Mary Murphy
Historical Details
Position on Issues
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
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?
"I am for this, but on condition that the state and federal government do not mandate curriculum in charter, private and home school settings. Any state or federal mandates would run counter to the intent of these accounts which is to give parents more choice over where and how their child is educated. I am for parental rights."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should New Hampshire ban abortions during the first trimester (e.g. after 6 weeks gestation)?
"In general, I do not like government interfering with women's health, however, I also feel that babies who become viable after 24 weeks need advocates for THEIR health rights. Most babies are viable after 21 weeks of pregnancy. The ban on abortion after 24 weeks prevents infanticide. I am NOT in favor of infanticide. With respect to bans on abortion during the second trimester or first trimester, I would only support these if they preserved the exceptions for fatal fetal diagnoses and the life of the pregnant woman. Democrats want you to 'follow the science' when it comes to hotly debated and unsettled science of climate change and mask mandates, but do not want to follow the inarguable science of gender assignment at birth and life beginning at conception. No reputable MDs are debating either of these controversial issues. With regard to rape and incest, I read the story of a daughter of a rape victim who put the baby up for adoption instead of aborting her. The daughter sought out her birth mother later in life and found her in an assisted living facility. The daughter thanked the mother for not killing her, told her about her productive life, and took care of the mother until she died. We need to make it easier for women to put their babies up for adoption and for couples to adopt. Neither is easy or affordable at the moment. NH currently has one of the most liberal abortion laws in place in New England. Abortion is an issue that affects very few women in NH. The state doesn't even bother to track it. I see no reason to change the existing law at this time. I am focused on other higher priorities your survey doesn't even cover, such as NH having one of the highest health care costs in the nation."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should New Hampshire ban abortions during the second trimester (e.g. after 15 weeks gestation)?
"In general, I do not like government interfering with women's health, however, I also feel that babies who become viable after 24 weeks need advocates for THEIR health rights. Most babies are viable after 21 weeks of pregnancy. The ban on abortion after 24 weeks prevents infanticide. I am NOT in favor of infanticide. With respect to bans on abortion during the second trimester or first trimester, I would only support these if they preserved the exceptions for fatal fetal diagnoses and the life of the pregnant woman. Democrats want you to 'follow the science' when it comes to hotly debated and unsettled science of climate change and mask mandates, but do not want to follow the inarguable science of gender assignment at birth and life beginning at conception. No reputable MDs are debating either of these controversial issues. With regard to rape and incest, I read the story of a daughter of a rape victim who put the baby up for adoption instead of aborting her. The daughter sought out her birth mother later in life and found her in an assisted living facility. The daughter thanked the mother for not killing her, told her about her productive life, and took care of the mother until she died. We need to make it easier for women to put their babies up for adoption and for couples to adopt. Neither is easy or affordable at the moment. NH currently has one of the most liberal abortion laws in place in New England. Abortion is an issue that affects very few women in NH. The state doesn't even bother to track it. I see no reason to change the existing law at this time. I am focused on other higher priorities your survey doesn't even cover, such as NH having one of the highest health care costs in the nation."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should NH add an income tax on earned income?
"I relocated to New Hampshire in 1990 primarily because there was no state income tax, no sales tax, and no tax on social security. New Hampshire is one of the few states in New England that is experiencing population growth, and I believe no income and sales taxes are part of the attraction."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should NH add a broad-based sales tax?
"NH citizens are already experiencing financial pressure due to high inflation and high interest rates caused by profligate spending in Washington, D.C.. Increasing state taxes at the state level would only exacerbate the high cost of living they are experiencing. We should look for opportunities to reduce government spending, waste, and fraud at all levels without jeopardizing essential services."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should New Hampshire lower business taxes?
"I would like to see our BET and BPT reduced to a combined 4% so that we are competitive with Massachusetts. However, this must be coupled with an aggressive recruitment campaign to encourage companies in other states to relocate to New Hampshire which would grow our economy to offset the revenue reduction. This is what FL and TX are successfully doing. "
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should New Hampshire add a tax on capital gains?
"Capital gains taxes are double taxation. "
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should New Hampshire government do more to address climate change?
"Private citizens, like me, are taking steps to improve the earth's temperature. My husband and I donated an 11-acre waterfront conservation easement to protect the watershed in our town and a State of NH Tier 1 (highest tier) animal habitat. We also make extensive use of recycling and composting on our organic farm. The government is not the solution to every problem. Private citizens and businesses should voluntarily do more."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
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?
