Executive Councilor Debora Pignatelli

6 Month Report

An Open Letter to Constituents

I have finished my first 6 months as Executive Councilor for District 5. It has been interesting, fulfilling and fun, and I thank the voters for this wonderful opportunity to serve.

The Executive Council is a body of 5 people elected from 5 districts throughout the State. My district is the southern border communities from Nashua to Keene and towns north from Merrimack, Goffstown and up to Dunbarton. The Council has been in existence since colonial times and its job is to serve as both a check as well as an advisor to the governor. Actually, the governor needs 3 votes to appoint a judge or state agency head, to enter into any contract greater than $5000 and to confirm appointees to state boards and commissions.

There seems to be a new mood and a more cooperative spirit in Concord. Credit is surely shared, but most would agree Governor John Lynch deserves a good share of it. Although he and I are both Democrats, I have seen the building of an excellent working relationship between him and the 4 Republican Councilors as well as legislators. That doesn't mean everyone agrees all the time. But, disagreements are civil and that contributes to good government.

Let me mention just a few of my votes. I don't like the practice of awarding No Bid Contracts, and I have voted against a large number of them. At every meeting, I press State Agency heads on them and the word is getting out that they should be the exception, not the rule. Competitive bidding will save us money. That's the point.

I am pleased the new E-ZPASS system is up and working. It has taken a lot of effort from many people, including the Council. I favor E-ZPASS because it will speed traffic, increase safety and reduce pollution. Yet, I cast a protest vote when my arguments for toll relief for toll-bound Merrimack residents were rejected by my fellow Councilors. That was my biggest disappointment so far. I also supported keeping discontinued tokens for two more years. We've got a good highway system and it's getting better, except for Merrimack, I am happy to report.

I voted against a pardon hearing for Pamela Smart. The Executive Council votes on pardon hearings as one of its many duties. The infamous Smart case will be in New Hampshire news for a long time to come, and in spite of many calls favoring pardon, I think my view is consistent with that of the vast majority.

Appointment of judges are crucial decisions. The selected justices will serve for life until age 70. The position of Chief Justice of the Nashua District Court has remained vacant for more than 2 years. In the last administration, ideology and controversy, rather than confirmation of a judge, ruled the day. Recently, though, the Council unanimously voted to confirm the moderate and accomplished James Leary as Chief Justice. I was pleased to lend my support

One of my jobs is to try to assure we are getting good state contracts for the billions we spend. Though that is a statewide responsibility, I have been very happy to support many substantial contracts benefiting my district and the businesses within it.

Over the next 6 months, I'll be voting on millions of dollars of state contracts, judgeships for Franklin, Keene, Exeter/Hampton and much more. Based on the first 6 months, I expect more good things for our beautiful state. I encourage any input you would like to offer. Please contact me at www.debpignatelli.com.