Unconscionable. That is the only word to describe some of the actions of our Governor and the Executive Council here in New Hampshire. In the recent past, four of the five members of the Council have eliminated health care for low income men and women in Sullivan county by rejecting federal dollars earmarked for treatment of sexually transmitted infections and cancer screenings.
Three of the five rejected funding for a decade-old sex education program aimed at reducing teen pregnancy in Sullivan County and in Manchester WHICH HAVE THE STATE’S HIGHEST TEEN BIRTH RATES.
The Governor would not apply for funds from the USDA School Lunch Program to feed 7000 NH Children. His excuse – the Legislature did not support it. No, the Senate did not support it, the House did. However, the Legislature did not have to approve of this application so why they took it up is a mystery.
I am telling you this because most NH citizens are not aware that the five most powerful people in State government are the Executive Council. They hold all the power over the Governor, every contract, every appointment to a commission, or Director position, every “gift” that comes to NH, pardons and much more. They are required per the NH Constitution, Article 60.
This lack of understanding shows up in voting patterns. In the last general election two years ago, nearly 33,000 fewer voters expressed a preference in Executive Council races around the state than voted for governor and other offices.
Take this simple test. Ask five people who their Executive Councilor is and what their duties are. This will prove the point; the Council is a little know powerful arm of state government. Pay attention to the executive council contest in your district this year.
Virginia Irwin
Newport, NH
As your daily newspaper, we are committed to providing you with important local news coverage for Sullivan County and the surrounding areas.