Report #4
March 21, 2008

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL REPORT BY RAY BURTON

There have been several reactions to the recently issued Pew Center Review of NH State Government.  Pew's Center on the States is a division of the Pew Charitable Trust.  They conduct research and studies to determine what works and what is not working so well in all 50 states.  The recently published Pew Review gave a low rating to New Hampshire pointing to a lack of efficiency, antiquated technology, etc.

Having served now for 30 years on the Executive Council, with 9 different Governors, I can personally testify that without the Five Members ELECTED by the people, the Executive branch of state government would have been turned into a near dictatorship by now.  The check and balances provided by the ELECTED five member Council brings to the 353 Commissioners and Directors of the Executive Branch of NH State Government a voice from the people who elect us.

On a daily basis citizens can call their Councilor and get relief, information, referrals and assistance for a problem or concern.  Without the ELECTED five member Council it would be rare that a citizen could get through to a Commissioner or the Governor unless they had a “connection” of some sort.

Two-year terms keep all constitutional elected officials; county, state and federal (congressman) close to the people, towns, cities, and counties that they serve.  I have never been in support of four-year terms for anyone!

So keep us elected officials close to you.  I, for one of your elected public servants, enjoy being close to you.

Represents all the towns and cities in Coos and Grafton counties as well as the cities and towns of Albany, Alton, Bartlett, Belmont, Center Harbor, Charlestown, Chatham, Claremont, Conway, Cornish, Croydon, Eaton, Effingham, Freedom, Gilford, Grantham, Hale's Location(unincorporated place), Hart's Location, Jackson, Laconia, Madison, Meredith, Moultonborough, New Hampton, Newport, Ossipee, Plainfield, Sanbornton, Sandwich, Springfield, Sunapee, Tamworth, Tilton, Tuftonboro, Wakefield, and Wolfeboro.
For additional information on the cities and towns in this district, go to www.nh.gov/municipal/.

Councilor Burton may be contacted at two locations: his State House Office at 603-271-3632, rburton@nh.gov;and at his home office at 747-3662, ray.burton4@gte.net.