Carla GerickePrimary Election 2022 Winner

If elected or re-elected, please describe legislation you expect to sponsor or co-sponsor.

I’m a small government proponent. I think we have too many laws already, and would pursue sunsetting or nullifying some. My legislation would be directed to expanding liberties found in the Live Free or Die State. 

What are the most important concerns you’ve heard from Manchester residents and how can you address those concerns if elected or re-elected?

Inflation/economy: reduce taxes to leave more money in the pockets of Granite Staters to spend on the things YOU want/need

Energy costs: NH’s energy market is a mess, with lots of room for savings; interested in pursuing clean green nuclear energy

School choice: Closed schools hurt our children; more educational options result in happier children and creates competition which leads to better outcomes at lower costs. 

Crime: Look at harm reduction bills.  

New Hampshire legislators are citizen legislators and being a legislator is a significant time commitment. How much time per week can you spend on legislative duties while the Senate/House is in session?

Full-time 

How do you feel the current divisive political climate in the United States will impact the New Hampshire General Court over the next two years and how would you navigate that divisiveness in your duties?

Great question! Much of the nastiness is online, and having done much grassroots activism over the years, I find when people are face-to-face, everyone behaves better and more positive things can be achieved. 

What is the most significant issue facing Manchester residents at the municipal level and how can you, as a legislator aid the city government on that issue?

Property taxes. By streamlining the state budget, especially education expenses, property taxes could be reduced. 

In your opinion, what were the five most significant pieces of legislation introduced over the last two years? Please explain what made them significant.

Education Freedom Accounts: School Choice is important to a healthy, functioning society, and the money should follow the child in order to stop punishing students based on their zip codes.

CACR 32, putting the question of declaring peaceful independence from the federal government to voters of New Hampshire. This constitutional amendment would have to pass 60% of the legislature and 67% of voters. While it sounds kind of radical (which just means the opposite of “outdated”), it is the most democratic way to see how Granite Staters feel about the issue.

Health freedom bills pushing back against any type of mandates violating bodily autonomy, whether that is vaccine mandates or abortion. “My body, my choice” is the basis of self-ownership, and is non-negotiable to me. I am pro-life but would not outlaw abortion because reasonable people disagree. I don’t support any taxpayer funding for abortions, nor late term abortions (I’m ok with the current 24 weeks, although most civilized societies settle on 20 weeks). Equally, I think it’s wrong to force someone to get an injection against their will in order to work.

Reducing the Interest & Dividends tax, which will taper to zero in 2026. This makes NH truly “income tax free,” which is important to remain competitive to attract and keep Granite Staters.

Recreational cannabis use and sale. NH is the only state in New England where recreational marijuana use is still not legal. We must rectify this. I would also like to see the therapeutic use of psilocybin legalized. The War on Drugs has been an abject failure, has harmed tens of thousands of our friends and neighbors, and we have to start making changes to heal.