Cathleen A. Fountain

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026

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?

"No, I do not support the Education Freedom Account program in its current form. New Hampshire has a responsibility to adequately fund public education, and our public schools should remain the priority for state education funding. When state education dollars are redirected away from public schools and into private school or homeschool expenses, it reduces the resources available to the schools that serve the vast majority of our students. I believe parents should have choices in how their children are educated, but those choices should not come at the expense of public schools that communities rely on every day. We already place too much of the burden for public education on local property taxpayers. Diverting public education funds into voucher-style programs can make that challenge even greater. Our focus should be on strengthening public schools, ensuring they are adequately funded, and creating a fair partnership between local communities, the State of New Hampshire, and the federal government. Strong public schools benefit all of our communities and remain the foundation of educational opportunity for every student."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026

Should New Hampshire’s anti-discrimination law allow segregation based on biological sex in some settings, such as bathrooms and locker rooms?

"No, I do not support changing New Hampshire's anti-discrimination laws to allow segregation based on biological sex in settings such as bathrooms and locker rooms. I believe this type of legislation creates a problem where one does not currently exist and, in practice, often results in restricting the rights and access of transgender individuals who are simply trying to go about their daily lives. New Hampshire has a long tradition of respecting personal freedom and treating people with dignity and respect. I do not believe government should be creating barriers that single out or discriminate against people based on who they are. Everyone deserves to feel safe and respected in public spaces. If specific safety or privacy concerns arise, they should be addressed through practical solutions that protect everyone's privacy and dignity without targeting a particular group of people. My focus is on ensuring that all New Hampshire residents are treated fairly under the law. I do not support creating additional restrictions that divide communities or limit access for transgender individuals when there is little evidence that such measures address a widespread problem."

Candidate's Website, 2026

"I believe decisions regarding abortion are deeply personal and should be made by a woman in consultation with her family, her physician, and her faith if she chooses, not by politicians or religious organizations imposing their beliefs through law. I support guaranteeing access to abortion before 24 weeks gestation and repealing restrictions that could prevent women from obtaining necessary medical care later in pregnancy, particularly in cases involving severe medical complications, threats to the mother's health, or circumstances where a pregnancy is no longer viable. I do not support bans at 6 weeks, 15 weeks, or other arbitrary timelines that remove medical decision-making from patients and healthcare professionals. These are complex situations that require compassion, privacy, and access to safe medical care. While people may hold different personal and religious beliefs on abortion, I do not believe government should be making these deeply personal healthcare decisions on behalf of women and their families. My focus is on protecting individual rights, ensuring safe access to healthcare, and allowing medical decisions to remain between a patient and her doctor."

Candidate's Website, 2026

"I believe decisions regarding abortion are deeply personal and should be made by a woman in consultation with her family, her physician, and her faith if she chooses, not by politicians or religious organizations imposing their beliefs through law. I support guaranteeing access to abortion before 24 weeks gestation and repealing restrictions that could prevent women from obtaining necessary medical care later in pregnancy, particularly in cases involving severe medical complications, threats to the mother's health, or circumstances where a pregnancy is no longer viable. I do not support bans at 6 weeks, 15 weeks, or other arbitrary timelines that remove medical decision-making from patients and healthcare professionals. These are complex situations that require compassion, privacy, and access to safe medical care. While people may hold different personal and religious beliefs on abortion, I do not believe government should be making these deeply personal healthcare decisions on behalf of women and their families. My focus is on protecting individual rights, ensuring safe access to healthcare, and allowing medical decisions to remain between a patient and her doctor."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026

Should NH add an income tax on earned income?

"We need to restore the revenue resources that have been reduced or eliminated before anyone thinks of adding on something new. As one that has worked in business and finance, you always ensure that you have the revenue stream that is needed. You cannot reduce that stream and expect to continue with the same expenditures without some consequence of failing to meet one's budget, and be in the red."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026

Should New Hampshire lower business taxes?

