We tackled road safety, tightened state contract oversight, and uplifted communities in May 2025 by rejecting flawed deals, supporting grieving families, and empowering youth, building a sturdier future for the state.
The Governor’s Highway Safety Task Force convened frequently, and our subcommittee drafted over 100 recommendations to save lives on roads. We are proposing tougher patrols for high-speed and wrong-way drivers, license revocation for dangerous driving causing injury, and crash data to guide enforcement. We also are aiming to sharpen prosecutors’ charging decisions, improve training, link state and local agencies, and boost public education. The Task Force is currently preparing its report for the Governor, targeting fewer fatalities. Our official report will be out in July, so stay tuned for details!
Executive Councilors Wheeler, Kenney and I demanded accountability by challenging a Department of Corrections contract for concierge services, tied to a company owned by someone with a civil judgment for alleged sexual offenses against a minor, and unanimously rejected it. We also opposed a $2.1 million TASER contract – a completely unnecessary purchase, but later confirmed those same rejected Tasers arrived at the Department’s warehouse without approval. These failures, reported by New Hampshire Public Radio and Valley News, and other significant problems at the Department, prompted the Commissioner’s resignation on May 19, 2025 and Governor Ayotte to place the Assistant Commissioner on leave. We unanimously approved the nomination of John Scippa to lead the Department on an interim basis as a permanent Commissioner is selected.
Visiting Friends of Aine in Manchester showcased aid for grieving children and families. Executive Director Christine Phillips and her team, motivated by losing their daughter Aine, deliver peer counseling and school resources statewide, ensuring kids don’t face loss alone. Leaders backed a contract to sustain this work, hoping for greater reach. Learn more at Friends of Aine.
Honoring law enforcement heroes defined the 33rd annual Fallen Officers Ceremony in Concord, including former students I taught at the NH Police Academy. The NH Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial Association, a volunteer group, maintains the Memorial monument and hosts this event. Supporters can contribute at NHLEOMA.
Touring the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Manchester with CEO Diane Fitzpatrick highlighted programs for at-risk youth. Over 160 initiatives engage hundreds of members, creating belonging without barriers. The staff’s commitment fosters a safe space for kids to grow. Leaders endorsed their mission. Visit Boys & Girls Club of Manchester.
HCA Healthcare’s event clarified its acquisition of Catholic Medical Center, detailing technology upgrades, staff retention, and community investment. Talks with Attorney General Formella addressed a fund to evaluate merger impacts. HCA pledged to enhance Manchester’s future, with a meeting set for June with HCA NH CEO John Skeffington.
Meeting Victory Women of Vision, led by founder Mary Georges, revealed support for legal immigrants facing domestic violence. Their mentorship and after-school programs, using translators for Swahili, Arabic, and French, empower Manchester’s youth. Georges, a State Representative and former Manchester School Board member, fuels community growth. Learn more at Victory Women of Vision.
Streamlining the Public Works bid process brought Associated Builders and Contractors, contractors, and Commissioner Charlie Arlinghaus together at the Department of Administrative Services. ABC Executive Director Josh Reap noted early progress, with more meetings planned to ensure competitive, cost-effective bids.
Engaging Riverwoods residents in Exeter, a top retirement community, sparked discussion on the Governor and Council process, its constitutional role, and their questions, affirming transparent governance.
Connecting with the Manchester Police Athletic League, led by Program Coordinator Jayna Stevens and Officer David Lisboa, linked youth with law enforcement through free programs like boxing, aikido, and cooking. Lisboa’s boxing group competed in Lowell’s Golden Gloves, and a juvenile court diversion program, tied to the Department of Corrections, aimed to cut recidivism. All programs remain free, ensuring access. Visit MPAL.
NHJournal published my op-ed on the Public Deposit Investment Pool (PDIP) explaining reforms to channel nearly a billion dollars in taxpayer funds into New Hampshire’s economy. By investing in local banks, the reforms support startups in Keene, home renovations in Littleton, and small businesses in Manchester. A new law, awaiting Governor Ayotte’s signature, mandates Executive Council approval of the PDIP investment advisor contract for transparency. Read it at NH Journal.
