Laura Dunham

Laura Dunham earned a bachelor's degree from the State University of New York, Oneonta in 1987 and a graduate degree from Dowling College in 1993. Her career experience includes working as an educator.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a retired public school teacher with 32 years of experience. I have never run for political office before, but I believe the line for complaining is long and the line for helping is short. I am firmly on the short line, so I decided it was time to step up and work to make a positive difference for my community. My mom raised me to be a helper, to wade in and give a hand when needed.

I live in Barnstead with my husband, Frank, and my two pups. We live close to the Belknap Mountains and hike there often with our dogs. I also work part-time at Gunstock Mountain, a job I love. I have three stepchildren whom I love dearly, and they are an important part of my life.

Volunteering and being part of the community is important to me. I serve as the Secretary of the Suncook Lakes Association, an alternate trustee for the local library, a volunteer for Barnstead's 300th Anniversary Committee, and a notetaker at Selectboard meetings. Frank and I are also working with the state to develop a long-term Stormwater Management Plan to protect our lakes for future generations.

I love New Hampshire for its beautiful lakes and forests. Spending time outdoors brings me joy, whether I'm swimming in Suncook Lake, hiking Gunstock Mountain, or cross-country skiing. Being outside in the fresh air is where I feel most at home. That's why protecting New Hampshire's natural beauty and preserving it for future generations is so important to me.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

As a retired public school teacher, I believe schools are the great equalizer in society and should be funded fairly and equitably. For many students, public schools are the springboard into a better career path, whether that is college, a trade, or a small business venture. Under federal law, all children are entitled to a free and fair public education. If schools are funded fairly, then every student has the opportunity to succeed. To provide for all students, we need more vocational opportunities at our schools. Our public schools need support, but our current representatives voted to expand school vouchers and reduce state funding for public education. These laws are defunding our public schools.New Hampshire is changing and not for the better. New Hampshire has shifted from having great public schools to significantly defunding public schools and downshifting those costs to local towns, which is causing huge tax increases (our taxes increased by almost 40% over the past three years). As a recent retiree, these tax increases are a significant burden for us. Both my husband and I have gone back to work to help with these increases. Our current representatives continually vote with the Free State agenda, taking money away from local communities and then blaming our community for not being fiscally responsible. We need to stop the downshifting. If we don't, seniors and young families will not be able to afford to live here.Everyone wants clean water - in our lakes, rivers, and wells. If the lakes are polluted or filled with cyanobacteria and/or milfoil, tax revenue would drastically decrease. The county should work with the state to support water quality monitoring systems and pollution control. My husband and I have been working with DES to apply for a Clean Water State Revolving Fund for the Suncook Lakes. It has taken over 18 months for the application process, and we were chosen to receive $100,000 to hire an environmental firm to create a watershed plan for the lakes. This plan will open up other areas of funding to keep the lakes clean and healthy for generations to come. Keeping them clean, healthy, and protected is one of my top priorities.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about strengthening public education, protecting New Hampshire's lakes, forests, and natural resources, and ensuring that people can afford to live in the communities they love. After 32 years as a public school teacher, I know that strong public schools are the foundation of strong communities. I also believe we have a responsibility to preserve New Hampshire's natural beauty for future generations.

I care deeply about responsible fiscal policies that keep property taxes affordable and help working families, seniors, and young people thrive. I want to see New Hampshire remain a place where our children can find good jobs, afford a home, and build their futures.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

My mom - she was a single mom at the age of 27 with no car and no career prospects. She took care of my sisters and me; worked full-time, and attended nursing school at night. She never missed a gymnastics meet or a dance recital. My friends were always welcome in my home and we took in all kinds of stray animals. Being a helper was in her DNA which is why she became a nurse. Her perseverance and ability to overcome serious obstacles taught me much about life.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Elected officials need to trustworthy and honest.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

A state representative must attend committee meetings and session vote days. One of the Barnstead/Alton representatives has an abysmal 32% attendance rate in Concord. It is my understanding that the same representative has not attended ANY Delegation meetings for years. After 32 years as a public school teacher, I retired with 248 unused sick days. I show up for work.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like to leave a legacy of kindness.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first job was working at a factory as a line worker. I held that job for three years.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Like many teachers, I spent much of my career balancing the needs of my students with the demands of my own family and personal life. Teaching is incredibly rewarding, but it can also be emotionally and physically demanding. Teaching taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of listening to others which are qualities that continue will help me in the legislature.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

The relationship should be built on mutual respect and a shared responsibility to help the people of New Hampshire thrive.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

New Hampshire has to rid itself to the Free State Project at all levels of government. Their policies are making life harder for working families, seniors, and local communities. Property taxes keep going up; public schools are struggling, and more costs are being pushed onto towns and taxpayers. New Hampshire is becoming toxic for younger folks to live and work.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Compromise is the only way for effective policymaking. We need to listen to each other and find a shared path forward. We also need to listen to our constituents.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

American Federation of Teachers - NH

What was the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember?

The resignation of Richard Nixon