"No, New Hampshire should not lower business taxes. In fact, I believe we need to restore the business tax rates that were previously reduced. Those revenues are important to maintaining the services, infrastructure, and programs that keep New Hampshire strong and help our economy grow. At the same time, we should do more to support small businesses and entrepreneurs. The goal should be to provide a hand up, not a handout. New and growing businesses need opportunities to succeed, and targeted support can help them get established and reach their full potential. I support creating policies that give small businesses relief and assistance until they reach a reasonable revenue or growth threshold. Once businesses are established and thriving, they can contribute their fair share to support the state and the communities in which they operate. The focus should be on building a strong economy that works for everyone by restoring a sustainable business tax structure while helping small businesses grow, create jobs, and succeed."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026

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

"No, I do not believe the state should do more to encourage or pressure municipalities to remove zoning barriers to housing development. Housing needs vary greatly from one community to another, and local residents should have the primary voice in determining how their communities grow and develop. A one-size-fits-all approach from Concord is not the answer. In communities like Dalton, where there is no zoning, the issue is not removing zoning barriers. The focus should be on supporting responsible growth, improving infrastructure, and creating opportunities for housing that fit the character and needs of the community. I support increasing housing availability, including workforce and affordable housing, but those decisions should be driven locally rather than mandated by the state. Municipalities understand their own challenges, resources, and priorities better than state government. The state's role should be to provide tools, resources, and incentives that help communities address their housing needs, not to override local decision-making. Local control and community input must remain at the center of any housing policy."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026

Should New Hampshire do more to encourage the development of nuclear power, including small modular reactors (SMR), in the state?

"Yes, I support exploring nuclear power, including Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), as part of New Hampshire's future energy portfolio, but only when backed by strong regulations, rigorous safety standards, and transparent public oversight. Having trained in the nuclear power field while serving in the U.S. Navy, I understand both the benefits and the responsibilities that come with nuclear energy. Nuclear power can provide reliable, large-scale electricity generation and may play an important role in meeting future energy demands, but it must never come at the expense of public safety. I am concerned about efforts to fast-track SMR development without first ensuring that appropriate regulatory frameworks, safety requirements, emergency preparedness plans, environmental protections, and long-term waste management standards are fully in place. Safety is not a secondary consideration. It must be the foundation of any nuclear energy policy. I support an energy strategy that includes renewable sources such as solar, hydroelectric, and other clean-energy technologies, while also evaluating advanced nuclear technologies responsibly. New Hampshire should pursue energy independence and reliability, but we must do so with proper safeguards and accountability. If nuclear power is going to be part of our future, it must be developed carefully, transparently, and under strict regulations that protect our communities, our environment, and future generations. Responsible development must come before rapid development."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026

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?

"Yes, I support expanding net energy metering opportunities in New Hampshire. Quite a few residents and businesses, especially here in the North Country, have made significant investments in solar energy to reduce their reliance on traditional power sources and lower their energy costs. They should have a fair opportunity to receive credit for the excess electricity they generate and return to the grid. Expanding the net metering capacity cap from 1 MW to 5 MW would encourage greater energy independence, support local investment in renewable energy, and help make solar projects more practical for both residential and commercial customers. It would also provide additional opportunities for communities, farms, and small businesses to manage their energy costs and become more self-sufficient. I believe New Hampshire should be creating opportunities, not barriers, for residents who want to invest in clean, locally generated energy. Expanding net metering is a common-sense way to support economic growth, strengthen energy resilience, and ensure that the North Country and all of New Hampshire have access to the benefits of solar power."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026

Should New Hampshire restore funding for the Office of the Child Advocate?

"Yes, I support restoring funding for the Office of the Child Advocate. The Office of the Child Advocate serves an important role in protecting some of New Hampshire's most vulnerable children. Its responsibility is to provide independent oversight of child welfare, juvenile justice, and youth care systems and to ensure that children's interests are being protected. While I understand the need for fiscal responsibility, protecting children should be a priority. When funding reductions limit the office's ability to perform its duties, it becomes harder to provide the oversight and accountability that families and taxpayers expect. I believe New Hampshire should restore the resources necessary for the Office of the Child Advocate to fully carry out its mission. Just as we expect accountability from government agencies, we should also ensure that independent oversight exists to identify problems early, improve services, and protect children who often have no voice of their own. Supporting the Office of the Child Advocate is not simply an expense. It is an investment in the safety, well-being, and future of New Hampshire's children."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026

