Democratic and Republican candidates from Bedford running for seats in the New Hampshire House of Representatives were asked questions on what they hope to accomplish, if elected.

On Tuesday, Nov. 4, voters will be asked to choose six of the following 12 candidates. Currently, five Republican incumbents are vying for re-election. State Representative Mark Clark is not running for re-election.

Here’s what the candidates had to say. They are listing in alphabetical order:

John Cebrowski
John Cebrowski, Republican

Address: 54 Buttonwood Road, Bedford

Occupation: Retired Q. What is your personal and professional background? A. I have degrees in electrical engineering from Rochester Institute of Technology, in industrial design from Rhode Island School of Design, and in marketing management from Northwestern University.

I served our country as a Marine Corps officer and pilot in Vietnam, where I was awarded a Bronze Star and five air medals.

Additional management and leadership skills were accrued at Xerox, U.S. Surgical, General Electric and Solarex. I’m a broadly published author and have taught marketing at SNHU.

My community involvement includes the Bedford Republican Committee, VFW, Bedford Men’s Club, Knights of Columbus, Meals-on-Wheels, District Export Council and Citizen’s Democracy Corps.

Amanda and I have four daughters and 11 grandchildren.

Q. As a state representative, what bills would you sponsor and support?

A. Faith, family and country represent my core values. Local control, low taxes and small government represent my political bias.

I will vigorously support well-crafted bills of broad benefit that reflect time-honored values, assist families, strengthen education, satisfy veterans’ needs, unemcumber small business, aid seniors and the vulnerable, foster business development, are sensitive to the environment and are aligned with New Hampshire tradition.

I will take a rifle, not a shotgun, approach to bill sponsorship, and I’ll do that in a studied, thoughtful way leaning heavily on inputs from Bedford residents. The Legislature’s history is “bill overload,” a problem I will not exacerbate.

Q. On which N.H. House committees would you like to serve and why?

A. I would like to serve on committees that leverage my knowledge and passions, such as committees involved with education, health care, veterans, senior and disabled citizens, energy and the environment. Committees that have a history of ineptitude, infighting or sluggishness, where fresh leadership would be valued, would be of interest because my track record is one of being a positive change agent.

I hope that the deciding leadership in Concord puts its best people on committees associated with major opportunities rather than problems—which is the way great businesses operate, and I hope that I earn the right to be on those committees.

Q. What is your view on taxing personal income in New Hampshire?

A. I do not favor a sales, income or other broadly based personal tax. The issue in New Hampshire is undisciplined spending. I am a fiscal conservative who believes in adherence to rigorous budgetary and spending prioritization processes.

Valid scrutinized “needs” must trump selfish emotional “wants.” That takes leadership. We must strive to further differentiate New Hampshire in ways that make it an even more attractive investment target for business and an appealing domicile for residents. Taxing and spending discipline is one way to do that. I would appreciate your vote so that I may utilize my leadership and talents to be a responsible steward of the revenues of our great state.

Nancy Glennan-Brethauer

Nancy Glennan-Brethauer, Democrat

Address: 14 Blackbird Drive, Bedford

Occupation: Kindergarten teacher/speech-language pathologist

Q. What is your personal and professional background?

A. I grew up in a small town in Ohio, but have lived in Bedford for 28 years. I have been married to Dr. Robert Brethauer for 36 years, and we have raised two daughters, Abby and Molly, in Bedford. I love the outdoors and enjoy skiing, tennis and biking.

I am a speech-language patholoigist with a bachelor’s degree from Kent State University, a master’s degree from Michigan State University and have completed post-graduate work at Case Western Reserve University.

I have worked in various settings, including Easter Seals, Catholic Medical Center and the Bedford Early Education Program (BEEP). I currently teach kindergarten at Bedford Village Morning School.

Q. As a state representative, what bills would you sponsor and support?

A. At this point in time, I am nor sure what bills I would sponsor or support. I feel that is something that will be determined by what is happening in the state. I do know that with our current financial situation, it will be important to be fiscally responsible in determining our state budget. It will be important to have representatives in office who will look at our state’s spending and be able to make intelligent and responsible cuts that will impact the state minimally.

In balancing a budget, especially in difficult financial times, it is impossible to make everyone satisfied.

I do promise to be thoughtful and to make cuts that have the least impact on the majority of my constituents.

