By CHARLENE LOVETT
By Charlene Lovett
Federally supported, state managed and locally executed has been the mantra of the U.S. government for years. Witnessing it in action is never more visible than during an emergency. This heightened level of collaboration means that municipalities will get the resources needed to fight COVID-19. It may take longer than we would like at times or there may be details that have yet to be worked out, but recent conversations at all levels of government demonstrate that everyone is working together.
Unleashing the resources needed to help municipalities has to start at the federal level. If you have been following President Trump’s press conferences, the federal government is focused on removing the barriers to innovation in order to fight COVID-19 and providing the resources needed to help mitigate the impact. On March 18, Claremont School Board Vice Chair Rebecca Zullo, City Manager Ed Morris, Superintendent Michael Tempesta and I participated in a White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs (WH IGA) conference call.
The WH IGA is the primary liaison between the White House and State and local elected officials and Tribal Governments. Since early March, the WH IGA has invited state and local officials to conference calls in order to share information on COVID-19 and actions taken at the federal level in response. Over 5,000 state and local officials participated during this latest call, giving us the latest updates on what the federal government is doing to support states and municipalities.
Actions taking at the federal level, in turn, lead to executive action at the state level. This week, Gov. Sununu issued several executive orders pertaining to the restaurant industry, access to Telehealth Services and the establishment of the Emergency Healthcare System Relief Fund. In addition, the Governor and this staff stay in close contact with the municipalities, enabling local leadership to directly communicate the challenges they are currently facing.
Also this week, Senator Shaheen held a conference call with the mayors of New Hampshire’s 13 cities. Morris and I participated in that call. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen briefed us on what Congress is doing to help communities, focusing on financial packages that are being negotiated to help both municipalities and small businesses. The mayors then had an opportunity to share their concerns with her, including supply chain shortages, testing and personal protective equipment, and the financial impact to businesses and families.
As a result of this intergovernmental collaboration, a resource pipeline spanning from the federal to the local level has been firmly established. As a result of the two-way communication that is taking place, the government is able to better respond to the needs at the local level. Such access to resources and collaborative communication will ensure that Claremont is well equipped to address COVID-19.
In closing, I would like to thank the public for its ongoing efforts to follow Center for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines regarding COVID-19. I know that this has created personal hardships throughout the community. However, your efforts are critical as the city continues to work around the clock to fight COVID-19 and secure the resources to help the community get through this difficult time.
Charlene Lovett is the mayor of Claremont and a 22-year Army veteran. She welcomes your feedback. Please email questions, comments or concerns to her at [email protected].
As your daily newspaper, we are committed to providing you with important local news coverage for Sullivan County and the surrounding areas.