For 15 years, from 1987 until 2002, NH RSA 107-C EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ACT was on the books. Following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, it was repealed and replaced in 2002.
In the new statute, the General Court was granted the authority to overrule a governor’s emergency declaration, something it had NOT during those 15 years from 1987.
For 18 years thereafter, from 2002 through today, that authority has remained intact. Those who crafted and voted for the 2002 law assumed the General Court would work together to ensure the rights of the citizens of NH would be protected and defended against any overreach by whoever was sitting in the corner office.
Sadly, they were wrong.
Who would have believed a sitting governor would assume dictatorial powers?
Who would have believed the majority of NH Dems would sit back rubbing their damp, doughy little hands together and enjoy watching him destroy the lives of 1,000s of NH citizens as well as the state’s economy?
Who remembers Dave Wheeler sitting on the Executive Council when it was enacted and for 5 terms after that, silent.
Who would have believed NH “Republicans”, many of whom sat on their own damp, doughy little hands during those 18 years, refuse to take responsibility for being complicit?
So, blame former Senator Robert Clegg…that’s the ticket!
