New Hampshire
‘I’d like to stay in the media’: N.H. Governor Chris Sununu on what’s next after he leaves office – The Boston Globe
CONCORD, N.H. — With just a few weeks before he vacates the corner office, Governor Chris Sununu has a few ideas about his next gig.
One thing he’s clear on: It has to pay, and, at least to start, he said, that means working in the for-profit sector.
“I think I’m really excited to work with some nonprofits down the road, but I’m trying to make sure that the things [I do] can help me pay bills and whatnot,” he told reporters on Wednesday.
Rather than focusing on one job, Sununu, 50, said he plans to pursue a “bread basket” of things to spend his time on. That bread basket could include positions on boards, private equity, and advocacy on civic issues like balanced budget amendments, he said.
But just because he’s no longer governor doesn’t mean he intends to fade from the public eye entirely.
“Obviously, you know, everyone’s been speculating, and I haven’t signed on the dotted line with anybody, but I’d like to stay in the media a little bit,” he said. “It kind of helps scratch the political itch a little bit, just having a voice there, and being able to be involved in that discussion.”
Sununu has been among New Hampshire’s longest-serving governors, holding the position for four two-year terms. Since he announced he would not seek reelection in July 2023, he’s been coy about his next move, as his name was tossed around as a possible contender in the presidential race.
Would he run in four years?
“Not in the plans,” he said. “[I’m] focusing on making some money and taking care of my family.”
Before his tenure as governor, Sununu served for three terms on New Hampshire’s executive council. He has also worked as an environmental engineer, a business consultant, and as chief executive of the Waterville Valley Ski Resort, which is owned by his family. He is married and has three children.
He comes from a family that has created a political dynasty in the state: his father, John H. Sununu was a three-term governor and became chief of staff to President George H.W. Bush; his mother, Nancy Sununu, served as chairperson of the state Republican Party; his brother, John E. Sununu, was a member of Congress and a US senator; and his brother, Michael Sununu, is a selectman in Newfields.
A version of this story first appeared in Globe NH | Morning Report, our free newsletter focused on the news you need to know about New Hampshire, including great coverage from the Boston Globe and links to interesting articles from other places. If you’d like to receive it via e-mail Monday through Friday, you can sign up here.
Amanda Gokee can be reached at amanda.gokee@globe.com. Follow her @amanda_gokee.
The federal government has activated the New Hampshire National Guard’s 157th Air Refueling Wing in connection with the war with Iran.
“I’ve had a briefing myself, a classified briefing, but it’s really important on the messaging on this that we really coordinate with the Pentagon,” Gov. Kelly Ayotte told reporters during a press briefing following Wednesday’s Executive Council meeting.
Ayotte said she was unable to share additional details about the nature of the New Hampshire National Guard’s activity related to the conflict, including how many guard members have been activated or what role they are playing.
“We’re going to respect what messaging comes out of the Pentagon just to make sure that our men and women in uniform are fully protected and that we aren’t providing any information that could be used in a way that would be harmful to them,” Ayotte said.
In a statement Thursday, Ayotte said the unit had been deployed in late February to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in support of the operation.
Earlier this week, Pentagon officials confirmed that members of the Vermont National Guard were involved in attacks against Iran over the weekend, though our news partners at Vermont Public were not able to confirm additional details on the nature of the operation.
During the briefing with local reporters, Ayotte also stressed her support for servicemembers and those close to them.
“I have such respect for our men and women in uniform,” Ayotte said. “As you know, I come from a military family, and they have our full support, and we appreciate them and their families, and obviously anyone who is serving right now, and my thoughts and prayers go out to those who have lost someone that they love.”
By PAULA TRACY, InDepthNH.org
CONCORD – While Republican Gov. Kelly Ayotte has said she opposes increasing highway toll rates across the state, the Senate voted Thursday to increase rates for out-of-state license plate holders.
It now goes to the House for consideration.
This would be a $1 increase for those who have out of state plates going through the tolls at Hooksett, Hampton and Bedford for out-of-state plates, a 75 cent hike for those taking Hampton’s Exit 2 and on the Spaulding turnpike at Rochester, and a 50 cent hike for those taking the exit off I-93 to Hooksett.
An analysis in the bill shows that this would increase toll revenue by $53.3 million in fiscal year 2027 and go up each year to generate $81.4 million a year in 2036.
Senate Bill 627 passed on a voice vote with two Republicans, Senators Regina Birdsell of Hampstead and William Gannon of Sandown opposing.
Senator Mark E. McConkey, R-Freedom, moved to take the bill off the table and offered an amendment.
He said the last time there was a systemwide increase to the turnpike toll was 19 years ago.
“I am sure we could all agree the cost of operations…has continued to escalate when revenue is not rising with it,” and he noted that with an enterprise fund, the state can only spend what it takes in.
The state has just completed a 10-year highway plan and there was a $400 million shortfall in projects that could not be paid for under the current income.
McConkey said the measure would not increase tolls for New Hampshire drivers with a state license plate.
“Why don’t we ask our neighbors,” to pay a toll increase. “We are getting the best of all worlds,” by passing the bill, he said, including “protecting our residents” and having resources for improvements to the turnpike system.
Sen. Gannon, R-Sandown, asked McConkey if there are any studies on impacts near the border on businesses.
If implemented, McConkey said the state will be the 27th lowest in per mile cost still. McConkey said the bill would also increase from seven to 14 days the amount of time for those with NH license plates to pay for a toll adding there are other states that also have different rates for out-of-state users.
The Hampton toll cost would go from $2 to $3, while Hooksett and Bedford would rise from $1 to $2 for out-of-state plates.
New Hampshire currently has the lowest rate per mile among states with tolls roads.
The governor said she does not support a toll increase.
“We are not going to put a burden on drivers for a toll increase,” Ayotte said. “Families are struggling.”
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