"These identifying documents must be proof of citizenship and residency. We need to reserve voting to US Citizens. To do otherwise is to debase the value of our citizenship and to allow non-citizens to direct the spending of our hard earn tax dollars, our assumption of debt and laws governing our country."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should the state do more to encourage municipalities to remove zoning barriers to housing development?
"Local planning boards are elected officials. Some towns have also paid to develop Master Plans. Town officials know the limitations of local aquifers, waste disposal facilities, and other infrastructure required to support higher density housing. They should not be overruled by a state-level, unelected authority. Workforce housing needs to be located within a commutable distance to employers. Employers should use their leverage with towns (property taxes) to influence any zoning exceptions."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
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?
"I support this, but am concerned that it might result in costly upgrades to substations the cost of which would be shared with non-benefitting (non-solar) utility customers. Like electric cars, solar installations are typically a wealth transfer from lower and middle class consumers to wealthier consumers who can afford solar. Utilities profit from the lower rates they credit solar consumers through net metering, but do not necessarily use these profits to lower utility rates for other consumers. "
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should New Hampshire guarantee the right to access abortion before 24 weeks?
"In general, I do not like government interfering with women's health, however, I also feel that babies who become viable after 24 weeks need advocates for THEIR health rights. Most babies are viable after 21 weeks of pregnancy. The ban on abortion after 24 weeks prevents infanticide. I am NOT in favor of infanticide. With respect to bans on abortion during the second trimester or first trimester, I would only support these if they preserved the exceptions for fatal fetal diagnoses and the life of the pregnant woman. Democrats want you to 'follow the science' when it comes to hotly debated and unsettled science of climate change and mask mandates, but do not want to follow the inarguable science of gender assignment at birth and life beginning at conception. No reputable MDs are debating either of these controversial issues. With regard to rape and incest, I read the story of a daughter of a rape victim who put the baby up for adoption instead of aborting her. The daughter sought out her birth mother later in life and found her in an assisted living facility. The daughter thanked the mother for not killing her, told her about her productive life, and took care of the mother until she died. We need to make it easier for women to put their babies up for adoption and for couples to adopt. Neither is easy or affordable at the moment. NH currently has one of the most liberal abortion laws in place in New England. Abortion is an issue that affects very few women in NH. The state doesn't even bother to track it. I see no reason to change the existing law at this time. I am focused on other higher priorities your survey doesn't even cover, such as NH having one of the highest health care costs in the nation."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should the state increase funding for child care providers?
"I am open to increasing funding for child care providers that supply services to low income working families. I am not for doing this without means testing. Also, there needs to be oversight and accountability for these funds to ensure that child care providers do not abuse this funding."
Other| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Do you support New Hampshire’s current system of public school funding, with about two-thirds of total funding coming from local property taxes?
"I feel the current system is flawed and can be improved. It is currently unfair to students because it creates inequities in the adequacy of the education they receive based on whether or not their town has highly valued real estate or lots of businesses to share the tax burden. It is unfair to property owners and seniors because they are paying for the education of renters or low value property owners who pay little to no property taxes, but might have several children in the school system. I feel we need to find ways to reduce the cost of education through consolidation of SAUs, reduce redundancy of Special Education and General Education Administration, and implementation of technology to address the shortage of math, science and business teachers. This latter suggestion would result in a more scalable model and consistency of course quality across multiple school districts. It might also result in savings in salaries and employee benefits."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should New Hampshire legalize the recreational use of marijuana by allowing home-growing and private use without sales?
"NH has significant drug and mental illness problems. Medical studies are increasingly available that prove marijuana causes an 8-point decline in IQ with long-term use and frequent users are 7 times more likely to experience psychosis and schizophrenia if they have a genetic disposition. It can also cause paranoia and depression. The Department of Justice is considering restricting gun ownership of those who consume cannabis. I personally witnessed a college roommate have a violent psychotic episode after ingesting a cannabis-infused brownie, and this was before the newer more potent cannabis became available. Some elderly have died from gummies through accidental overdose, not realizing there is a delay before the THC takes affect in this form of cannabis. Other states that have legalized marijuana have experienced growing rates of DUI and related accidents, causing their auto insurance premiums to rise. Maine has experienced Chinese career criminals buying real estate and starting illegal growing operations which have circumvented the state from collecting the taxes they expected. I do not want to support anything that might lead to an increase in crime, mental illness, or overdose deaths."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should New Hampshire legalize the recreational use of marijuana by licensing growers and private retail locations?
