The Exchange Commissioner Series

This month The Exchange is talking with New Hampshire's top commissioners about their priorities in 2007 and the challenges they may face. You can hear each program below.

	Health and Human Services Commissioner John Stephen
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John Stephen has been in the news quite a bit recently, mostly for his sparring with Governor Lynch over many issues, including the budget and problems with the new Medicaid computer system. His term is up at the end of 2007 and some question whether he will be reappointed or not. In the meantime Stephen has a full load on his plate, including the start of flu season, Medicare-Part D, and a new state program to vaccinate girls against HPV.

	Resources and Economic Development Commissioner George Bald
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After stints as the top guy at DRED and then Pease, George Bald is back at the Department of Resources and Economic Development, balancing the competing needs of conserving our natural resources and also developing them.

	Environmental Services Commissioner Tom Burack
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When former DES Commissioner Mike Nolin's term expired, he was replaced by Hopkinton lawyer Tom Burack, who came in at a time when many were displeased with how the Department of Environmental Services was being run. Burack has long been involved in the environment in New Hampshire, having chaired the LCHIP program and sat on various task forces and steering committees.

	Corrections Commissioner William Wrenn
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William Wrenn has been at the Department of Corrections for one year. We’ll look at the challenges his department faces, including how to deal with sex offenders and inmate substance abuse.

	Education Commissioner Lyonel Tracy
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We talk with Lyonel Tracy about the struggle over federal standards, the dropout rate and what role he thinks his department should play in the state’s ongoing school funding debate.