ABOUT THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

New Hampshire has long been known for its local politics and citizen participation. All state business, as ordered and ordained by the Legislature, is voted in public, and no other state enjoys such and open process between its Executive Department and its citizens. The New Hampshire Executive Council was created to ensure that our state maintained its fundamental principals of low taxes, limited government and local control.The Governor and Executive Council combine to form the most accountable executive branch of government in the nation. The Council's primary function has always been to ensure a check and balance on the executive powers granted to the Governor. It has the authority and responsibility, together with the Governor, over the management and administration of the affairs of the State. As watchdogs of the state treasury, the Council approves all state expenditures and contracts greater than a certain amount ($10,000 or $25,000 in value depending on the nature of the expenditure). The Council appoints and confirms over 300 state employees including Court Justices, Military Officers, Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners and Assistant Commissioners.The Council conducts management and oversight of the state's 10-Year Highway Plan.Most importantly, Executive Councilors are the constituent's eyes and ears in Concord. They are the conduit which the people use to make their voices heard in the Governor's office. The five Executive Councilors are elected from their individual districts from around the state and serve two-year terms, the same as all elected state officials in New Hampshire. We must make sure that the voices of the families, business owners, and town officials are heard at the executive level.