Committee recommends ITL on Merrimack County term‑length bill after divided testimony
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Summary
Republican and local officials supported lengthening some Merrimack County offices from two to four years for continuity; other lawmakers and residents argued it reduces accountability. The committee recommended ITL on HB 1689 in executive session.
The committee heard extensive testimony on HB 1689, which would change certain county offices in Merrimack County from two‑year to four‑year terms.
Prime sponsor Representative Brian Morse framed the proposal as a way to "streamline, better management for employees" and argued four‑year terms grant officials time to implement long‑term projects. Merrimack County Sheriff David Croft told the committee his decades in law enforcement showed the first year in office is often a learning curve and a longer term allowed incoming elected officials to be more effective. "It took me from day one to hit the road running because of prior experience," Croft said.
Opponents, including Representative Joseph Barton and several public witnesses, urged retention of two‑year terms as the traditional citizen‑legislator model that keeps officials accountable to voters. Public commentators warned longer terms could entrench officials and limit voter oversight.
After discussion the committee voted 12–2 in executive session to recommend ITL on HB 1689. Members asked that technical corrections be considered in related bills to make RSA cross‑references consistent if the sponsor wishes to refile.