"NH has significant drug and mental illness problems. Medical studies are increasingly available that prove marijuana causes an 8-point decline in IQ with long-term use and frequent users are 7 times more likely to experience psychosis and schizophrenia if they have a genetic disposition. It can also cause paranoia and depression. The Department of Justice is considering restricting gun ownership of those who consume cannabis. I personally witnessed a college roommate have a violent psychotic episode after ingesting a cannabis-infused brownie, and this was before the newer more potent cannabis became available. Some elderly have died from gummies through accidental overdose, not realizing there is a delay before the THC takes affect in this form of cannabis. Other states that have legalized marijuana have experienced growing rates of DUI and related accidents, causing their auto insurance premiums to rise. Maine has experienced Chinese career criminals buying real estate and starting illegal growing operations which have circumvented the state from collecting the taxes they expected. I do not want to support anything that might lead to an increase in crime, mental illness, or overdose deaths."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should New Hampshire legalize the recreational use of marijuana by establishing state-run cannabis stores?
"NH has significant drug and mental illness problems. Medical studies are increasingly available that prove marijuana causes an 8-point decline in IQ with long-term use and frequent users are 7 times more likely to experience psychosis and schizophrenia if they have a genetic disposition. It can also cause paranoia and depression. The Department of Justice is considering restricting gun ownership of those who consume cannabis. I personally witnessed a college roommate have a violent psychotic episode after ingesting a cannabis-infused brownie, and this was before the newer more potent cannabis became available. Some elderly have died from gummies through accidental overdose, not realizing there is a delay before the THC takes affect in this form of cannabis. Other states that have legalized marijuana have experienced growing rates of DUI and related accidents, causing their auto insurance premiums to rise. Maine has experienced Chinese career criminals buying real estate and starting illegal growing operations which have circumvented the state from collecting the taxes they expected. I do not want to support anything that might lead to an increase in crime, mental illness, or overdose deaths."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should New Hampshire raise the minimum wage?
"Business Owners must compete for workers. Most NH companies currently pay in excess of the minimum wage for this reason. When states have imposed mandated minimum wages, it has caused small business closures on an epic scale. "
Against| Read My Position
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?
"Residents of other states should be governed by the laws of their states. "
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should New Hampshire repeal the ban on abortion after 24 weeks gestation?
"In general, I do not like government interfering with women's health, however, I also feel that babies who become viable after 24 weeks need advocates for THEIR health rights. Most babies are viable after 21 weeks of pregnancy. The ban on abortion after 24 weeks prevents infanticide. I am NOT in favor of infanticide. With respect to bans on abortion during the second trimester or first trimester, I would only support these if they preserved the exceptions for fatal fetal diagnoses and the life of the pregnant woman. Democrats want you to 'follow the science' when it comes to hotly debated and unsettled science of climate change and mask mandates, but do not want to follow the inarguable science of gender assignment at birth and life beginning at conception. No reputable MDs are debating either of these controversial issues. With regard to rape and incest, I read the story of a daughter of a rape victim who put the baby up for adoption instead of aborting her. The daughter sought out her birth mother later in life and found her in an assisted living facility. The daughter thanked the mother for not killing her, told her about her productive life, and took care of the mother until she died. We need to make it easier for women to put their babies up for adoption and for couples to adopt. Neither is easy or affordable at the moment. NH currently has one of the most liberal abortion laws in place in New England. Abortion is an issue that affects very few women in NH. The state doesn't even bother to track it. I see no reason to change the existing law at this time. I am focused on other higher priorities your survey doesn't even cover, such as NH having one of the highest health care costs in the nation."
For| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should NH require local law enforcement to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement?
"Money should be reallocated from the federal budget to compensate state and local governments for this assistance. If we can afford to send billions of dollars to Ukraine, we can afford to better secure our OWN country's borders. We do not want to create a situation in which state and local law enforcement are understaffed to protect citizens from both crime and the illegal alien invasion. We also need to change out our current Democratic Congressional Representatives in Washington, as we have re-elected them multiple times and they have done nothing to fix the LEGAL Immigration System and procedures, nor Social Security and Medicare."
Against| Read My Position
Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2024
Should NH pass stricter gun control laws?
"Bad guys don't follow gun control laws. I would like to see greater focus and resources applied to apprehending and incarcerating the bad guys with guns, than restricting law-abiding citizens. The Democratic Administration has essentially opened the United States Border, including our Northern Border, to millions of unvetted, military-age illegal aliens, thousands of whom are criminals and terrorists (per U.S. Border Patrol). It is more important than ever that Americans learn how to safely store and use firearms, as they may be called upon to defend their families or even their country at some point in the future. "
