By PAULA TRACY, InDepthNH.org

CONCORD – The state’s Executive Council approved a new chair to the Public Utilities Commission and tabled almost $700 million in contracts for a new rural health initiative at its meeting Wednesday.

Gov. Kelly Ayotte also nominated Gerard Boyle of Campton to be the Youth Development Center Claims Administrator. He is a retired judge and prior to that, a long-time Plymouth attorney.

If confirmed, Boyle will serve at the pleasure of the governor and receive a salary of $189,350 a year. He replaces former Supreme Court Chief Justice John Broderick.

The position was originally one appointed by the judicial branch but the Republican-led legislature changed that during the last budget negotiations to be one appointed by the governor in the Executive Branch.

NEW PUC CHAIR

Christopher Ellms Jr. of Webster was confirmed to be the next chairman of the PUC on a vote of 4-1.
He replaces Dan Goldner of Manchester whose term expired. Goldner was chair from 2021 until this past September when Gov. Kelly Ayotte said she would not renominate him. Ellms has been deputy commissioner for the state Department of Energy since 2021.

Executive Councilor Karen Liot Hill, D-Lebanon, said she would oppose the nomination. She said her priority is bringing down energy costs and has had personal experience being cut off of power.
Ellms, she said, may have conflicts of interest but if confirmed, she said she hoped he would recuse himself.

Executive Councilor Joe Kenney, R-Wakefield, said he supported Ellms for the job. He said Ellms would be dealing with a regional problem of high utility rates and that he brings experience which will serve the state well.

Executive Councilor John Stephen, R-Manchester, said the governor has made it a priority to reduce energy costs and Ellms, who has worked five years on energy issues, will be focused as well on lowering rates.

He noted during a public hearing there was not one person who spoke in opposition to the nomination. Executive Councilor Janet Stevens, R-Rye, said she is counting on Ellms to take the lead on lowering rates.

CHILD ADVOCATE NOMINEE WITHDRAWS

Diana Fenton of Mont Vernon, who was nominated by Ayotte to become the state’s child advocate withdrew her nomination following a public hearing on Monday which brought out both support and opposition.

NEW DOT COMMISSIONER CONFIRMED

The council unanimously confirmed David M. Rodrigue of Webster to serve as commissioner of the Department of Transportation. He replaces William Cass who just retired. Rodrigue has been assistant commissioner of DOT since 2022.

Kenney said Rodrigue is a good choice and brings “steady leadership” and experience in the department. Councilor Stevens also expressed support saying he has shown his ability to lead under pressure and his work on long term planning have benefited the state.

GO-NORTH PACKAGE TABLED

On the agenda were a number of contracts totaling almost $700 million for the GO-NORTH initiative which stands for Governor’s Office of New Opportunities and Rural Transformational Health.

The state has received its first year of the five-year federal grant in the amount of $204 million. Executive Councilors said they wanted a few more weeks to go over the governor’s plan, which is being led by former Nashua Mayor Donalee Lozeau. It involves non-competitive or “sole source” contracts with the Foundation for Healthy Communities, the Community Development Finance Authority, UNH and the Community College System of NH in Laconia.

The idea is to educate individuals in various rural health care needs such as behavioral health, dental health, and primary care. It also looks to expand access to care and home based services, provide infrastructure grants to support and expand rural healthcare and expand career pathways.

Councilor Stephen said the first contracts will set up the template for the next five years but $700 million in contracts deserve close attention and more work. “Tabling this is not in opposition,” he said. “It is the councilors doing their job.”

Councilor Liot Hill said it is important to get it right and accountability is key. Ayotte said she knows everyone will work with her to get this done and that delaying it a few weeks would not impact the plan.

Ayotte said she would call for an emergency meeting March 16 so the state does not lose any ground on the matter. Lozeau said if we are going to transform rural health we all have to be “transformational.” The state also launched the Gonorth.nh.gov website Wednesday.

PENNICHUCK WATER WORKS
The council held a public hearing for the issuance of revenue bonds for Pennichuck Water Works Inc. as part of a five-year plan to serve water programs in almost 30 communities. It is regulated by the Public Utilities Commission.

COMMENDATIONS

Ayotte recognized March as Francophone month and honored five leaders working to end veteran homelessness in Manchester. Together, they have found permanent housing for 103 veterans and do a lot of work as well to prevent homelessness.

Ayotte also honored a law enforcement officer and K9 “Crew” from Danville who were able to locate a juvenile in Sandown during a snowstorm.

Rockingham County Sheriff Chuck Massahos was also honored for his service particularly for removing illicit drugs from the streets. Also, New Hampshire State Police Troop G commercial motor vehicle enforcement unit was honored for their service.