RONNIE ABBOTT
District 6 - Gilford, Gilmanton, Ward 2 Laconia
Mr. Abbott is a candidate for State Rep.
Neutral
We are neutral on Mr. Abbott. We applaud him for his initiative to run for office, but we feel he needs more local legislative and/or business experience at the local level prior to running for state office
Learn more below.
Mr. Abbott has been active in recent years with the Belknap County Republicans, but this is his first campaign for state office. Mr. Abbott went back to school as an adult and graduated from Laconia High School in 2009, and earned a bachelors degree in 2023 from Southern New Hampshire University. He works as a photographer.
In his BallotPedia profile he highlighted his willingness to listen to constituents, his adherence to the U.S. Constitution, and education freedom as his top priorities. In that same survey, he noted his biggest challenge in life, “Money. I’ve never been a rich man but always strived to do the best I can,” and his inspiration, “My Grandfather. He worked 120 hours a week driving truck but he still spent every moment he could at home making our lives better.” In response to the question, “If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?,” he answered, “Harry Potter. I love the idea of magic being real.”
Mr. Abbott does not have a website we’ve found, but writes frequently to the Laconia Daily Sun.
Entering politics to ensure D.C. choices don't devastate NH lives
He's running to be voice of his constituents
My candidacy for State Representative for Ward Two
Youth must be guarded from political extremists in schools
Troubling to hear anti-right rhetoric, sympathy for Palestinians at meeting
Standing with those who feel targeted by displays of hatred
Closing primary election will sway independents to Democrat side
In His Own Words . . .
Mr. Abbott returned his Citizens for Belknap Questionnaire with these responses:
1. Why are you running, and what do you hope to achieve in the next legislative term?
I am running because I see areas where I believe I can make a positive impact. I have a bill that I plan to push in collaboration with medical background reps, but beyond that, my only goal is to be a conduit for my constituents.
2. Assess the recent performance of Gunstock. If elected, would you keep it in the same direction or change course?
I am very impressed with the leadership at Gunstock. Although I haven't had the chance to meet the new GM yet, I trust that the GAC made an excellent choice in selecting Tom's replacement. If elected, I intend to let Gunstock continue operating as it is, maintaining the successful path they are on.
3. Given budget constraints for the Belknap County Nursing Home, how would you stretch county taxpayer dollars and still meet our high standards of care?
I am not familiar enough with the inner workings of the nursing home to provide specific examples. My initial focus would be to sit down with the employees and gather their insights on how we could streamline processes to reduce extra costs. The floor workers have the best understanding of the business's needs.
4. As a member of the Belknap County Delegation, how would you improve county hiring practices to attract the highest quality candidates for our nursing home, public safety and administrative positions?
I would like to connect with individuals in similar positions in other counties that are recognized for their success. My goal is to understand what attracted them to those roles. Since I have never served as an administrator in these positions, I can't claim to know exactly what they are looking for.
5. Should Belknap County manage its own nursing home and county corrections departments, or privatize them? What about Gunstock Recreation Area/Gunstock Mountain Ski Area?
While I am not a fan of government-run businesses, given that we already operate them, it is essential to ensure they are the best government-run businesses in the area.
6. What are your ideas for the former 220-acre Laconia State School property?
There are countless possibilities for that area, from sports complexes to low-income housing, that could greatly benefit the community. However, it ultimately depends on finding someone who can afford the land and has a viable business plan. Most likely, this will be a condo developer.
7. What would you do as a State Representative to improve the opioid and drug problem in the region?
I would like to visit sober houses and speak with the residents. No one understands the drug problem better than former addicts. I believe this would be one of my biggest strengths as a state representative. Although I have never been addicted to drugs, 75 percent of the kids I grew up with are either former addicts or still struggling with addiction. I think I can connect with these individuals on a different level than most representatives.
8. What do you think is the most important skill of being a good State Rep, and why
The ability to vote against yourself. The job of a Representative is to represent.
9. What do you see are the biggest needs of Belknap County, and what would you do to fill that need?
The most pressing needs I see in the county are housing and drug-related issues. I would work with the affected communities to find effective solutions for these problems.
10. What percentage of your campaign funding comes from outside the county? How much from out of state?
100 percent self-funded currently.
11. Do you think our current county government should be smaller, larger, or stay the same?
As a Republican, I will always advocate for smaller government. However, at this moment, I am unsure what specific areas we could trim to reduce the size of county government. As long as it continues to run efficiently, I’d say leave it alone.
12. Should Belknap County manage its own nursing home and county corrections departments, or privatize them? What about the Gunstock Recreation Area?
See Question 5
13. What distinguishes you from the other candidates?
I won’t claim to be better than any of the candidates in my area; I believe we all have unique skills. For instance, if I needed advice on cutting costs for a new building, I would consult Representative Bean, and if I needed guidance on trimming Medicare expenses, I would reach out to Representative Nagel. I think I can offer similar expertise in technical areas and connect with people from different backgrounds than the other candidates.
14. What endorsements have you received?
None Yet
15. How long have you lived in Belknap County?
I was born and raised in Laconia, then spent a few years in Akron, Ohio, before returning and now residing in Gilford.