Q. On which N.H. House committees would you like to serve and why?

A. • Education Committee because of my education background, both academically and professionally, plus I feel that education is extremely important to the future of our state and nation. Solving the educational funding issue and providing more than an adequate education to our children is critical to New Hampshire’s future development.

• Environment and Agriculture Committee and/or Science Technology and Energy Committee because the environment and energy issues are of interest to me, and I feel that they are of utmost importance to our state, which relies so heavily on tourism as a source of income.

• Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs because it is important to every individual in New Hampshire.

Q. What is your view on taxing personal income in New Hampshire?

A. The citizens of New Hampshire have made it clear that they do not want a broadbased tax, and I would support that viewpoint. In a state without broad-base taxes, the politicians need to be creative, intelligent and unafraid to make hard decisions, while at the same time doing what is best for the majority of its residents. I would love the opportunity to accept this challenge.

John A. Graham

John A. Graham, Republican, incumbent

Address: 8 Ministerial Circle, Bedford

Occupation: Retired from the U.S. Army

Q. What is your personal and professional background?

A. A native of Lexington, Mass., and a graduate of Boston University. Additionally, I have graduate degrees in management and history. Upon graduation, entered the U.S. Army, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. I moved to Bedford in 1996.

I am an active member of several local organizations, including the American Legion, the VFW and the Bedford Men’s Club. Served one three-year term as one of the trustees of the trust fund.

I was first elected to the New Hampshire House in 2000. My voting record as well as what bills I have sponsored is available at www.gencourt.state. nh.us/ns.

Q. As a state representative, what bills would you sponsor and support?

A. A major priority will be to ensure that the improvements for Route 101 through town are included in the next 10-year highway plan. To help alleviate future problems, I will introduce legislation clarifying the procedures for adding and deleting projects from this plan. Additionally, I will continue my efforts on incorporating alternative energy sources, such as geo-thermal, into all new capital projects. Finally, we need to come to grips with funding for education. I have, and will, support a constitutional amendment that allows targeted aid to those communities that require additional assistance, provided that it stipulates an adequate per-pupil allocation be made to every school district.

Q. On which N.H. House committees would you like to serve and why?

A. For the last eight years I have served on the Public Works and Highways Committee, and anticipate serving on the same committee for the next two years. This committee controls both the capital budget (i.e., the maintenance and construction of state facilities) and the 10-year Transportation Plan. I have gained extensive expertise in both of these areas, and continuing to serve on this committee would make the maximum use of this knowledge. If asked, I would consider serving on either Finance or Ways and Means committees to help control spending and/or taxes.

Q. What is your view on taxing personal income in New Hampshire?

A. I have consistently voted against the establishment of an income tax, and pledge to do so if I am re-elected. An income tax would fundamentally change the character of our state, and in my opinion, for the worse. And it is doubtful that it would achieve the desired effect of substantially lowering property taxes. One only has to look at the example of states such as Connecticut to see that the imposition of an income tax had little long-term effect on local property taxes.

Jerry Hanauer

Jerry Hanauer, Democrat

Address: 20 Highland Farms Drive, Bedford

Occupation: Photographer, specializing in photographic restorations; retired federal employee, Federal Housing Administration.

Q. What is your personal and professional background?

A. I am married to Benette McEwan Hanauer and we have lived in Bedford since 1984. We have two adult daughters; one lives here in Bedford with her two children. I am active in the Bedford Rotary Club and served as its president in 2005- 06. I serve on the Board of the Bedford Library Foundation and volunteer in BCTV productions.

I enjoy hiking, bicycling and bridge. During my 30-year federal career, I oversaw local spending of community development funds; I sold real estate and managed the underwriting of federal mortgage loans and loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration.

Q. As a state representative, what bills would you sponsor and support?

A. I’m most interested in resolving the public school funding issue in a manner that avoids the need for any broadbased tax. This can be done by reviving Constitutional Amendment Concurrent Resolution 34, which was supported by Gov. Lynch, but defeated in the last legislative session. This solution, known as disparity aid, would: 1.) Give sole power and obligation to the Legislature to define the cost per student of a reasonable standard of education; and 2.) Require the Legislature to raise for each SAU only that amount, if any, that each district could not reasonably raise through its own property taxes.

