Inquiring minds want to know . . .
The following is taken from the Executive Council website:
The Executive Council of the State of New Hampshire has the authority and responsibility, together with the Governor, over the administration of the affairs of the State as defined in the New Hampshire Constitution, the New Hampshire statutes, and the advisory opinions of the New Hampshire Supreme Court and the Attorney General.
Each of the five Executive Councilors represents one fifth of the population or approximately 263,000 citizens. Councilors are elected every two years, concurrently with the Governor. The Councilors participate in the active management of the business of the state. They receive assistance from the Commissioner of the Department of Administrative Services and the Attorney General who review requests involving state funds since no expenditure can be legally authorized without the availability of adequate funds.
When a contract for the state comes in at more than $10,000 it goes before the Executive Council who then votes on whether to approve or disapprove of it. They decide if this is a good use of taxpayer money, then send their decision back to the governor. It is one more form of a “check and balance” system in our state government.
Other duties of the council is to approve appointments of Commissioners, Commissioners of Deeds, Judges, Justices of the Peace and Notary Public. They also manage and oversee the state’s 10-year highway plan while keeping an eye on the state treasury, ensuring departments don’t spend more than permitted, or use funds for something else not approved by the legislature.
Additionally, they serve as “go-betweens” for individuals, municipalities and organizations with the state government. They can also hear requests for pardons.
A councilor’s term is 2 years and is made up of both Democrats and Republicans at any given time. Their collective decision(s) can have a positive or negative impact on our state, which makes this elected position very important.