Joseph D. Kenney

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Do you support the “Education Freedom Account” program, which gives students access to the per-pupil share of state school funding to spend on private school or home school expenses?

"For"

Project Vote Smart Survey, 2008

Supports eliminating gasoline taxes.

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should New Hampshire ban abortion after 20 weeks gestation, with exceptions for cases of rape/incest and health complications?

"I support a ban on abortion after 20 weeks gestation, with exceptions for cases of rape/incest and health complications."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

Should New Hampshire ban abortion after 24 weeks gestation, with exceptions for cases of rape/incest and health complications?

"For"

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should NH pursue expanded commuter rail?

"Only if there is a method to pay for it which includes a private and public partnership, with a heavy emphasis on the private sector."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should NH limit terms for elected officials?

"I support term limits for New Hampshire elected officials."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should NH increase funding for heroin treatment programs?

"Yes, only if the treatment and recovery matrix sees improvement in the reduction of the recidivism rate, otherwise we are not gaining on the issue."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should New Hampshire ban abortions during the first trimester (e.g. after 6 weeks gestation)?

"The NH state law is 24 weeks in order to allow for an abortion. My personal position has always been that abortion should only be used in the cases of rape, incest, or if the mother's heath is in jeopardy."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should New Hampshire ban abortions during the second trimester (e.g. after 15 weeks gestation)?

"The NH state law is 24 weeks in order to allow for an abortion. My personal position has always been that abortion should only be used in the cases of rape, incest, or if the mother's heath is in jeopardy."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should New Hampshire ban discussions about sexual orientation and gender identity in grades K-3?

"This type of education has no place within this age group."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Do you support the state law that bans teaching certain concepts, such as the idea that people may be "inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive, whether consciously or unconsciously"?

"New Hampshire and its public school system need to focus on reading, writing, and math. There is no need to tear down other races, sexes, or low points in American history. The educational system needs to evolve, not devolve. Teach, do not preach."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should NH add an income tax on earned income?

"Against"

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should NH add a broad-based sales tax?

"Against"

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should New Hampshire add a tax credit for businesses that contribute to student loan repayment for employees?

"Yes, students need options in the workforce to relieve student debt."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should New Hampshire lower business taxes?

"I believe rooms and meals taxes could be lowered. Phasing out the Interest and Dividend taxes would be beneficial."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

Should New Hampshire add a tax on capital gains?

"Against"

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2016

Should NH authorize one or more casinos?

"I oppose casino gambling in New Hampshire."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

Should New Hampshire increase the tax on cigarettes?

"We need to understand our borders states and how they increase or decrease their cigarette taxes in order to remain competitive for tax revenues."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should New Hampshire government do more to address climate change?

"More scientific study and education are needed to better explain the impact of manmade pollution onto the environment and we need to better understand what natural occurrences exist that may impact global warming."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2016

Should NH continue to base statewide assessments on Common Core standards?

"I oppose basing statewide assessments on Common Core standards."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Do you support giving voters who register without ID on Election Day a ballot that only counts if they return identifying documents to the state before a deadline?

"If someone needs an identification card to get on a plane or to pick up a prescription at a pharmacy, then they should be able to provide an affidavit and appropriate documentation to prove they are allowed to vote based on residency, age, and community address."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Do you support state contracts with faith-based organizations?

"The Council has approved faith-based contracts in the past that are non-profits who can provide a service that the state cannot."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Do you support state contracts with Planned Parenthood?

"I have supported many other family planning services associated with health care clinics that do not provide abortions. Planned Parenthood does abortion services and therefore our federal and state laws prohibit public funding to organization who provide abortion services."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should New Hampshire add a fee or mileage charge for electric vehicle owners to help pay for transportation and/or electric infrastructure?

"If electric vehicles are going to use the public highways and put wear and tear on our road system, then they need to be assessed a user fee. In essence, the initial wave of electric cars are apart of an pilot program but once this time period is over and there are more electric vehicles using electric charging stations and drawing off the grid, it will be imperative to assess a user fee structure to support NHDOT and its infrastructure."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

Should New Hampshire add restrictions to the governor's powers during a state of emergency?

"The purpose of a Chief Executive is for him or her to govern in times of crisis and work with his or her state commissioners and federal officials. The legislature needs to be informed by the Governor but the Executive Branch needs to take the lead."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should the state do more to encourage municipalities to remove zoning barriers to housing development?

"No, New Hampshire prides itself on local control. Town Fathers and Mothers need to make their own decisions when it comes to zoning for housing projects. New Hampshire is a small state and we need to manage its growth."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2016

Should NH broaden campaign finance disclosure laws?

"I oppose broader campaign finance disclosure laws."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

Do you support legislation to expand the net energy metering system capacity cap from 1 MW to 5 MW for all residential and commercial customers in New Hampshire?

