As your Executive Councilor, I’m proud to share some of the work I’ve been doing this February to serve our communities, improve safety, and strengthen New Hampshire’s future. From tackling traffic concerns to supporting innovative housing solutions, here’s a look at what’s been keeping me busy.

Addressing Traffic Safety Concerns in Candia

I was honored to join the Candia Board of Selectmen at their recent meeting to discuss ongoing traffic safety issues at the intersection of NH Route 43 and Old Candia Road Northbound, as well as confusion at the Route 43 Southbound entry to Route 101 at Exit 3. Accidents have occurred due to drivers failing to stop, prompting law enforcement to test a flashing light with promising results. The Selectmen sought my assistance in working with the Department of Transportation (DOT) to explore improved signage or lighting solutions.

I reached out to DOT Commissioner William Cass, who promptly toured the area with State Highway Safety Administrator William Lambert. Their swift response led to a plan to replace the existing 36-inch stop signs with larger, well-lit 48-inch versions and install a solar-powered flashing beacon. This upgrade is slated for completion in the coming months as part of ongoing DOT projects. A heartfelt thank you to Commissioner Cass and Administrator Lambert—this enhancement will undoubtedly make Candia’s roads safer.

Update on Derry/Londonderry I-93 Exit 4A Project

The Department of Transportation provided me with an exciting update on the I-93 Exit 4A bypass project in Derry and Londonderry—a critical initiative for managing increased traffic and supporting growth in the region. This new interchange, situated between Exits 4 and 5, aims to ease congestion, enhance safety, and boost economic vitality. During a comprehensive tour, DOT staff outlined the three-phase project, which includes:

• A new interchange in Londonderry with easterly access to Derry, located about one mile north of Exit 4.
• A one-mile, four-lane connector road (Old Rum Trail).
• 2.3 miles of upgrades to Folsom and Tsienneto Roads.
• Coordinated traffic signals and stormwater treatment systems to meet Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) standards.
• Construction of three new bridges (one managed by NHDOT, two by Derry).

My thanks to Commissioner Cass and the DOT leadership team for their detailed briefing and tour. This project is a key step in growing New Hampshire’s advantage for the future.

Supporting Strafford’s Kenneth Hill Pond Dam Decommissioning

I met with Strafford School District Superintendent Robert Seaward and the district’s engineer to discuss the decommissioning of the Kenneth Hill Pond Dam. The district has applied for a $467,764 grant through the Aquatic Resource Mitigation (ARM) Fund Program to support this effort. The project aligns perfectly with the ARM’s mission to restore ecological balance in the Salmon Falls-Piscataqua River area.

The meeting highlighted the risks the aging dam poses to traffic on Route 202 in Rochester if left unaddressed. I was impressed by the district’s thoughtful plan to mitigate this danger while creating a conservation trail for students and families to enjoy New Hampshire’s natural beauty. Following the discussion, I wrote to DES Commissioner Robert Scott, urging him to bring this proposal before the Council so the town and school district can move forward.

Hosting a Highway Safety Roundtable

On February 26, I held my second Roundtable, this one on Highway Safety at the DMV Office in Concord, bringing together over 80 attendees, including law enforcement, prosecutors, policymakers, and stakeholders. With rising highway fatalities and reckless driving incidents across the state, we explored strategies to:

• Reduce crashes and fatalities caused by negligent or reckless behavior.
• Strengthen law enforcement efforts, particularly around DWI enforcement.
• Pinpoint policy and administrative priorities.

All four of my fellow Executive Councilors attended, joined by House Speaker Sherm Packard, Senate President Sharon Carson, and Attorney General John Formella. Department of Safety Commissioner Robert Quinn and Assistant Commissioner Eddie Edwards played key roles in coordinating the event, with DOS staff delivering compelling presentations. Our shared goal is to curb reckless driving, DWIs, and tragic crashes. Stay tuned for updates on actionable outcomes, and special thanks to Commissioner Quinn, Assistant Commissioner Edwards, and AG Formella for their leadership.

Visiting the New Opportunity Center in Manchester

I toured the new Opportunity Center on Silver Street in Manchester, operated by Community Action Partnership Hillsborough and Rockingham Counties (CAPHR, formerly Southern NH Services). This vital organization supports low-income residents with over 60 programs across its resource centers. Executive Director Donna Lee Lozeau showcased the facility, which offers services like WIC, Fuel Assistance, and access to computers and other tools to promote employment and self-sufficiency. It’s inspiring to see CAPHR empowering individuals and families in our community.

Speaking at the State Employees Association Board Meeting

I attended a State Employees Association Board meeting to share my priorities as an Executive Councilor and express gratitude to state employees who work tirelessly to deliver value to taxpayers. I emphasized the importance of fiscal responsibility, recognizing that their salaries come from the people of New Hampshire.

Meeting with NH Community Loan Fund Leadership

I had the privilege of meeting with leaders from the NH Community Loan Fund, a fantastic resource tackling our housing crisis with innovative solutions. They provide loans and coaching to mobile home park residents facing park sales, as well as refinancing options for homeowners in resident-owned communities (ROCs). Operating without state or federal funding, the Fund helps clients secure grants that directly benefit the community. Their support empowers residents to purchase and manage their parks as co-ops, fostering affordable homeownership and strengthening New Hampshire’s housing landscape.

Improving the State Public Works Process with ABC

I met with Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) and contractor representatives to address growing frustrations with the state’s public works contracting process. Bureaucratic hurdles, outdated manual systems, and delayed payments are deterring contractors and subcontractors from bidding, leading to fewer competitive offers, higher costs, and project delays. I’m collaborating with ABC to form a working group and have raised these concerns with DAS Commissioner Charlie Arlinghaus and the Governor’s Commissioner on Government Efficiency. Streamlining this process is essential to reducing costs and delivering taxpayer value—another way to grow New Hampshire’s advantage.