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

"I believe decisions regarding abortion are deeply personal and should be made by a woman in consultation with her family, her physician, and her faith if she chooses, not by politicians or religious organizations imposing their beliefs through law. I support guaranteeing access to abortion before 24 weeks gestation and repealing restrictions that could prevent women from obtaining necessary medical care later in pregnancy, particularly in cases involving severe medical complications, threats to the mother's health, or circumstances where a pregnancy is no longer viable. I do not support bans at 6 weeks, 15 weeks, or other arbitrary timelines that remove medical decision-making from patients and healthcare professionals. These are complex situations that require compassion, privacy, and access to safe medical care. While people may hold different personal and religious beliefs on abortion, I do not believe government should be making these deeply personal healthcare decisions on behalf of women and their families. My focus is on protecting individual rights, ensuring safe access to healthcare, and allowing medical decisions to remain between a patient and her doctor."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026

Should New Hampshire reinstate the interest and dividends tax?

"Yes, New Hampshire should reinstate the Interest and Dividends Tax. We need to restore the Interest and Dividends Tax because it was a resource that helped support New Hampshire and its programs. This system was already in place, and it worked. The tax provided a source of revenue that helped fund important services while maintaining New Hampshire's commitment to limited broad-based taxation. Restoring this tax would bring back a proven funding mechanism that contributed to the state's financial stability. As New Hampshire faces growing needs for infrastructure, education, public safety, and services for residents, it makes sense to revisit a revenue source that was already part of the state's framework. Rather than creating something new, we should restore a system that had been in play and provided value. Reinstating the Interest and Dividends Tax would help ensure that New Hampshire has the resources needed to support its programs and meet future challenges responsibly."

Candidate's Website, 2026

"No, I do not support New Hampshire's current system of public school funding, where roughly two-thirds of the funding burden falls on local property taxpayers. This system places an unfair burden on homeowners, landowners, and local communities, resulting in significant differences in tax rates and educational resources from one town to another. Quality public education benefits the entire state and should not be funded primarily on the backs of local property taxpayers. I believe the responsibility for funding public education should be shared more fairly between local communities, the State of New Hampshire, and the federal government. The state has a constitutional obligation to provide an adequate education, and that responsibility should be reflected in a greater state contribution to school funding. A more balanced approach would help reduce pressure on local property taxes while ensuring that every student, regardless of where they live, has access to a quality education. We need a funding system that is fair, sustainable, and equitable for taxpayers, students, and communities across New Hampshire."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026

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

"I support legalizing recreational marijuana through licensed private businesses operating under strong state regulations. New Hampshire should learn from the regulated private-market systems used elsewhere in New England rather than establishing state-run cannabis stores. The state should provide strict oversight and enforce standards for testing, labeling, secure storage, responsible sales, and preventing access by minors. This approach would support local businesses while protecting public health and safety. The state should regulate the industry and hold businesses accountable, but it should not be in the business of selling cannabis itself. Therefore, I am for licensing growers and private retail locations and against establishing state-run cannabis stores. Personal home growing could also be permitted within reasonable limits and with appropriate safeguards."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026

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

"I support legalizing recreational marijuana through licensed private businesses operating under strong state regulations. New Hampshire should learn from the regulated private-market systems used elsewhere in New England rather than establishing state-run cannabis stores. The state should provide strict oversight and enforce standards for testing, labeling, secure storage, responsible sales, and preventing access by minors. This approach would support local businesses while protecting public health and safety. The state should regulate the industry and hold businesses accountable, but it should not be in the business of selling cannabis itself. Therefore, I am for licensing growers and private retail locations and against establishing state-run cannabis stores. Personal home growing could also be permitted within reasonable limits and with appropriate safeguards."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026

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

"I support legalizing recreational marijuana through licensed private businesses operating under strong state regulations. New Hampshire should learn from the regulated private-market systems used elsewhere in New England rather than establishing state-run cannabis stores. The state should provide strict oversight and enforce standards for testing, labeling, secure storage, responsible sales, and preventing access by minors. This approach would support local businesses while protecting public health and safety. The state should regulate the industry and hold businesses accountable, but it should not be in the business of selling cannabis itself. Therefore, I am for licensing growers and private retail locations and against establishing state-run cannabis stores. Personal home growing could also be permitted within reasonable limits and with appropriate safeguards."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026

Should New Hampshire require new voters to provide proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a birth certificate or passport, when registering to vote?