When asked a similar question on the 2020 Citizens Count survey Kenney wrote, "It needs to be cost effective and driven by the private sector with some public partnerships."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should New Hampshire extend the renewable portfolio standard past 2025, requiring public utilities to obtain more than 25% of electricity from renewable energy sources?

"It is unlikely that New Hampshire will obtain it renewable portfolio standard by 2025. When the law went into effect in 2007, the year 2025 looked like a possibility. Time has proven more infrastructure and investment is needed. I support an extension."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Would you have voted to accept federal funds to support COVID-19 vaccinations in New Hampshire?

"Only under this condition: it is not federally mandated by the CDC and that it is optional. State rights should prevail and there should be not strings attached by accepting federal COVID funding."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should New Hampshire guarantee the right to access abortion before 24 weeks?

"The NH state law is 24 weeks in order to allow for an abortion. My personal position has always been that abortion should only be used in the cases of rape, incest, or if the mother's heath is in jeopardy."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

Should there be a higher threshold for the size of state contracts that must be reviewed by the Executive Council (currently $10,000)?

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should a nominee’s political beliefs be an important factor when deciding on a judicial appointment?

"I would be more interested in their constitutional beliefs, legal experiences, professional recommendations, and community service."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

Should a nominee’s political beliefs be an important factor when deciding on a judicial or executive branch appointment?

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should a nominee’s political beliefs be an important factor when deciding on an appointment to the executive branch?

"No, I believe the person who is most qualified and can provide the best service to the state is the person I would vote for, regardless of political beliefs. However, I would encourage executive branch commissioners or directors to lessen their political activism and beliefs while in a position of authority so as not to disrupt the organization and/or personnel under them."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024

Should the state increase funding for child care providers?

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2016

Should NH increase law enforcement policies and penalties for heroin-related offenses?

"I support increased law enforcement policies and penalties for heroin-related offenses."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

Should New Hampshire increase public access to reports of police misconduct?

"For"

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

Would you vote for Attorney General Gordon MacDonald to be chief justice of the New Hampshire Supreme Court?

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Do you support the option of mail-in ballots for all voters, not just absentees?

"New Hampshire is a small state, citizens should be able to go to polls and vote. It's a good time to reconnect with ones community and to see democracy in action. Understandably, some citizens cannot vote in person because of health, military service, or other reasons so the system allows them to vote absentee ballot."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Do you support New Hampshire’s current system of public school funding, with about two-thirds of total funding coming from local property taxes?

"For"

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

Should NH legalize the recreational use of marijuana?

"Against"

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should New Hampshire legalize the recreational use of marijuana by allowing home-growing and private use without sales?

"Recreational marijuana needs to remain illegal. The frequent use of marijuana only adds to the decadence of society. It is a gateway drug and it can impact the early development of a young brain. I do support medical marijuana for chronically ill people who are adults."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should New Hampshire legalize the recreational use of marijuana by licensing growers and private retail locations?

"Recreational marijuana needs to remain illegal. The frequent use of marijuana only adds to the decadence of society. It is a gateway drug and it can impact the early development of a young brain. I do support medical marijuana for chronically ill people who are adults."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should New Hampshire legalize the recreational use of marijuana by establishing state-run cannabis stores?

"Recreational marijuana needs to remain illegal. The frequent use of marijuana only adds to the decadence of society. It is a gateway drug and it can impact the early development of a young brain. I do support medical marijuana for chronically ill people who are adults."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Was New Hampshire right to continue expanded Medicaid eligibility, using the traditional Medicaid system of managed care instead of private insurance?

"As long as the federal government pays the matching portion of Medicaid expansion, we as a state should stay in the managed care, but otherwise we should go to a private insurance approach."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2016

Was NH right to expand Medicaid eligibility, using private insurance wherever possible?

"I believe what is in place now is only a pilot to develop health care data to determine if their has been any cost savings. If once the data does not prove savings I would be against further expansion renewals in the future."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should New Hampshire raise the minimum wage?

"Let the market forces dictate wages. No one is making minimum wage. I support NH's current law which states when the federal minimum wage increases our state minimum wage increases at the same time on par with the federal level."

Project Vote Smart Survey, 2008

"I have a 14 year pro-life voting record."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should NH do more to enforce federal immigration laws?

"I support our state law enforcement in collaboration with federal law enforcement to work towards toughing our immigration laws and keeping our communities and families safe away from illegal foreign influences."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

Should New Hampshire increase the size of solar panel installations that may participate in net energy metering?

"It needs to be cost effective and driven by the private sector with some public partnerships."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

Should New Hampshire increase subsidies and tax credits for business investment?