Q. On which N.H. House committees would you like to serve and why?

A. Because of my interest in resolving the school funding issue, I would like to serve on the Education Committee. With my 30 years of experience working at the federal level, I believe I would be a valuable member of the State Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs Committee. Getting our fair share of federal resources will be important in the upcoming lean state budget cycles.

Q. What is your view on taxing personal income in New Hampshire?

A. I find the idea abhorrent.

Ken Hawkins
Ken Hawkins, Republican, incumbent

Address: 1 Barrington Drive, Bedford

Occupation: Retired

Q. What is your personal and professional background?

A. I have lived in Bedford since 1978. I have been married to my wife, Joyce, for 40 years, and we have two children and four grandchildren. I coached softball, baseball, soccer and basketball with my children, and even after they had moved on. I was president of the men’s basketball league for 12 years. I have been president and other various board positions of the Bedford Men’s Club since 1980.

I have been on the Board of Bedford Off Broadway for over 10 years, and we have contributed over $150,000 to renovations at the Old Town Hall. I served in the Marine Corps from 1965-68.

I was a regional manager of a software company, responsible for sales and service for the Eastern United States.

Q. As a state representative, what bills would you sponsor and support?

A. I will be filing legislation limiting pension payments for state workers, teachers, fire and police to be no more than 100 percent of base pay. Also, I will be filing legislation regarding an issue that was brought to me by a constituent regarding keeping building records. Currently, it requires the town to keep blueprints of a building for the life of the building. It is becoming a expense to the town because of extra storage space needed.

Q. On which N.H. House committees would you like to serve and why?

A. I currently serve on the House Executive Departments and Administration Committee (four years). This committee deals with the New Hampshire retirement system, all professions that are licensed, registered or certified. This includes doctors, dentists, plumbers, electricians, plus probably at least 100 more. We also deal with gambling issues such as Texas Hold ’em, etc. I have worked very hard to understand the intricacies of each of these professions, and how the retirement system works. I am also on the Employee Classification and Pay Committee, which deals with commissioners’ salaries and other non-exempt positions.

Q. What is your view on taxing personal income in New Hampshire?

A. I oppose an income or sales tax. I am also opposed to any other tax increase such as deed registration, etc. I am also opposed to any new mandates that will affect local taxpayers or health insurance payments based upon forcing insurance companies to cover new procedures.

Bob Jones

Bob Jones, Democrat 11 Birkdale Road, Bedford

Occupation: Retired engineer

Q. What is your personal and professional background?

A. I have been a resident of Bedford almost 25 years. I’m married to Happy Beale; we share five children and seven grandchildren. I am a retired engineer and an active community volunteer.

Education: bachelor of arts degree, Bowdoin College; master’s degree in engineering-economic systems, Stanford University.

Community service: Chairman, Bedford Land Trust; vicechairman, Massabesic Audubon Center Advisory Council, and the Bedford Democrats; volunteer educator for Audubon and NHF&G. I sing with the Manchester Choral Society, and serve on the board of the New Hampshire Friendship Chorus.

Choir and Endowment Board member at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, Goffstown. I have been endorsed by the New Hampshire Sierra Club.

Q. As a state representative, what bills would you sponsor and support?

A. There are four key New Hampshire issues: energy, environment, education and health care.I support incentives to individuals and businesses to move to renewable alternative energy sources, particularly geo-thermal, solar and wind.

The New Hampshire environment is our true New Hampshire advantage. I support legislation to preserve and protect this unique natural heritage so that it is here for our children and grandchildren.

I support funding adequate education for all children in the state, wherever they live.

Finally, I support legislation to guarantee health care to all children and all seniors in New Hampshire. We must protect the most vulnerable of our citizens.

Q. On which N.H. House committees would you like to serve and why?

A. My engineering background and training qualifies me particularly for work on the Science, Technology and Energy Committee. This is one of the key committees for work on both the energy and environmental concerns of NH.

I would also like serving on the Fish and Game Committee and the Environment and Agriculture Committee. I believe it is crucial that we work now to preserve and protect our forests, farms and watersheds.

Finally, I would like to work with the Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs Committee, to help protect the safety, dignity, and health of all new Hampshire people.

Q. What is your view on taxing personal income in New Hampshire?

A. No one likes taxes, but they are one of the certainties. Because we all share in both the pain and the benefits of taxes, they must, above all else, be reasoned and fair.

