Page 14 - NLL - OCT2026

Page 14 NEWFOUNDLAKELIFE.COM October 2026 ElectionsRoger Larochelle is Running for the NH House
By RogeR laRoChelle
What kind of future do we want for our families, our towns, and the next generation? How can we work together—guided by traditional New Hampshire values of independence, fairness, and common sense—to build that future? These questions mo- tivate me as I seek to represent the people of Alexandria, Graf- ton, Groton, and Hebron as New Hampshire’s Grafton District 11
State Representative.
My name is Roger Larochelle,
and I am grateful for the opportu- nity to bring my experience build- ing community to this campaign for the NH House. There is much work to be done, and I am ready to help move us forward.
A native of New Hampshire with deep roots in our central NH communities, I live in Hebron in an old farmhouse with my wife, Jennifer. We have three children, two grandchildren, chickens, pigs,
and a small sugaring operation. I serve as moderator for Hebron and the Pasquaney School Dis- trict (SAU 108), general manager of the community supported Six Chimneys Tavern now under construction, and as a Trustee of the Hubbard Brook Research Foundation. I retired in 2024 after 22 years as executive director of the Squam Lakes Conservation Society, where I helped conserve thousands of acres in the region. Before that, I served as executive director of the Mayhew Program, helping boys throughout New Hampshire find their better selves. As a self-funded student at Plym- outh State College and a graduate of UNH, I appreciate the value of education. In short, I love the natural resources and people of this area, and I am grateful to call this place home.
Rising property taxes are the most common concern I hear from residents. State House pol- icies have contributed to a 70% statewide increase since 2020 by reducing revenue, including elim- inating the Interest and Dividends tax, lowering Business Enterprise taxes, and allocating more than $60,000,000 annually to Educa- tion Freedom Accounts, which can be used for religious and private schools with no income
it more difficult for the next gen- eration to remain or settle here.
Looking ahead, these trends threaten community stability. We must address the underlying causes and work together to forge solutions that work for the com- mon good and not just for the wealthy and large corporations.
Since 2020, the school-age population statewide has de- creased by 3%, while the cost of public education has risen 17%, driven largely by more expensive health insurance and the cost of federally mandated support for students with special needs. Yes, education costs have risen, but not nearly at the same rate as our property taxes. One area worthy of investment is to expand Career and Technical Education. Half of our high school students seeking this option are denied because there is no room.
I’ve heard other concerns from our citizens and share them: such as the high costs of food, electric- ity, fuel, housing, health care, and more. These are long-term chal- lenges. State House policies must address them strategically. New Hampshire has a long tradition of working through differences with civility and common sense, requiring thoughtful engagement and collaboration. I am running as a democrat but look forward to working across party lines. When a citizen recently asked why my handout does not specify a polit- ical party, I replied, “I’m here to serve people, not party.”
I’m grateful to live in this beau- tiful place and be a part of this community we call home. I stand ready to roll up my sleeves and do all I can to represent the interests of our communities. Together, we can have a government that lives up to “We the People.”
For more information, please visit rogerl4nh.com or send me a note at rogerl4nh@gmail.com.
— PAID POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENT —
ceiling. The result has been a downshifting of public education costs to towns, which are wholly reliant on property taxes for rev- enue.
Furthermore, rising property values have a negative impact on our reliance on property taxes to fund our public services. The av- erage home value in New Hamp- shire is now $580,000, and there is little sign that prices will level off. Together, these trends create two serious challenges:
• Longtime property owners, especially those on fixed incomes, are finding it harder to remain in their homes and stay rooted in the communities they helped build.
• Young homebuyers are being priced out of the market, making
Hard Working Compassionate Fiscally Prudent Community Minded Nurse for 42 Years Former School
Board Member
“I would appreciate your vote Nov. 3!”
Get more info /donate
KatieHedberg.org
Lorem
Paid for by
Committee to Elect Katie Hedberg • Deborah Reynolds, Treasurer • PO Box 62 • Plymouth, NH 03264
PAID FOR BY AUBREY FREEDMAN
— PAID POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENT —