2016 New Hampshire Candidate Survey EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. DISTRICT 5 Dan Weeks D Dave Wheeler R

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1 2016 New Hampshire Candidate Survey EXECUTIVE COUNCIL DISTRICT 1 Paul Carreiro R Mike Cryans D Joe Kenney R DISTRICT 3 Joshua Bourdon D Kevin Coyle R Russell Prescott R Beth Roth D DISTRICT 2 Sam Cataldo R Shawn Mickelonis D John Shea D DISTRICT 4 Jim Adams R Joseph Kelly Levasseur R Chris Papas D DISTRICT 5 Dan Weeks D Dave Wheeler R Click candidate s name to see individual s questionnaire responses (if we have received a response). Those candidates whose names are in red declined our invitation to respond.

2 NHADA 2016 Candidate Questionnaire Name: Michael Cryans Party: Democratic Independent Republican Candidate for: Executive Council District 1 mjcryans@hotmail.com Cell Phone: (603) Would you be willing to meet with NHADA and its local members to discuss issues and concerns? Yes No Motor Vehicle Specific Issues 1) Annual vehicle safety inspections not only save lives and make NH a safer place to live; inspections also save consumers money through preventive maintenance. Do you support NH keeping safety inspections annual, just as our neighboring states do? 2) The vehicle safety inspection process has been made electronic due to the federal Clean Air Act emissions testing (OBD II) requirement. Making the program electronic has increased efficiency, limited fraud, and protected consumers. Do you support continuing annual electronic OBD II emissions testing? 3) A motor vehicle dealer s relationship with manufacturers and distributors is governed by the NH Dealers Bill of Rights (RSA 357-C). The statute protects new motor vehicle dealers from unfair practices and wrongful threats of termination of a dealer s franchise agreement. This helps consumers and farmers as it fosters cooperation. The law has been amended in the past to deal with technology and new problems that have evolved. The relationship between a motor vehicle manufacturer and a franchised dealer is one that can best be described as a constant struggle. Would you be willing to work with motor vehicle dealers to see that provisions of RSA 357-C are fair and equitable for dealers and that provisions are updated for local businesses if necessary? 4) Currently, high school automotive career and technical education programs (CTE) and the NH Community College System have robust automotive education programs that serve as the life blood for a home grown NH automotive work force. However with the low unemployment rate and the high technical skills needed, the NH automotive industry and others like ours are struggling to fill positions with an educated and skilled workforce. Do you support making investments in our workforce through training and development of programs to ensure that the automotive industry is adequately staffed to meet the needs of the industry and consumer? NHADA Candidate Questionnaire, page 1 of 3, July 2016

3 5) Many businesses in NH, including the motor vehicle industry, have stated that the high cost of energy creates a large burden and halts growth and reinvestment. Recent events do not paint a near and easy solution for lowering our energy costs in NH. Do you believe that working with all stakeholders and coming up with a solution to our energy crisis is a critical issue impacting NH businesses? 6) Insurance companies operating in NH are prohibited by law from steering or directing consumers to certain collision repair facilities. This prohibition ensures insurance companies can t narrow the repair facility network and consumers can choose their repair shop. RSA 417:4 XX(c) states that insurers must offer independent collision repair shops fair and reasonable price or reimbursement for any and all work done. Unfortunately, this does not always happen. Would you support strengthening the laws and penalties affecting insurance companies that suppress labor reimbursement rates and practice steering of customers? 7) Over 30 states allow citizens to voluntarily register and title their vehicle electronically (EVR) at the point of sale. In 2011 NHADA supported a bill SB 156 (now law RSA 261:74) to create an EVR pilot program. However no vendors bid on the RFP mainly because the one-year exclusive contract was too short and changes needed to the temporary registration plates system. Do you support EVR For NH? Would you sponsor or co-sponsor such legislation? Not an issue that pertains to the Executive Council. 8) The NH Department of Safety and Division of Motor Vehicles partner with dealerships and inspection stations. Adequate staffing and resources at these departments is critical to the motor vehicle industry in NH. Do you support ensuring that the DOS is properly funded through the budget process per their requests to handle critical industry functions such as processing vehicle titles? 9) NH has many outdoor recreational opportunities that can serve as an economic engine for the state. Off highway recreational vehicles and snowmobiles are two major sources for that especially in northern NH. Would you sponsor legislation that will appropriately advance those recreational opportunities? Not an issue that pertains to the Executive Council. NHADA Candidate Questionnaire, page 2 of 3, July 2016

4 General Issues 10) Do you oppose a state income tax? Not an issue that pertains to the Executive Council. 11) Do you oppose a state sales tax? Not an issue that pertains to the Executive Council. 12) What are your plans to reduce health care costs for NH businesses? I am willing to consider any plans that come across for a vote in the Executive Council that I feel address the high health care costs for NH businesses.

5 NHADA 2016 Candidate Questionnaire Name: Jim Adams Party: Democratic Independent Republican Candidate for: Executive Council District 4 jsadams_51@msn.com Cell Phone: (603) Would you be willing to meet with NHADA and its local members to discuss issues and concerns? Yes No Motor Vehicle Specific Issues 1) Annual vehicle safety inspections not only save lives and make NH a safer place to live; inspections also save consumers money through preventive maintenance. Do you support NH keeping safety inspections annual, just as our neighboring states do? We must have a working partnership between Industry and State to make certain only safe vehicles are on the roads. 2) The vehicle safety inspection process has been made electronic due to the federal Clean Air Act emissions testing (OBD II) requirement. Making the program electronic has increased efficiency, limited fraud, and protected consumers. Do you support continuing annual electronic OBD II emissions testing? 3) A motor vehicle dealer s relationship with manufacturers and distributors is governed by the NH Dealers Bill of Rights (RSA 357-C). The statute protects new motor vehicle dealers from unfair practices and wrongful threats of termination of a dealer s franchise agreement. This helps consumers and farmers as it fosters cooperation. The law has been amended in the past to deal with technology and new problems that have evolved. The relationship between a motor vehicle manufacturer and a franchised dealer is one that can best be described as a constant struggle. Would you be willing to work with motor vehicle dealers to see that provisions of RSA 357-C are fair and equitable for dealers and that provisions are updated for local businesses if necessary? 4) Currently, high school automotive career and technical education programs (CTE) and the NH Community College System have robust automotive education programs that serve as the life blood for a home grown NH automotive work force. However with the low unemployment rate and the high technical skills needed, the NH automotive industry and others like ours are struggling to fill positions with an educated and skilled workforce. Do you support making investments in our workforce through training and development of programs to ensure that the automotive industry is adequately staffed to meet the needs of the industry and consumer? I believe that CTE programs are indeed the key to growing not only the Auto Industry but the building trades and other good paying jobs across the private sector. NHADA Candidate Questionnaire, page 1 of 3, July 2016

6 5) Many businesses in NH, including the motor vehicle industry, have stated that the high cost of energy creates a large burden and halts growth and reinvestment. Recent events do not paint a near and easy solution for lowering our energy costs in NH. Do you believe that working with all stakeholders and coming up with a solution to our energy crisis is a critical issue impacting NH businesses? One of the biggest reasons more businesses are either not coming to NH or present businesses are leaving is due in large part to the very high cost of energy. 6) Insurance companies operating in NH are prohibited by law from steering or directing consumers to certain collision repair facilities. This prohibition ensures insurance companies can t narrow the repair facility network and consumers can choose their repair shop. RSA 417:4 XX(c) states that insurers must offer independent collision repair shops fair and reasonable price or reimbursement for any and all work done. Unfortunately, this does not always happen. Would you support strengthening the laws and penalties affecting insurance companies that suppress labor reimbursement rates and practice steering of customers? The Executive Council does not sponsor legislation. 7) Over 30 states allow citizens to voluntarily register and title their vehicle electronically (EVR) at the point of sale. In 2011 NHADA supported a bill SB 156 (now law RSA 261:74) to create an EVR pilot program. However no vendors bid on the RFP mainly because the one-year exclusive contract was too short and changes needed to the temporary registration plates system. Do you support EVR For NH? Would you sponsor or co-sponsor such legislation? 8) The NH Department of Safety and Division of Motor Vehicles partner with dealerships and inspection stations. Adequate staffing and resources at these departments is critical to the motor vehicle industry in NH. Do you support ensuring that the DOS is properly funded through the budget process per their requests to handle critical industry functions such as processing vehicle titles? 9) NH has many outdoor recreational opportunities that can serve as an economic engine for the state. Off highway recreational vehicles and snowmobiles are two major sources for that especially in northern NH. Would you sponsor legislation that will appropriately advance those recreational opportunities? NHADA Candidate Questionnaire, page 2 of 3, July 2016

7 General Issues 10) Do you oppose a state income tax? State government cannot grow faster than the people's ability to pay for it. More Control of the present spending is necessary as well as eliminating unnecessary redundant positions. This two- pronged approach will be an important first step. 11) Do you oppose a state sales tax? Same as above 12) What are your plans to reduce health care costs for NH businesses? Once again this is not within the purview of the Executive Council. However, as a taxpayer and interested parent and grandparent, See comments I believe this in must red below. fixed before it cripples the entire economy. Who knows better what NH needs regarding health care reform than the people of NH? Let there be competition among numerous providers, let them cross state lines and most importantly let the customer pick what type of coverage he or she wants because the present one size fits all, fits almost no one. Let the customers shop for their health insurance like they can for their Auto or Home owners. Let them pick the coverage they want, not one some progressive liberal thinks they need. This should be job one for the next Governor. Send Via Send via will attach this survey to an message that will be addressed to Dan Bennett, Once again this is not within the purview of the Executive Council. However, as a taxpayer and interested parent and grandparent, I believe this must be fixed before it cripples the entire economy. Who knows better what NH needs regarding health care reform than the people of NH? Let there be competition among numerous providers, let them cross state lines and most importantly let the customer pick what type of coverage he or she wants because the present one size fits all, fits almost no one. Let the customers shop for their health insurance like they can for their Auto or Home owners. Let them pick the coverage they want, not one some progressive liberal thinks they need. This should be job one for the next Governor.

8 NHADA 2016 Candidate Questionnaire Name: Joseph Kelly Levasseur Party: Democratic Independent Republican Candidate for: Executive Council Cell Phone: (603) Would you be willing to meet with NHADA and its local members to discuss issues and concerns? Yes No Motor Vehicle Specific Issues 1) Annual vehicle safety inspections not only save lives and make NH a safer place to live; inspections also save consumers money through preventive maintenance. Do you support NH keeping safety inspections annual, just as our neighboring states do? 2) The vehicle safety inspection process has been made electronic due to the federal Clean Air Act emissions testing (OBD II) requirement. Making the program electronic has increased efficiency, limited fraud, and protected consumers. Do you support continuing annual electronic OBD II emissions testing? 3) A motor vehicle dealer s relationship with manufacturers and distributors is governed by the NH Dealers Bill of Rights (RSA 357-C). The statute protects new motor vehicle dealers from unfair practices and wrongful threats of termination of a dealer s franchise agreement. This helps consumers and farmers as it fosters cooperation. The law has been amended in the past to deal with technology and new problems that have evolved. The relationship between a motor vehicle manufacturer and a franchised dealer is one that can best be described as a constant struggle. Would you be willing to work with motor vehicle dealers to see that provisions of RSA 357-C are fair and equitable for dealers and that provisions are updated for local businesses if necessary? 4) Currently, high school automotive career and technical education programs (CTE) and the NH Community College System have robust automotive education programs that serve as the life blood for a home grown NH automotive work force. However with the low unemployment rate and the high technical skills needed, the NH automotive industry and others like ours are struggling to fill positions with an educated and skilled workforce. Do you support making investments in our workforce through training and development of programs to ensure that the automotive industry is adequately staffed to meet the needs of the industry and consumer? NHADA Candidate Questionnaire, page 1 of 3, July 2016

