N.H. Executive Council member Ted Gatsas to retire
The little-known but powerful elected body approves all government contracts over $10,000, as well as appointments of judges and other officials. A flood of people quickly announced they will run for the seat. New Hampshire Executive Councilor Ted Gatsas has announced his retirement, leaving an open seat on the five-person executive council. The council, a powerful but little-known elected body, approves all government contracts over $10,000 and appoints appointments of judges and officials. With Gatas' decision not seeking reelection, there are now two open seats. A crowded field is already forming with potential candidates to succeed him. Gatsass, who served as mayor of Manchester from 2010 to 2018, was known for his advocacy of the 4A Exit on Interstate 93 and for his criticism of sole-source contracts. He also rejected family planning contracts for providers that perform abortions, despite a state audit showing public funds were not used for these services.
Pubblicato : un mese fa di Amanda Gokee in Politics
The council is a powerful but little-known elected body that approves all government contracts over $10,000 and approves appointments of judges and other officials. And with Gatsas, a Republican, not seeking reelection, there are now two open seats. Executive Councilor Cinde Warmington previously announced she would not seek reelection, instead launching a bid for the Democratic nomination for governor.
A crowded field is already forming with the hope of succeeding him.
CONCORD, N.H. – Executive Councilor Ted Gatsas announced Wednesday his plan to retire at the end of his term, leaving an open seat on the five-person executive council.
For some politicians, the position has been a stepping stone to higher-profile political posts: Governor Chris Sununu served on the council before becoming governor, as did Representative Chris Pappas before going to congress.
Gatsas, 73, said in a statement that he and his wife had made the decision “to let the next generation take over,” ending a 24-year career in public service. He said he would remain active in the community and encourage the next generation to get involved.
“I am proud of all the great work that has been accomplished and as a former football player, I can honestly say, I left it all on the field,” he said.
Gatsas was formerly the mayor of Manchester, serving from 2010 to 2018, at which time he was elected to the Executive Council. Before that, he was elected to the state Senate in 2000 and served as senate president from 2005 to 2006.
On the council, Gatsas joined the three other Republican councilors in repeatedly rejecting family planning contracts for providers that perform abortions, although a state audit showed public funds weren’t used for those services.
He is known for being a proponent of the 4A Exit on Interstate 93, a vocal critic of sole-source contracts.
Gatsas represents District 4, which encompasses a chunk of the central eastern part of the state, reaching from Londonderry, up to Loudon, and as far east as Lee. Like the state’s other voting districts, it was redrawn in 2022. It leans Republican, and in the 2022 executive council election election, Republicans had about a 2.5 point advantage.
The New Hampshire Institute of Politics expressed gratitude to Gatsas for his dedication and commitment.
“Ted Gatsas’ decision to retire from office is understandable, but it is still a great loss for Manchester and the people of New Hampshire,” said former U.S. Senator Judd Gregg, founder of the NH Institute of Politics, in a statement.
“Ted has done it all when it comes to public service and done it with gusto, guts, and even sometimes grace,” Gregg said.
Following Gatsas’ decision Wednesday, Republican Robert A. Burns announced his candidacy for Executive Council. He was previously eyed as a likely entrant to the congressional district race for Representative Annie Kuster’s seat, as she won’t be seeking reelection. Not so, he said on social media Wednesday. He said his business experience will aid him in the Executive Council job.
Ryan Terrell, a Republican who currently serves on New Hampshire’s State Board of Education, announced on social media Wednesday that he, too, will run for Gatsas’ seat.
“I’m excited to announce my candidacy for Executive Council District 4!” Terrell said in a post. “I’ve been honored to serve NH during my term on the State Board of Education. As that chapter of service ends, I look forward to the opportunity to continue advancing the NH Advantage as an Executive Councilor.”
And John Stephen of Manchester, the Former Health and Human Services Commissioner told the Union Leader he is considering a bid to succeed Gatsas as the GOP nominee.
Terese Grinnell Bastarache is also running for the seat again. She is a nurse from Loudon who founded a conservative group called We The People NH. In 2022, she lost the Republican nomination to Gatsas, receiving 27.5 percent of the vote.
On the Democratic side, Jim O’Connell, Manchester School Board Vice Chair, said he will seek nomination, the Union Leader first reported.
Michael Strand, a town councilor in Bedford, had previously announced he would also seek the Democratic nomination.
Amanda Gokee can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her @amanda_gokee.