Travis J. O'Hara

Candidate for Belknap-4
(168th General Court)

GET OUT AND VOTE!

Mark your calendar and don’t forget to show your support.

Be sure to save the dates, September 10, 2024, for the Primary Election!
Polling Location: 255 Seavey Road
Belmont Highschool  
Days
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
GET OUT AND VOTE!

Responses to the Citizens for Belknap Questionnaire

Why are you running, and what do you hope to achieve in the next legislative term?

Travis Toner

My goal is Simple. to lower taxes in a time where cost of living is going up every day. to find ways to get fuel in this state that is cheaper to lower cost. bring in business and MFG to create jobs of substance. to reduce the burdonsome regulation on trades to make it easier to perform and provide to ones family. and to block any and all gun legislation since it cleary violates the second ammendment of NH Constitution.

Travis J. O’Hara

My primary goal is to ensure Belknap County maintains a highly skilled workforce. Providing employees with the necessary tools to perform their duties effectively in a positive work environment is critical. The Belknap County Delegation has made significant strides since the challenges faced during the Gunstock situation, and it is crucial to continue building on this progress. 

Assess the recent performance of Gunstock. If elected, would you keep it in the same direction or change course? 

Travis Toner

Based on my limited understanding, My stance is to keep Gunstock run as it is by county, there is no need to change anything as long as it is solvant and has no problems. also even if there are any issues I believe having it run by county is a good model as it should keep ticket prices down which allows lower income people also enjoy. I disagree with why everthing was turned upside down. It appears that there were bad players with personal interest on either side that did not do things logically.

Travis J. O’Hara

I am committed to maintaining the current direction for Gunstock, as it consistently provides a valuable annual payment to the county, helping to offset our county taxes. I worked closely with the Gunstock Area Commission during the Free-State/Libertarian  debacle to the successes of today by safeguarding our community’s interests and ensuring Gunstock remains a valuable asset. 

Given budget constraints for the Belknap County Nursing Home, how would you stretch county taxpayer dollars and still meet our high standards of care?

Travis Toner

I am sure that there are things that could be done, however without information and knowledge on this issue I can not answer this question.

Travis J. O’Hara

During my first term, I met with the nursing home administrator numerous times to gain a deep understanding of her needs and future plans. This insight has allowed me to recognize the importance of bringing services directly to residents and enhancing the environment to attract and retain high-quality staff. Achieving 100% occupancy will be a key focus, balancing budgetary constraints with exceptional care. 

 As a member of the Belknap County Delegation, how would you improve county hiring practices to attract the highest quality candidates for our nursing home, public safety and administrative positions?

Travis Toner

Just that hire well qualified people not based on DEI but based on who is most qualified. also working with local NHES offices closely to find applicants. Government jobs are attractive based on benefits. one thing is to make sure that the benefits still stay competitive. Latley unions and other officials have been undermining those benefits that make government work attractive. there are better ways to negotiate new contracts, unions are causing these issues.

Travis J. O’Hara

The city and towns in Belknap County are attractive places to work and live for many and I will collaborate with the commission to attract a broader pool of applicants, enabling department heads to select the best candidates. Given that a significant portion of our workforce is unionized, it is essential to maintain a positive working relationship with unions, mirroring the approach of the NHGOP. 

Should Belknap County manage its own nursing home and county corrections departments, or privatize them? What about Gunstock Recreation Area/Gunstock Mountain Ski Area?

Travis Toner

It should not be privatized, especially the county Jail system. I was a correction officer for several years, and i am somewhat familiar with private systems. having “public pivate” parternships are bad on so many levels. accountability is almost impossible more so than when run by the government.

Travis J. O’Hara

I firmly believe that these entities should remain under county management, ensuring they are directly accountable to the residents and overseen by elected officials. Privatization could undermine the accountability and community focus that are essential to these operations. 

What are your ideas for the former 220-acre Laconia State School property?

Travis Toner

Sell it and use money to offsett taxes. I would be open to suggestions.

Travis J. O’Hara

A comprehensive development plan should be crafted, involving the developer, state, and county to ensure this property positively impacts the future of the Lakes Region. Collaboration and strategic planning are key to maximizing the potential of this significant asset. 

What would you do as a State Representative to improve the opioid and drug problem in the region?

Travis Toner

Part of the issue of drug use is lack of options and or econmical. the best way to change this is have good paying jobs and opertunities that produce purpose and direction. also introducing religion and morals.

Travis J. O’Hara

A top priority is to increase penalties for known drug suppliers. Addressing the opioid crisis requires a coordinated state-wide approach involving all stakeholders. A unified strategy is essential, as fragmented efforts by multiple agencies have not yielded the desired results. 

What do you think is the most important skill of being a good State Rep, and why.

Travis Toner

Knowing the constitution and understanding that certain things are unlawful for you to institute regardless of political pressure. Becuase if we do not honor the cardinal rules as legislators how can the public trust and also be expected to follow laws and rules of society.

Travis J. O’Hara

Communication is the most critical skill. While I may not be an expert in every area, my ability to engage with subject matter experts allows me to develop informed and effective solutions for Belknap County and my constituents. 

What do you see are the biggest needs of Belknap County, and what would you do to fill that need?

Travis Toner

Making sure that we spend money to operate within the budget that we have and not increase and cause increases in taxes. becuase as we increase taxes and spending, we also see increase in cost of living becuase all business have to increase cost to cover additional tax burdens.

Travis J. O’Hara

Homelessness, substance abuse, and mental health are interrelated challenges that must be addressed through an integrated approach with all parties, state, county, and local. By tackling these issues together, we can create more effective and sustainable solutions. 

What percentage of your campaign funding comes from outside the county? How much from out of state?

Travis Toner

 

Travis J. O’Hara

In the current election cycle, I have received no external donations and am entirely self-funded. 

Do you think our current county government should be smaller, larger, or stay the same?

Travis Toner

Smaller. it seems that and no one can argue that gov has gotten bigger, it appears that most of out problems have also gotten larger as well.

Travis J. O’Hara

The size of our county government is determined by the state and the New Hampshire Constitution. The New Hampshire House of Representatives prides itself on having the smallest representative-to-population ratio in the country, ensuring government remains close to the people. 

Should Belknap County manage its own nursing home and county corrections departments, or privatize them? What about the Gunstock Recreation Area?

Travis Toner

already answered

Travis J. O’Hara

 

What distinguishes you from the other candidates?

Travis Toner

I have worked in both state and county government for almost 20 years I know how gov operates, I have seen problems and bahaviors. I also know the good it can do but it needs to be rained in both parties need to change thinking.

Travis J. O’Hara

Having lived in Belknap County my entire life and being a Belmont resident for nearly 15 years, I am deeply invested in our community. My involvement in local politics, especially during the pandemic and the Gunstock reopening, highlights my commitment to serving and improving our county. 

What endorsements have you received?

Travis Toner

 

Travis J. O’Hara

Currently, I am running as a write-in candidate, so I have no official endorsements. However, I am honored to have the recommendation of Citizens for Belknap and appreciate their ongoing support. 

How long have you lived in Belknap County?

Travis Toner

I have lived in the county since 2018. I am born and raised in NH. I know small business, state government, My mother was a nurse for fourty years and am familiar with most apsects of the state and Government.

Travis J. O’Hara

I have been a lifelong resident of Belknap County, actively involved as a small business owner and elected official for state, county, and local offices.  
stars