In New Hampshire, the governor leads
Chris Sununu has successfully found a middle way to deal with the pandemic
New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu has been demonstrating first-rate leadership throughout the COVID19 pandemic. Sununu was recently on “Face the Nation” discussing New Hampshire’s preparations for the winter COVID surge. See interview below.
I just wanted to take a moment and draw attention to my governor. It has long been true in our Federalist system that our states act as incubators for self-government. Sununu is New Hampshire authentic. He is smart, energetic, affable, and effective, a hands-on executive who plans and executes.
During the pandemic, Sununu has struck a balance between public health safety and individual freedom to make personal choices. He has taken to the airwaves weekly to keep us Granite Staters informed about the pandemic status and forward plans. He has warned since August about the coming winter surge, and as advertised, it has now arrived here in New England.
Governor Sununu earned reelection to a third term in overwhelming fashion in 2020, but has faced resistance from the left and right during COVID. Early in the pandemic has was sued by state Democratic leadership concerning his spending of federal money during the state of emergency. The Superior Court dismissed the suit, ruling that it is in the public interest for the governor to be allowed to distribute federal funds as needed during a global pandemic and with a state of emergency order in place.
Sununu canceled his outdoor inauguration last December due to ‘aggressive protesters’ at his family home voicing their opposition to the temporary mask mandates that were in place last winter. This spring, New Hampshire House committees, with support from liberal and conservative representatives, discussed legislation to limit the governor’s emergency powers during the pandemic.
Just before Christmas, New Hampshire made available hundreds of thousands of free state-provided rapid home COVID tests through the state’s “Say Yes! To Covid Test” campaign. I ordered two boxes for our family and they arrived in a day. The state has also sponsored several vaccine “Booster Blitz” events where New Hampshire residents can sign up for COVID vaccinations for a one day opportunity. Testing sites are in place and available. Schools are generally open. Businesses are generally open. No statewide mandates are in place. Sununu has weathered this political turbulence and has communicated directly to the public his plans of making vaccines and masks available to the public, keeping hospitals staffed, and allowing for businesses and schools to be open.
I’m feeling grateful for Gov. Sununu’s leadership and his decision to stand again for reelection to the corner office. I wish we had this kind of executive leadership in Washington.
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I'm glad the system is working as intended, at least in one place.