9 5) Many businesses in NH, including the motor vehicle industry, have stated that the high cost of energy creates a large burden and halts growth and reinvestment. Recent events do not paint a near and easy solution for lowering our energy costs in NH. Do you believe that working with all stakeholders and coming up with a solution to our energy crisis is a critical issue impacting NH businesses? I own a restaurant in Manchester (Theos) and have owned one for 30 years. I know what the cost associated with energy is, more than many if not all candidates 6) Insurance companies operating in NH are prohibited by law from steering or directing consumers to certain collision repair facilities. This prohibition ensures insurance companies can t narrow the repair facility network and consumers can choose their repair shop. RSA 417:4 XX(c) states that insurers must offer independent collision repair shops fair and reasonable price or reimbursement for any and all work done. Unfortunately, this does not always happen. Would you support strengthening the laws and penalties affecting insurance companies that suppress labor reimbursement rates and practice steering of customers? As an attorney, property owner, and restaurant owner I have a lot of experience dealing with insurance companies. I understand what businesses go through. 7) Over 30 states allow citizens to voluntarily register and title their vehicle electronically (EVR) at the point of sale. In 2011 NHADA supported a bill SB 156 (now law RSA 261:74) to create an EVR pilot program. However no vendors bid on the RFP mainly because the one-year exclusive contract was too short and changes needed to the temporary registration plates system. Do you support EVR For NH? Would you sponsor or co-sponsor such legislation? 8) The NH Department of Safety and Division of Motor Vehicles partner with dealerships and inspection stations. Adequate staffing and resources at these departments is critical to the motor vehicle industry in NH. Do you support ensuring that the DOS is properly funded through the budget process per their requests to handle critical industry functions such as processing vehicle titles? I am always wary of adding more staff and the inherent costs to the state employment rolls ans taxes associated with bigger government, but I will look at any new hires with an open mind. 9) NH has many outdoor recreational opportunities that can serve as an economic engine for the state. Off highway recreational vehicles and snowmobiles are two major sources for that especially in northern NH. Would you sponsor legislation that will appropriately advance those recreational opportunities? NHADA Candidate Questionnaire, page 2 of 3, July 2016

10 General Issues 10) Do you oppose a state income tax? 11) Do you oppose a state sales tax? 12) What are your plans to reduce health care costs for NH businesses? Health Savings Accounts, more competition, incentives for employees to seek reduced cost health care. Send Via

11 NHADA 2016 Candidate Questionnaire Name: Chris Pappas Party: Democratic Independent Republican Candidate for: Executive Council Cell Phone: (603) Would you be willing to meet with NHADA and its local members to discuss issues and concerns? Yes No Motor Vehicle Specific Issues 1) Annual vehicle safety inspections not only save lives and make NH a safer place to live; inspections also save consumers money through preventive maintenance. Do you support NH keeping safety inspections annual, just as our neighboring states do? 2) The vehicle safety inspection process has been made electronic due to the federal Clean Air Act emissions testing (OBD II) requirement. Making the program electronic has increased efficiency, limited fraud, and protected consumers. Do you support continuing annual electronic OBD II emissions testing? We will likely see a contract extension or a new contract soon related to the testing program, and I would ne eager to receive input from dealers and service stations on this. 3) A motor vehicle dealer s relationship with manufacturers and distributors is governed by the NH Dealers Bill of Rights (RSA 357-C). The statute protects new motor vehicle dealers from unfair practices and wrongful threats of termination of a dealer s franchise agreement. This helps consumers and farmers as it fosters cooperation. The law has been amended in the past to deal with technology and new problems that have evolved. The relationship between a motor vehicle manufacturer and a franchised dealer is one that can best be described as a constant struggle. Would you be willing to work with motor vehicle dealers to see that provisions of RSA 357-C are fair and equitable for dealers and that provisions are updated for local businesses if necessary? 4) Currently, high school automotive career and technical education programs (CTE) and the NH Community College System have robust automotive education programs that serve as the life blood for a home grown NH automotive work force. However with the low unemployment rate and the high technical skills needed, the NH automotive industry and others like ours are struggling to fill positions with an educated and skilled workforce. Do you support making investments in our workforce through training and development of programs to ensure that the automotive industry is adequately staffed to meet the needs of the industry and consumer? I have seen this phenomenon in my own restaurant business. It is important that we don't price NH students out of an in-state education and make universities and community colleges more affordable. I support workforce development and skills training programs and would like to see more partnerships between our community college system and industries that need positions filled. NHADA Candidate Questionnaire, page 1 of 3, July 2016

