The Executive Council meets for the first time since the Governor and entire Congressional delegation called for Ray Burton to step down for employing a campaign aide he knew had committed child sex crimes.
NHPR's Josh Rogers has more.
The council gave no sign of internal distress over the controversy surrounding councilor Burton. They plowed though nominations, confirmations and a full agenda of state contracts……Afterwards, a chipper Burton indicated that he found the meeting business as usual.
"District one did very well…..We got that transportation money for advanced transit up in Lebanon….We've got the money for the corrections people though North Country education services. Quite a few nominees from district one we're confirmed and quite a few nominees from district one were nominated."
Other councilors proved measured when queried about how district one will fare given Burton's situation……….District 4's Ray Weiczorek is one of two councilors who've said that Burton should quit……..Weiczorek didn't harp on that point in Londonderry, but did allow the circumstances on the council remain atypical.
"This is a little different situation…..and if this is the end of the situation who knows what happens, and if there is more, then who knows what the result will be?"
District 3's Ruth Griffin has also been critical of Burton, but has stopped short of saying he should resign…
"He can do as he darn well pleases, and he will."
And what apparently pleases Burton, is maintaining a characteristically busy public schedule.
"I got places to go -- a bath fireman's supper tomorrow night….I'm spending all day Friday with commissioner stephenS -- you should come up and cover that……We're going to be visting the dreamteam in north conway……Then, hey it's Saturday……Sandwich fair……I'm going to have my 57' DeSoto in the parade. I've got things to do."
But one thing Burton seems unlikely to do is comment further about his former aide Mark Seidensticker…….In addition to his campaign work for Burton, Seidensticker has since 1989 logged a total of seven years as a part-time worker for both the state liquor commission and the department of transportation……When asked if he'd played a role in Seidensticker getting those jobs, Burton refused comment.
"I'm not answering any questions that relate to that person."
Governor Lynch for his part, promised to deal with Burton in a professional manner as long as he is on the council…….But speaking to reporters, Lynch said Burton needs to bear responsibility for his decisions.
"What he did, I think was awful."
Lynch then used the particulars of Seidensticker's most recent arrest to promote his plan to stiffen penalties for sex crimes involving children.
"What for example would have happened if that boy accepted the alcohol and gotten into the car…..of the sex offender, something tragic would have happened…..And I want to make sure in NH we protect our kids."
Lynch would not say whether he plans to help candidates looking to unseat Ray Burton in the 2006 elections……But the topic of Mark Seidensticker and Ray Burton will likely persist remain an as the legislatures takes up Lynch's child protection act.
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