Is our New Hampshire tax system reasoned and fair? We need to think hard about this, not rant and pledge, think. Almost all of our educational budget comes from property tax, and 30 percent of the general non-education budget comes from New Hampshire businesses. This is not a New Hampshire advantage to homeowners or businesses.

I do not advocate an income tax, but I refuse to stifle discussion.

Ed Moran

Ed Moran, Republican, incumbent

Address: 19 Ministerial Road

Occupation: Investments

Q. What is your personal and professional background?

A. Married, six children, 30- year Bedford resident, retired attorney. Several terms Bedford Town Council, served interim appointments on Bedford School Board and Bedford Library. Currently serving fifth term representing Bedford in New Hampshire House of Representatives; Trustee Bedford Library and alternate to Southern New Hampshire Planning Commission.

Q. As a state representative, what bills would you sponsor and support?

A. Support for specific legislation is a function of the wording, but as a general comment, I intend to sponsor legislation that would require results measurements be attached to laws we make, so both the public and future legislatures will be able to better evaluate the efficacy of the various public policy initiatives.

Did the law work as intended or was it counterproductive? Was it implemented in a cost-effective manner? Is it still viable or has it served its purpose, etc. Unfortunately, there are myriad issues requiring attention, and begging resolution. The Legislature needs to focus more on practical policies and less on social engineering, particularly in light of the magnitude of the gathering economic storm.

Q. On which N.H. House committees would you like to serve and why?

A. I have spent five terms on the House Children and Family Law Committee, two terms as its chairman, and would choose to continue on that committee. I believe the success of a society depends in large measure on the character and culture families instill in their young.

Q. What is your view on taxing personal income in New Hampshire?

A. I feel taxes on personal income have proven to be both intrusive and unreliable. We live in an era of eroding personal privacy, and to voluntarily allow a government the right to both audit and attach virtually all our assets to satisfy some misguided egalitarian notion is a mistake. When the economic cycle turns down, income tax revenues turn down and the federal government, as well as income tax states like California, Massachusetts and New Jersey (highest property taxes in U.S.), experience the resulting huge financial holes. New Hampshire, over a long period of time, managed without resorting to either a sales or income tax, because, unlike much of America, it had been willing to balance resources with obligations.

Kristie Guerin Poltronieri

Kristie Guerin Poltronieri, Democrat

Address: 15 John Goffe Drive

Occupation: Homemaker, graphic designer/artist Q. What is your personal and professional background? A. Mother of two (4- and 2- year-old sons), married to Daniel Poltronieri, for seven years. A lifelong New Hampshire resident, originally from Berlin, but also lived in Keene, Hampton and Manchester, and moved to Bedford in June 2007. Attended Keene State College from 1993- 98. Studied elementary education, art history, fine art (studio classes), graphic design, French language, journalism and many general courses. College clubs: The Equinox (campus newspaper), yearbook staff, Art Collective, and sorority member of Tau Phi Xi. While a full-time student in college, I managed two separate jobs in food industry, totaling 40 hours a week and achieved dean’s list. Hard work and dedication are my grassroots.

Worked as supervisor/graphic artist at AGNE from 1998 to 2004, left to stay home and raise a family.

Q. As a state representative, what bills would you sponsor and support?

A. Moving forward with bipartisan logical strategies. I support civil unions and all human rights. We are living in a free country and we should all have the same civil liberties.

Some examples of the bills I would support: education (HB1482); health care (HB1418); pro-choice; environmental/ energy (HB 1268); animal rights (HB1522; HB1430; HB1314; and HB1143). I’d also support HB1187, HB1422, HB1528, HB1623 and especially HB1222; and implementing more cell phone laws while driving.

Q. On which N.H. House committees would you like to serve and why?

A. Committees strive to serve – Education: Building blocks to the nation and the force that drives us. Environment and Agriculture: Belief in the green laws and alternative energy sources. Health, Human Services and Elderly Affairs: We are all humans sharing this earth and deserving health care, respect and civil freedoms.

Q. What is your view on taxing personal income in New Hampshire?

I do not believe in taxing personal income or a sales tax.

Tourists/visitors come to New Hampshire to shop because we don’t have a sales tax, and this brings more money to our local economy.

