Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Make a sustaining gift today to support local journalism!
0000017a-15d9-d736-a57f-17ff8f680000Coverage of the 2016 races in New Hampshire, from the White House to the State House.

Sununu's Drug Comments Rile Manchester Police Chief

Courtesy of the U.S. Senate

After filing to run for Governor, Executive Councilor Chris Sununu told reporters it would be "crazy" to think the state can solve the opioid crisis without spending more money to boost treatment options and increase anti-drug education in schools.

But more than money, Sununu said, New Hampshire needs leadership.

"This is an absolute crisis across the state, and we have had no leadership in Concord and no leadership at the local level. We need a completely different mindset to tackle this and take it head-on. There's not going to be a golden answer out of Concord, but you need leadership to change the culture."

Manchester Police Chief Nick Willard took to Twitter to criticize Sununu's comments, describing them as "idiotic."

Manchester Mayor Ted Gatsas, who is  also running for Governor, called Sununu's comments unfortunate, and asked his fellow republican to retract his statement and apologize "to the police officers, fire fighters and members of the recovery community who are saving lives and getting results.”

Josh has worked at NHPR since 2000.
Related Content

You make NHPR possible.

NHPR is nonprofit and independent. We rely on readers like you to support the local, national, and international coverage on this website. Your support makes this news available to everyone.

Give today. A monthly donation of $5 makes a real difference.