"Tax credits to some extent already exists in Coos County for businesses and through other means such as Opportunity Zones."

Project Vote Smart Survey, 2008

Supports the death penalty.

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Are you open to approving no-bid state contracts?

"All contracts should be put out to bid. It's the American way!"

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2016

Should NH allow the Northern Pass to proceed with some (not all) of the lines buried?

"I oppose the Northern Pass as currently proposed."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

Should New Hampshire increase the base amount of per-pupil funding it provides to local school districts?

"For towns and cities that have high property taxes, the state should continue the education funding aid program to assist these communities. School enrollment in recent years has been on the decline so there needs to be a reevaluation of the cost of education but it should be locally based for the most part."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should the state permanently increase how much tax revenue it shares with towns and cities every year, beyond public school funding?

"I think in good state revenue years, these money needs to be shifted to the local municipalities to support local infrastructure projects or to offset taxes. In bad revenue years, the state needs to balance its budget and provide essential state services and allow the local communities to tighten their budgets during an economic slow down periods."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Do you support the gradual phase-out of the Interests and Dividends tax?

"For"

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Is police brutality an issue in NH?

"Police brutality is not an issue in New Hampshire."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

Do you support Gov. Sununu's proposal to allow employers and employees to opt-in to a private, paid family and medical leave insurance plan, based on a pool of state employees, excluding coverage for personal illness?

"For"

Project Vote Smart Survey, 2008

"Limit regulations on business and preserve the no income tax no sales tax advantage."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024

Should New Hampshire add legal protections for residents of other states who travel here for health care related to abortion or gender transition?

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

Should New Hampshire continue to participate in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, which requires utilities to purchase allowances for every ton of carbon they emit?

"This has a difficult program to calculate the economic benefit to the state of New Hampshire. Also, there is a question whether or not New Hampshire citizens were the main reason for any poor air quality and that this was being brought into the state via western states. We need to breathe clean air but our economic burden is being driven by other states."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should New Hampshire maintain the renewable portfolio standard, which requires public utilities in New Hampshire to obtain a certain percentage of electricity from renewable energy sources (25% by 2025)?

"I support the renewable portfolio standard in New Hampshire."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should New Hampshire repeal the ban on abortion after 24 weeks gestation?

"The NH state law is 24 weeks in order to allow for an abortion. My personal position has always been that abortion should only be used in the cases of rape, incest, or if the mother's heath is in jeopardy."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should NH require local law enforcement to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement?

When asked a similar question on the 2018 Citizens Count survey Kenney wrote, "I support our state law enforcement in collaboration with federal law enforcement to work towards toughing our immigration laws and keeping our communities and families safe away from illegal foreign influences."

Project Vote Smart Survey, 2008

Supports parental notification.

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

Should New Hampshire create a road usage fee?

"The NH Executive Council is responsible for toll increases. It is important for the US Congress to pass an infrastructure bill in order to help the states."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should New Hampshire government do more to increase the supply of affordable housing?

"New Hampshire government should do more to increase the supply of affordable housing."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2016

What is your opinion on the state providing some funding for Planned Parenthood?

"I oppose the state providing some funding for Planned Parenthood."

Project Vote Smart Survey, 2008

Supports reducing private sector regulations.

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should NH continue to administer statewide standards-based student assessments?

"I support New Hampshire continuing to administer statewide standards-based student assessments."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

Should New Hampshire create a statewide family and medical leave program, paid for with a percentage of employee wages, with no opt-out?

"Against family and medical leave insurance program, which would be run by the state department of employment security. Employers would pay 0.5% of wages per employee as premium payments. Employees could take up to twelve weeks of leave and receive 60% of their pay after paying into the program for at least six months. The bill does not allow anyone to opt-out of the program. In essence, it is a broadbase tax."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2022

Should NH pass stricter gun control laws?

"New Hampshire needs to enforce what is currently on the books for gun laws."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

Should New Hampshire provide student loan debt repayment programs for workers in industries with labor shortages?

"Anytime there are program that create incentives for young workers to relieve them of their student debt while also creating an opportunity for career progression is a good thing."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

Should New Hampshire add tax incentives for affordable housing development?

"This should be driven by the private market as mush as possible."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2020

Should New Hampshire allocate tax revenues for private and home schooling costs?

"Home schooling alleviates a tax burden in regards to transportation and school supplies. COVID-19 has taught us that distance learning can work and it should be available for all types of situations."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2016

Should parents be allowed to opt their children out of the NH immunization/vaccination registry?

"Parents should be allowed to opt their children out of the NH immunization/vaccination registry."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2018

Should NH impose strict residency requirements on registering to vote?

"New Hampshire should impose strict residency requirements on registering to vote."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2016

Should NH restrict further wind power development?

"Against Further wind power development unless local control wants it."