Kate Messner

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?

"The way the program is currently structured it is taking funds away from public schools, yet siphoning off services from the same when necessary or desired. We need to offer alternative methods of reaching students who do not thrive in the standard K – 12 public school setting, but not at the expense of those schools. Reasonable income guidelines for parents must be formulated and equivalent educational standards must be required of the organizations with results regularly reported in a transparent, public manner."

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?

"This is a pet ideological issue which should not be dictated by government."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026

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

"I support women's rights to reproductive freedom and do not support the government interfering with their and their doctors' decisions. "

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026

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

"I support women's rights to reproductive freedom and do not support the government interfering with their and their doctors' decisions. "

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026

Should NH add an income tax on earned income?

"The citizens of NH have made it very clear that they are not in support of an income tax. As I wish to support and represent the citizens, I would not support this. Representation means representing the will of the citizenry."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026

Should New Hampshire lower business taxes?

"My research has shown me that businesses are more concerned with having the trained, skilled employees to fill their open positions. That requires that their employees have affordable housing, decent wages and opportunities for child care. These things cost money and I believe businesses have a role to play in supporting that."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026

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

"It is no secret that there is an affordable housing shortage throughout the state and the country. Young people cannot afford homes of their own and are leaving the state as a result. We need to come up with ways for local governments to encourage and incentivize building affordable homes."

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?

"I strongly encourage that we consult the many experts we have in the state and region and develop a comprehensive statewide energy plan that considers all options, including nuclear. However, I'm also aware of the high cost of nuclear and know that SMRs are in their infancy and both the costs and risks are high. I also support renewables with battery backup and am aware of significant advancements in technology along these lines. All sources need to be considered, and studied carefully with the emphasis on lowering costs for consumers and minimizing risk."

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?

"It only makes sense to increase capacity, allowing for more energy production to the grid and thereby bringing costs down for consumers."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026

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

"I am a mother of 4 and grandmother of 7. Children are vulnerable and we have a responsibility to care for those in unfortunate circumstances. This is a small price to pay to avoid legal entanglements. The financial implications to the state of not having this position, and something going wrong (again), are enormous."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026

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

"I support women's rights to reproductive freedom and do not support the government interfering with their and their doctors' decisions."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026

Should New Hampshire reinstate the interest and dividends tax?

"My research has shown me that businesses are more concerned with having the trained, skilled employees to fill their open positions. That requires that their employees have affordable housing, decent wages and opportunities for child care. These things cost money and I believe businesses have a role to play in supporting that."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026

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 support the state contributing a higher percentage to education and taking some of the burden off the property tax payers. The way it is now creates animosity between the public and the school systems which is not healthy for the students nor the average taxpayer."

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 responsible use of marijuana by responsible adults so I have no problem with allowing folks to grow their own or to sell via public, regulated distribution centers such as we do for alcohol in NH – at state stores. I worry about private retail outlets maintaining quality standards and disregarding safety in favor of profits."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026

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

"I support responsible use of marijuana by responsible adults so I have no problem with allowing folks to grow their own or to sell via public, regulated distribution centers such as we do for alcohol in NH – at state stores. I worry about private retail outlets maintaining quality standards and disregarding safety in favor of profits."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026

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

"I support responsible use of marijuana by responsible adults so I have no problem with allowing folks to grow their own or to sell via public, regulated distribution centers such as we do for alcohol in NH – at state stores. I worry about private retail outlets maintaining quality standards and disregarding safety in favor of profits."

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?

"This is another pet ideological issue where our own Secretary of State has said there is no significant problem currently so why are we creating one? New voters should, and do provide proof of citizenship, but every time they go to the polls thereafter, they should not have to produce it. I support removing barriers to voting, especially for youth, not increasing them."

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?

"Public Schools have to budget far ahead. The ability of the students to come and go at will (along with their funding) doesn't acknowledge and appreciate this. School costs are rising: transportation, heating, health care just as they are for the rest of us. The brick-and-mortar needs of public schools (that cater to 90% of our students) don't disappear when the funds are removed for 10% of them who have opted to go elsewhere."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026

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

"I support women's rights to reproductive freedom and do not support the government interfering with their and their doctors' decisions. There are many late pregnancy problems that can occur and women and their doctors know what is best in any given situation – not state government."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026

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

"I support local communities making their own decisions, not a cookie-cutter solution at the state level that each town needs to fit into. Town Budget Committees and School Boards do a good job currently at bringing issues to the voters. Town and School deliberative sessions hash out whatever matters need to be resolved. Citizens come, listen and vote. This type of legislation at the state level would limit local choices and would most likely result in massive cuts to school programs that students and parents rely on."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026

Should NH pass stricter gun control laws?

"I support upholding the 2nd Amendment, but also favor red flag laws to protect those in abusive situations whose lives are in danger. I also support a ban on bump stocks and assault weapons as there is no reason for anyone other than law enforcement to be in possession of these. We have a tragic problem with mass shootings in this country and the ease with which people – even those who are mentally impaired – can access deadly weapons is not helping alleviate that. I believe we can come up with a compromise that allows for responsible gun ownership for sport but also protects our children - and all citizens from misuse and danger."

Candidate's Website, 2014

"Teacher's unions are to be commended for the benefits, protection and solidarity they offer their members. Any threat to minimizing their right to collectively bargain will not get my vote."

Other, 2013

Messner was rated 100% by NARAL Pro-Choice NH in 2013