Derek Thibeault’s recent Soapbox article in InDepthNH once again demonstrates a selective presentation of the facts. Nashua residents deserve the complete picture, not just the portions that support a particular political narrative.
Mr. Thibeault criticizes Republicans while failing to acknowledge the positions and actions of numerous Democratic officials and candidates whose records deserve equal scrutiny.
For example, Rep. Ellen Read filed a Legislative Service Request in September 2026 titled “Establishing an Income Tax and Establishing a Sales Tax on Certain Luxury Goods,” continuing her previously stated support for a high-end income tax.
Likewise, Rep. Thomas Oppel filed a floor amendment in May 2026 to authorize a progressive income tax in the New Hampshire Constitution, a proposal supported exclusively by House Democrats.
Former Executive Councilor and gubernatorial candidate Andru Volinsky leads the organization Cut Our Property Taxes and has publicly promoted his “3-3 Plan,” which would lower property taxes by imposing a 3% state income tax.
These facts are rarely mentioned when discussing the future direction of tax policy in New Hampshire.
Polling has also suggested significant support among Democratic voters for an income tax, and 158 House Democrats voted against a constitutional amendment that would have prohibited such a tax.
That vote alone raises legitimate questions about where many Democratic officials stand on the issue.
Mr. Thibeault also seems to overlook the economic reality that many families experienced during the Biden administration, when inflation reached levels not seen in decades. Rising costs affected household budgets, increased housing expenses, and reduced purchasing power for working families and retirees alike.
When discussing education spending, the numbers deserve careful examination. New Hampshire spends approximately $22,978 per pupil, significantly above the national average. Despite this high level of spending, many policymakers continue to advocate for even greater expenditures.
At the local level, the City of Nashua presents a striking example.
In 2016, Nashua’s school enrollment stood at 11,420 students. Today, enrollment has declined to approximately 9,293 students, representing a decrease of roughly 16.8%, with further declines projected.
During the same period, however, the school budget increased from $136,090,723 in 2016 to $191,262,559 in 2027, an increase of more than 41%.
The trend becomes even more concerning when you look at school debt. In 2016, total school debt, including interest, stood at $86,856,279. By 2027, that figure had grown to $226,561,143, an increase of nearly 166%.
These developments occurred while Democrats controlled key leadership positions within city government, including under Mayor Donchess. Nashua residents can ask whether this level of spending growth is sustainable, especially as student enrollment continues to decline.
The broader question for voters is simple: Are elected officials being fully transparent about the long-term financial consequences of their policies?
Governor Ayotte has pursued measures intended to strengthen voter identification requirements and election integrity. Whether one agrees or disagrees with those policies, they were advanced with the stated goal of increasing confidence in the election process.
By contrast, Executive Councilor Cinde Warmington has supported efforts such as funding contracts for Planned Parenthood that were repeatedly rejected by the Republican majority on the Executive Council. She also opposed federal charter school funding initiatives. Voters should consider whether those positions align with their own priorities for education and public policy.
Congressman Chris Pappas has likewise compiled a voting record that deserves scrutiny. He opposed several major spending, funding, and immigration-related measures Republicans supported. Those votes included legislation addressing border security, election administration, and federal spending priorities.
Particularly significant to many voters was his opposition to the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. Supporters of the legislation argued that it would require medical professionals to provide the same level of care to a child born alive following an attempted abortion as would be provided to any other newborn. For many residents, this vote raises serious ethical concerns and will be an important consideration at the ballot box.
Mr. Pappas also opposed the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, legislation supporters argue is necessary to preserve fairness in women’s athletics. Whether voters agree or disagree, it remains another policy distinction worth public discussion.
Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander has taken similar positions on several key votes, including opposition to the SAVE Act and the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. Voters should review her record and decide whether it reflects their values and priorities.
State Executive Council candidate Melanie Levesque has supported policies including expanded abortion coverage requirements, repeal of the death penalty, restrictions on private prisons, limitations on Stand Your Ground protections, and opposition to school choice initiatives. Likewise, State Senate candidate Laura Telerski has opposed the Education Freedom Account program while supporting increases in state education funding.
Supporters view these positions as advancing progressive policy goals. Critics, however, argue that they expand government spending, increase taxpayer obligations, and reduce parental choice in education.
Ultimately, elections should not be decided solely by party affiliation. Voters should examine candidates’ records, policy positions, and governing philosophies. No elected official will agree with every voter on every issue. What matters is whether a candidate’s principles, priorities, and vision for New Hampshire align with your own.
The most important thing New Hampshire residents can do is become informed, study the facts, and participate in the electoral process. If you fail to vote, others will make those decisions for you. No matter your political party, choose candidates whose records and principles reflect your values and your vision for our state’s future.
Make your voice heard. Vote.
