HB429

Good afternoon, I am Katie Wood Hedberg, Grafton County Commissioner from District 3. I oppose this bill. This bill is a solution for a problem that does not exist. In fact, the change to the terms from all 2 year terms to the rotating 4 year term has improved continuity for county business. As a new commissioner, I know that there is a learning curve in this position. County business, like any business, benefits from the increased efficiency and effectiveness of the Board if there is some continuity. As you have heard, the non-partisan New Hampshire Association of Counties is opposed to this bill. I think it is noteworthy that the delegations have not signed on to this. If this was a change that was needed it would have many co-sponsors. I urge you to find this inexpedient to legislate.

Two years could be too short and more disruptive than helpful.

I served 3 terms as a county commissioner in Belknap County. I was appointed first at the beginning of 2015 to replace the commissioner who had been serving the 4 year term who resigned after the election of 2 new commissioners. From what I saw and experienced first hand, I can assure you that the presence of an experienced commissioner on the board with the two new commissioners would have been very helpful and would likely have avoided much of the chaos that resulted from our inexperience. I would be happy to share details from my experience with any interested representative. In the meantime, I urge the committee to vote against HB429 and continue to allow the counties the option of having a staggered 4 year term.

I appreciate the opportunity to speak today. While I recognize that HB 429 has some merits—particularly the increased accountability and the opportunity for fresh leadership that two-year terms can offer—I must express my concerns and opposition to this bill. Acknowledging the Benefits I understand that shorter, two-year terms could make county commissioners more responsive to community needs. More frequent elections can indeed provide voters with regular opportunities to evaluate their representatives and hold them accountable. This can lead to a more dynamic and responsive local government, and it may encourage new ideas and energy in addressing local issues. Concerns Over Reduced Continuity and Stability However, I am deeply concerned that the proposed reduction in term length will undermine the continuity and stability that are crucial for effective county governance. Two-year terms often mean that commissioners are spending more time in campaign mode rather than focusing on long-term planning and policy implementation. Consistency in leadership is vital for building institutional knowledge and for executing complex, multi-year projects that benefit our communities. Frequent turnover could disrupt these efforts and hinder progress on important local initiatives. Administrative and Voter Fatigue Issues Additionally, increasing the frequency of elections poses an administrative challenge. More frequent elections can contribute to voter fatigue and place an undue burden on our local election offices. These logistical challenges may not only increase costs but also detract from the time commissioners have to devote to governing effectively. Conclusion In summary, while I acknowledge the potential benefits of increased accountability and the infusion of new ideas through shorter terms, I believe that the drawbacks—namely, the loss of continuity, the risk of administrative overload, and the potential for voter fatigue—are significant. I respectfully urge you to consider these concerns before moving forward with HB 429. Thank you for your time and consideration.