Jayne Spaulding

Jayne Spaulding, Republican, incumbent

Address: 18 Brick Mill Road

Occupation: Owner of Jayne Spaulding Design LLC, a garden design company.

Q. What is your personal and professional background?

A. I have lived in Bedford with my husband, Rik, and three children for 17 years. I am very active in the community through the Bedford Land Trust, Bedford Garden Club, Bedford Village Common Committee, Bedford Republican Committee, and Therapy Dogs International.

I also support the Animal Rescue League, Bedford Cross Country, and am co-chairman of the Joppa Hill Silo Restoration Project. Earned a bachelor of arts degree, Case Western Reserve University; a master of business administration, Chapman University, not completed.

Q. As a state representative, what bills would you sponsor and support?

A. I would like to see the “view tax” repealed. This law taxes a property owner for the scenic view, even when the scenic land is owned by someone else. This law is particularly harmful to farmers and rural landowners who live in the often beautiful countryside and are forced to pay an extra tax for that beauty. Owners of apple orchards, for example, have been hit hard by this tax, often being forced to sell their land.

Q. On which N.H. House committees would you like to serve and why?

A. • Children and Family Law. I have been on this committee for two years, chairing several subcommittees and serving on a study committee over the summer.

• Resources, Recreation and Development. I have a strong interest in land use and conservation. New Hampshire’s natural resources are our most valuable assets, vital for our personal and economic well-being.

Q. What is your view on taxing personal income in New Hampshire? A. I am strongly opposed.

Adding a sales or income tax is not the answer to New Hampshire’s current budget crisis. We need to drastically cut spending, taking an especially close look at departments that consume the largest part of the budget. A sales or income tax would not mean our property taxes would go down, it simply means the taxpayer will be saddled with another financial burden.

Stephanie Willer
Stephanie Willer, Democrat

Address: 16 Canterbury Lane

Occupation: Accountant

Q. What is your personal and professional background?

A. I have been a resident of Bedford for the past 11 years, after moving here form Phoenix.

I’m married to Dr. Robert Willer and have two daughters in the Bedford public school system. I hold a bachelor’s degree of science in accounting. I’m a CPA with over 20 years of financial work experience, six years of which was as business manger in public school districts in Phoenix. I have served on Bedford’s PTG Board, Riddle Brook C.A.R.E. Team, as a Girl Scout leader and a fundraiser for the local Red Cross.

Q. As a state representative, what bills would you sponsor and support?

A. My No. 1 priority would be to help support and sponsor legislation that would fund the education of our children while fairly protecting the New Hampshire taxpayer. The 2007 legislative body of New Hampshire resolved the definition of an adequate education and the 2008 body provided us with a costing formula. The 2009 legislative body will need to determine how it will be funded. I believe with my financial background and work experience as a school business manager, I can help in resolving this difficult problem.

I would support legislation that would lead to a cleaner and more energy independent New Hampshire, such as HB-1628 and the Regional Green House Gas Initiative (REGI).

Q. On which N.H. House committees would you like to serve and why?

A. The committees I would be interested in serving on would be education, budget, energy or environment. My reasons for these committees are based on my professional background.

Also, being a mom, it’s important to me that our children are able to inherit a New Hampshire that is clean, energy independent and affordable to live in.

Q. What is your view on taxing personal income in New Hampshire?

A. Over the past few months, I have spoken with many friends and neighbors about the taxing of our personal income. This is one of the biggest concerns facing the taxpayers of Bedford and New Hampshire. I stand in opposition of sales and income taxes.

This is not the New Hampshire way. Our community and state has prided itself on being business and money smart. It’s very important to maintain the New Hampshire advantage of no sales or income tax.

Moe Villeneuve

Moe Villeneuve, Republican, incumbent

Address: 146 County Road

Occupation: Retired

Q. What is your personal and professional background?

A. Korean War veteran, and worked 35 years as a union iron worker.

Q. As a state representative, what bills would you sponsor and support?

A. I would sponsor a bill to fix eminent domain. I will sponsor legislation for students’ rights and religious expression in schools.

Q. On which N.H. House committees would you like to serve and why?

A. Criminal Justice Committee, where I served my first term as state representative and enjoyed it a lot.

Q. What is your view on taxing personal income in New Hampshire?

A. I would vote no on taxing personal income in New Hampshire. (Democratic candidate Isabel Partin did not respond to the survey.