READ: Letter to the NH Senate Opposing SB196
February 10, 2025
In our commitment to serve New Hampshire with integrity and accountability, I stand firmly against Senate Bill 196-FN. This proposed legislation seeks to raise the threshold for competitive bidding exemptions from $500,000 to $1,000,000 for certain state projects. Why does this matter? Competitive bidding ensures that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely, fostering transparency and fairness
Transcript & Notes from Roundtable on Permitting, Zoning, and Housing
January 28, 2025
Date: Thursday, January 16, 2025 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm Meeting Notes: District 4 Executive Councilor (EC) John Stephen: Thank you all for coming here tonight to talk about the important issues impacting our developers and contractors regarding permitting delays and local zoning and planning obstacles. I can tell you firsthand, being a candidate this
Union Leader: Developers Plead for Relief From Permits That Slow Projects, Raise Costs
January 22, 2025
From Kevin Landrigan at the Union Leader: Developers, planners, engineers and lawyers told Executive Councilor John Stephen, R-Manchester, that they would welcome changes in state laws and regulations to speed up the process of getting permits for residential and commercial projects from state and local agencies. New to his job, Stephen said it was obvious
John Stephen Discusses Housing Crisis on WDEV Radio
January 22, 2025
Executive Councilor John Stephen joined Ross Connolly on WDEV radio and discussed the housing crisis in New Hampshire, emphasizing the need to increase housing supply by streamlining permitting processes and local zoning regulations. He highlighted examples like Brady Sullivan’s redevelopment of mill buildings into affordable housing. Stephen noted that regulatory delays, often lasting years, drive
Councilors Wheeler and Stephen Urge Action for Power Supply at Londonderry Fish and Game Club
January 15, 2025
January 15, 2025 Dear Mr. Thomson, As Executive Councilors for District Four and District Five for the State of New Hampshire, we write to urge you to assist the Londonderry Fish and Game Club (LFGC) through their ongoing struggle with National Grid, as they work to have electrical power supplied to their Fish and Game
InDepthNH: New Executive Council Gets To Work Scrutinizing Ways To Save Money
January 15, 2025
Read the InDepthNH Story Here Stephen comes from a background as commissioner of the state Department of Health and Human Services and in the private sector has consulted states on how to find efficiencies in government, while Liot Hill has a long background serving at the municipal level of government and understands budget development. Also
Union Leader: New Executive Council Sharpening Pencils To Cope With Fiscal Crunch
January 15, 2025
Kevin Landrigan covered our first regular Executive Council meeting of the biennium in the Union Leader. Read the full story here. Stephen questioned Transportation Commissioner Bill Cass about the $99,000 membership in the the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). Stephen said AASHTO does some important work lobbying for federal highway support
Eagle Tribune: NH Executive Council Sworn in With 2 New Members
January 13, 2025
Read the story at the Eagle Tribune Stephen, a former Health and Human Services Commissioner, has been helping other states with government efficiency for the last 13 years, working in Arkansas, Texas, and Nebraska as the Stephen Group. “I want to make sure the NH Advantage grows,” Stephen said after the meeting. “We all want
Union Leader: Stephen Gets Started
January 5, 2025
From Kevin Landrigan’s State House Dome Executive Councilor-elect John Stephen of Manchester is hosting the first of a series of issues roundtables on Jan. 16 from 4-6 p.m. at the Manchester offices of developer Arthur Sullivan, 900 Elm St. The topic is the state permitting process and what can be done to cut back on delays and eliminate
John Stephen Celebrates Repeal of Interest and Dividends Tax, Emphasizes Fiscal Responsibility in New Hampshire
December 30, 2024
CONCORD, N.H. – John Stephen, Executive Councilor-Elect, today applauded the full repeal of New Hampshire’s interest and dividends tax, which takes effect tomorrow at midnight. This historic milestone will enable taxpayers to retain more of their hard-earned money and marks a crucial step toward ensuring our state remains a national leader in economic freedom and