"Undecided, depending on how the requirement is implemented. I support maintaining the integrity of our elections and ensuring that only U.S. citizens are eligible to vote. However, New Hampshire already has processes in place that allow individuals to establish their citizenship through documents such as birth certificates, passports, or naturalization records when registering to vote. My concern is that any new requirement should not create unnecessary barriers for eligible voters. If an individual has previously registered and voted in New Hampshire or has already established their eligibility through another state's voter registration process, there should be a practical and efficient way to verify that information without placing additional burdens on the voter. I believe we can protect election integrity while also making sure qualified citizens are able to participate in the democratic process. The goal should be accurate voter rolls and secure elections, not creating obstacles for lawful voters who have already proven their eligibility. Any policy should balance election security, administrative efficiency, and voter access while avoiding unnecessary duplication of documentation requirements."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026

Should New Hampshire allow at least 10% of students in each school district to enroll in a different public school, regardless of where they live?

"No, not as a mandated statewide requirement. While families should have opportunities to find the best educational fit for their children, requiring every district to accept a minimum percentage of out-of-district students could create unintended consequences for local schools and taxpayers. School districts vary greatly in size, capacity, and resources, and decisions about enrollment should remain primarily at the local level. I support providing parents with options, but those options must be balanced with protecting the financial stability of local school districts and ensuring that existing students are not adversely affected. Any open enrollment program should be voluntary, based on available capacity, and structured in a way that is fair to both sending and receiving districts."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026

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

"I believe decisions regarding abortion are deeply personal and should be made by a woman in consultation with her family, her physician, and her faith if she chooses, not by politicians or religious organizations imposing their beliefs through law. I support guaranteeing access to abortion before 24 weeks gestation and repealing restrictions that could prevent women from obtaining necessary medical care later in pregnancy, particularly in cases involving severe medical complications, threats to the mother's health, or circumstances where a pregnancy is no longer viable. I do not support bans at 6 weeks, 15 weeks, or other arbitrary timelines that remove medical decision-making from patients and healthcare professionals. These are complex situations that require compassion, privacy, and access to safe medical care. While people may hold different personal and religious beliefs on abortion, I do not believe government should be making these deeply personal healthcare decisions on behalf of women and their families. My focus is on protecting individual rights, ensuring safe access to healthcare, and allowing medical decisions to remain between a patient and her doctor."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026

Should state law cap how much local school districts can increase their budget each year?

"No, I do not support a state-mandated cap on how much local school districts can increase their budget each year. Every school district faces different challenges, costs, and educational needs. A one-size-fits-all cap imposed by the state would limit the ability of local communities to make decisions that are in the best interest of their students and taxpayers. We already place too much of the burden for funding public education on local property taxpayers. Rather than restricting school districts with an arbitrary budget cap, we should focus on creating a more balanced funding partnership between local communities, the State of New Hampshire, and the federal government. I believe in fiscal responsibility and transparency, but those decisions should remain in the hands of local voters and school districts. Communities should have the flexibility to invest in their schools when necessary, while ensuring accountability for how taxpayer dollars are spent. The answer is not to impose state limits on local education budgets. The answer is to build a fairer funding system that reduces the burden on property owners while providing students with the resources they need to succeed."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026

Should NH pass stricter gun control laws?

"No, I do not believe New Hampshire needs stricter gun control laws simply for the sake of adding more laws. During my military career, I was trained in the proper handling, use, maintenance, and responsibility that comes with firearms. That experience taught me that owning a firearm also means accepting the responsibility to handle and store it safely. Hunting and responsible gun ownership are important traditions for quite a few New Hampshire residents, and I respect those traditions and the rights of lawful gun owners. At the same time, I strongly support firearm safety. We should be encouraging proper training, education, responsible handling, and secure storage of firearms, particularly in homes where children may be present. To me, responsible gun ownership and public safety are not opposing positions. They go hand in hand."