Michael P. Aksten

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?

"State education dollars should primarily support New Hampshire's public schools, which are accountable to taxpayers and serve every student. Families absolutely have the right to choose private or home education, but that choice should not come at the expense of the public education system. Public funds should remain focused on strengthening public schools and ensuring every child has access to a high-quality education."

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 issue cannot be reduced to a simple yes or no answer. Questions involving biological sex, gender identity, privacy, safety, and civil rights deserve thoughtful, evidence-based policymaking rather than broad political slogans. I support protecting every person's dignity, privacy, and safety while ensuring New Hampshire's anti-discrimination protections remain fair, balanced, and consistent with constitutional rights. Solutions should be informed by facts, legal precedent, and the people most directly affected."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026

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

"I support a woman's right to make her own reproductive healthcare decisions in consultation with her family, faith, and medical providers, not politicians. Government should not substitute its judgment for deeply personal medical decisions. I support preserving access to reproductive healthcare, including abortion, and I support maintaining exceptions in cases involving rape, incest, threats to the life or health of the pregnant person, and other serious medical circumstances. Decisions of this nature belong to the individual, not the Legislature."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026

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

"I support a woman's right to make her own reproductive healthcare decisions in consultation with her family, faith, and medical providers, not politicians. Government should not substitute its judgment for deeply personal medical decisions. I support preserving access to reproductive healthcare, including abortion, and I support maintaining exceptions in cases involving rape, incest, threats to the life or health of the pregnant person, and other serious medical circumstances. Decisions of this nature belong to the individual, not the Legislature."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026

Should NH add an income tax on earned income?

"New Hampshire's lack of a broad-based income tax has long been part of the state's identity and economic competitiveness. I do not support creating a tax on earned income. Instead, I believe we should focus on responsible budgeting, growing our economy, and making strategic investments that strengthen our workforce and communities without shifting the burden onto working families."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026

Should New Hampshire lower business taxes?

"I support a competitive business climate, but tax policy should be balanced with the state's responsibility to fund essential services, infrastructure, education, public health, and public safety. Any proposed business tax reductions should be carefully evaluated based on their fiscal impact, long term sustainability, and demonstrated benefit to New Hampshire's economy. Blanket tax cuts without a responsible funding strategy are not sound public policy."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026

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

"New Hampshire is facing a significant housing shortage that requires action. I support encouraging municipalities to expand housing opportunities while respecting local planning and community input. The state should provide incentives, technical assistance, and planning resources rather than imposing blanket mandates. The goal should be increasing the availability of workforce, affordable, and senior housing through collaboration between the state and local communities."

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?

"Nuclear energy is one of the cleanest, most reliable sources of large-scale electricity available today and should be part of New Hampshire's long term energy strategy. I support continued investment in advanced nuclear technologies, including Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), alongside renewable energy sources. At the same time, we must modernize our aging electric grid so it can safely and efficiently support future energy demands."

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?

"I support an evidence-based approach to energy policy. Any expansion of New Hampshire's net metering program should be evaluated based on its impact on ratepayers, grid reliability, affordability, and long-term sustainability. I would support policies that demonstrate measurable public benefit while ensuring costs are distributed fairly among all utility customers."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026

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

"Absolutely. The Office of the Child Advocate provides independent oversight to help protect the health, safety, and wellbeing of children involved with state systems. Restoring this funding strengthens transparency, accountability, and public confidence while ensuring that vulnerable children continue to have an independent voice advocating for their best interests."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026

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

"I support a woman's right to make her own reproductive healthcare decisions in consultation with her family, faith, and medical providers, not politicians. Government should not substitute its judgment for deeply personal medical decisions. I support preserving access to reproductive healthcare, including abortion, and I support maintaining exceptions in cases involving rape, incest, threats to the life or health of the pregnant person, and other serious medical circumstances. Decisions of this nature belong to the individual, not the Legislature."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026

Should New Hampshire reinstate the interest and dividends tax?

