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Sponsor's Insight
The big news at the Legislature this past week was the passage by the State Senate of its version of the budget, $75 million higher than that passed by the House and substantially less than that submitted by Governor John Lynch. Most of the increase in funds was put into services for people with disabilities although there was continuing protest from advocates for higher education, other human services, hospitals and business because of the cuts to Medicaid.
While there was some talk early on of the House acceding to the Senate spending plan, Speaker William O'Brien indicated that a committee of conference would be necessary and one is anticipated, so where the Senate and House differences will end up has yet to be determined. Also, Governor Lynch's opinion will be important in these negotiations and, should he veto the budget, an override would be necessary. However, there has not been much discussion of the Governor vetoing the budget, no matter how much he disagrees with it, given the Republican majorities.
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The most important news in Concord this past week and perhaps in the state this year, however, was the death on Wednesday of former Governor Walter Peterson, Republican of Peterborough. Peterson, governor from 1969 to 1973, was perhaps the "First Citizen" of the state. A native of Nashua, he went into the real estate business in Peterborough, became involved in politics, served in the House and then as the House Speaker and, in 1968, was elected Governor. After his four years in office, during which time he changed the business tax system of the state, conducted a thorough review of state government and its processes, and appointed to office or involved those who would be significant leaders of the state for over a generation, Peterson served for twenty-five years as President of Franklin Pierce College, was Acting President of the University of New Hampshire, a long-time University System of New Hampshire Trustee, acting head of the Community College System, and involved to the end in the life of the state.
Among those Peterson involved in government were Rod Tenney of Concord, Warren Rudman, later United States Senator who started the string of Attorneys General that included later United States Supreme Court Justice David H. Souter, Attorney Thomas Rath and Attorney Greg Smith, and many others.
Peterson's basic decency, friendly demeanor and encouraging attitude, coupled with his ability to spot talent, had a tremendous effect on the State of New Hampshire and his death, at age eighty-eight, is a terrific loss for us all. His mantra was uniting, not dividing, and being Governor of "all the citizens of New Hampshire," not only some.
Regardless of the politics of the moment, a life of achievement and contribution such as that of Walter R. Peterson, should be saluted by all New Hamsphirites and all should take a moment to stop, remember, and thank him for his service.
Brad Cook
Sheehan Phinney Bass + Green
bcook@sheehan.com
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