12 5) Many businesses in NH, including the motor vehicle industry, have stated that the high cost of energy creates a large burden and halts growth and reinvestment. Recent events do not paint a near and easy solution for lowering our energy costs in NH. Do you believe that working with all stakeholders and coming up with a solution to our energy crisis is a critical issue impacting NH businesses? I think leaders and stakeholders need to continue to work in a bipartisan way to develop strategies that will lower energy costs, including support for renewable energy projects. 6) Insurance companies operating in NH are prohibited by law from steering or directing consumers to certain collision repair facilities. This prohibition ensures insurance companies can t narrow the repair facility network and consumers can choose their repair shop. RSA 417:4 XX(c) states that insurers must offer independent collision repair shops fair and reasonable price or reimbursement for any and all work done. Unfortunately, this does not always happen. Would you support strengthening the laws and penalties affecting insurance companies that suppress labor reimbursement rates and practice steering of customers? 7) Over 30 states allow citizens to voluntarily register and title their vehicle electronically (EVR) at the point of sale. In 2011 NHADA supported a bill SB 156 (now law RSA 261:74) to create an EVR pilot program. However no vendors bid on the RFP mainly because the one-year exclusive contract was too short and changes needed to the temporary registration plates system. Do you support EVR For NH? Would you sponsor or co-sponsor such legislation? I would support EVR, and I hope we see an item in the future on this. As a councilor, however, I wouldn't be in the position to sponsor legislation. 8) The NH Department of Safety and Division of Motor Vehicles partner with dealerships and inspection stations. Adequate staffing and resources at these departments is critical to the motor vehicle industry in NH. Do you support ensuring that the DOS is properly funded through the budget process per their requests to handle critical industry functions such as processing vehicle titles? 9) NH has many outdoor recreational opportunities that can serve as an economic engine for the state. Off highway recreational vehicles and snowmobiles are two major sources for that especially in northern NH. Would you sponsor legislation that will appropriately advance those recreational opportunities? As a member of the Executive Council, I would not be in a position to sponsor legislation. But I know that the expansion and maintenance of our trail network has provided a big boost to recreation. I will continue to support initiatives on the Council that are beneficial to the great tourism opportunities here in New Hampshire. NHADA Candidate Questionnaire, page 2 of 3, July 2016

13 General Issues 10) Do you oppose a state income tax? 11) Do you oppose a state sales tax? 12) What are your plans to reduce health care costs for NH businesses? As a business owner with more than 200 employees, I am very familiar with the cost burden that small businesses bear. I have supported the bipartisan NH Health Protection Program that will bring billions of dollars into our state over the next decade and is already reducing the number of ER visits and amount of uncompensated care. That is good news for the individual and group market. Choice and competition is critical to keeping rates down, and on the Council have supported initiatives that allow consumers to price shop health plans and medical procedures. Send Via