbent. Roberts, the Democratic challenger, wants to lower the local tax burden but has a different approach.
“I am running to advocate for a fairer tax system and to ensure that the state pays its fair share in education funding, relieving the pressure on our towns and cities,” she said. They are vying for the District 17 state senate seat in Merrimack County, which includes Allenstown, Barnstead, Canterbury, Chichester, Deerfield, Epsom, Loudon, Northfield, Northwood, Nottingham, Pembroke, and Pittsfield. Pearl is finishing his first term as state senator and previously served in the House of Representatives.
A lifelong resident of Loudon and a sixth-generation farmer, he runs Pearl and Sons Farm on Loudon Ridge Road. He has also served as Loudon Town Moderator and a member of Loudon’s Zoning Board, in addition to sitting on the board of Merrimack County Farm Bureau, among other organizations. Pearl received the endorsement of Governor Chris Sununu for his candidacy.
“We need to let New Hampshire law enforcement know that we have their backs,” Pearl said. “The border and the fentanyl crisis impacts our state every day and we need to make sure law enforcement has all the tools they need to fight to keep us safe.” In seeking reelection, he hopes to advocate against an income tax or a sales tax and wants to see lower property taxes for residents of the state.
Pearl says he strives to support law enforcement, protect constitutional rights — including freedom of speech and the right to bear arms — and fight against the Washington agenda. Article continues after..
. Cross|Word Flipart Typeshift SpellTower Really Bad Chess “As a sixth-generation farmer, I know the pain and struggles Granite Staters experience just to make ends meet,” Pearl said. “Running a small family farm gives me a unique perspective and outlook on the state’s challenges.
” He values the trust his constituents have placed in him and hopes to continue earning that trust. “There is no greater feeling of accomplishment than there is in helping to create a better and stronger community for my neighbors,” Pearl said. “For me, it’s all about community, volunteering, serving and helping people get what they need to live a good life.
” To learn more about Pearl, visit pearlforsenate.com. Roberts has served as the town clerk and tax collector for 16 years in Deerfield, where she grew up.
She previously held the role of president of the New Hampshire Tax Collectors Association. She wants to advocate for property tax reform, affordable housing, and access to reproductive health, namely safe and legal abortion, as well as defend democracy by working to safeguard the election process. “Each of these issues is essential to building a just and thriving society,” Roberts said.
The state imposes one of the highest property tax burdens in the country due in large part to its reliance on local property taxes to fund education. “This system places a heavy burden on homeowners and disproportionately affects those on fixed incomes, modest retirements, and low incomes,” she said. “I've seen this impact firsthand in Deerfield, where the rising property tax burden threatens to displace residents who can no longer afford to stay in their homes.
” She emphasized her commitment to public service and her vision for a more equitable and prosperous state. “My leadership experience, particularly as past president of the New Hampshire Tax Collectors Association, has prepared me to tackle the challenges we face with integrity and determination,” Roberts said. “I am eager to listen, learn, and work alongside the people of District 17 to build a brighter future for all.
Your support and input are invaluable to this journey, and I invite you to join me in realizing our shared vision.” To learn more about Roberts, visit https://robertsfornhsenate.com.
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