"The Interest and Dividends Tax has been fully repealed. Rather than revisiting taxes that have already been eliminated, I believe the Legislature should focus on stable budgeting, economic growth, and ensuring New Hampshire remains an attractive place to live, work, and invest."

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?

"New Hampshire's current education funding system places an unequal burden on local property taxpayers while creating significant disparities between communities. Every child deserves access to a quality public education regardless of their ZIP code. I support pursuing a more equitable, sustainable funding model that reduces reliance on local property taxes while maintaining local input and accountability."

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 the legalization and responsible regulation of adult recreational marijuana. New Hampshire is increasingly an outlier in New England, and prohibition has not proven to be an effective public policy. I support allowing responsible adults to possess, cultivate limited amounts for personal use, and purchase cannabis through a regulated, licensed private marketplace.

" I do not believe the state should become a cannabis retailer. Instead, the state's role should be to establish a strong regulatory framework that protects public health, keeps cannabis out of the hands of minors, promotes consumer safety through testing and labeling, and ensures businesses operate responsibly"

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026

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

"I support the legalization and responsible regulation of adult recreational marijuana. New Hampshire is increasingly an outlier in New England, and prohibition has not proven to be an effective public policy. I support allowing responsible adults to possess, cultivate limited amounts for personal use, and purchase cannabis through a regulated, licensed private marketplace.

" I do not believe the state should become a cannabis retailer. Instead, the state's role should be to establish a strong regulatory framework that protects public health, keeps cannabis out of the hands of minors, promotes consumer safety through testing and labeling, and ensures businesses operate responsibly"

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026

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

"I support the legalization and responsible regulation of adult recreational marijuana. New Hampshire is increasingly an outlier in New England, and prohibition has not proven to be an effective public policy. I support allowing responsible adults to possess, cultivate limited amounts for personal use, and purchase cannabis through a regulated, licensed private marketplace.

" I do not believe the state should become a cannabis retailer. Instead, the state's role should be to establish a strong regulatory framework that protects public health, keeps cannabis out of the hands of minors, promotes consumer safety through testing and labeling, and ensures businesses operate responsibly"

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?

"New Hampshire already has safeguards in place to protect the integrity of our elections. Instances of voter fraud are exceedingly rare and do not justify creating additional barriers that could prevent eligible citizens from exercising their constitutional right to vote. I support maintaining secure, accurate voter rolls while ensuring the registration process remains accessible to every eligible voter. Election policy should be driven by evidence, not by fear or political rhetoric. If problems arise, they should be addressed with targeted solutions based on documented facts, not broad restrictions that make voting more difficult for lawful citizens."

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 should primarily serve the communities they are established to educate. Expanding unrestricted cross district enrollment risks placing additional strain on districts, creating funding inequities, and weakening local planning. I believe our priority should be strengthening every public school so families have confidence in the schools serving their own communities."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026

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

"I support a woman's right to make her own reproductive healthcare decisions in consultation with her family, faith, and medical providers, not politicians. Government should not substitute its judgment for deeply personal medical decisions. I support preserving access to reproductive healthcare, including abortion, and I support maintaining exceptions in cases involving rape, incest, threats to the life or health of the pregnant person, and other serious medical circumstances. Decisions of this nature belong to the individual, not the Legislature."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026

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

"A one size fits all state mandate does not account for the unique needs of individual school districts. Local communities should retain the flexibility to make informed decisions about their educational investments while remaining accountable to taxpayers through the local budget process. Fiscal responsibility is essential, but arbitrary state-imposed caps could limit a district's ability to respond to changing enrollment, staffing, safety, or educational needs."

Citizens Count Issue Survey, 2026

Should NH pass stricter gun control laws?

"I support the Second Amendment and the rights of responsible firearm owners. I also believe we have a responsibility to keep firearms out of the hands of individuals who present a clear danger to themselves or others. I support commonsense measures such as comprehensive background checks, safe storage initiatives, and laws designed to prevent dangerous individuals from obtaining firearms. Firearms designed primarily for rapid, highvolume fire deserve additional scrutiny, as they go well beyond the needs of hunting or traditional sporting use."