Chris Sununu to make bid against Exec. Councilor Hollingworth
By ADAM D. KRAUSSakrauss@fosters.com
DOVER — Claiming Democrats have obliterated the state's competitive edge, Newfields businessman Chris Sununu says he plans to prevent Executive Councilor Beverly Hollingworth's bid for re-election.
Sununu, whose father is chairman of the state Republican Party, said he's running to "fundamentally change the way things have been done in the council chambers," beginning with letting residents know what councilors do and how they "provide accountability to the governor."
The five-member council signs off on all state spending greater than $5,000, oversees the 10-year highway plan and appoint hundreds of people to serve different levels of agencies and boards.
Locally, District 3 covers Dover, Durham, Barrington, Exeter, Hampton, Lee, Madbury, Newington, Newmarket, Hampton, Portsmouth and Rye.
Sununu said he's spoken with local officials who have "never even met Councilor Hollingworth" — a claim the Hampton Democrat roundly refuted.
"I don't know where he's getting that from," she said. "I think I've done a good job for the district and represent my constituents real well. ... There have been a lot of issues that have come up and I've worked hard and ... I love serving the people and representing their concerns and their interests and I would love to have another term and finish off a lot of things we need to do."
Sununu, 35, pledged to be a "more active voice," bring a "sense of fiscal responsibility to Concord," promote small businesses and cultivate a "political attitude that attracts" people and businesses to the state.
With overspending, new taxes and fees, "Democrats have given away that advantage," said Sununu, who along with two of his brothers owns and manages a business consulting firm.
Sununu said he opted against a run for the Legislature because his background as a small-business owner, environmental engineer and construction manager has given him the skill set to scrutinize contracts and personnel decisions.
The run marks Sununu's first bid for public office. His father also served as governor and his older brother, John, served in the U.S. House and Senate until losing his seat 2008.
"I know that I have to run my own race on my own credentials based on my own experience with my own message and I am fully prepared to do that, and I hope people ... take the time to understand me and my message," he said.
Hollingworth, 75, served 10 terms between the House and Senate, where she served as president. She said the council is focused on contracts tied to Gov. John Lynch's push to create jobs and "spending money wisely to make sure" federal stimulus funds "are used to the best of our ability."
She questioned whether Sununu "can possibly get up to speed. Probably he can, but it's going to take some time to get to know the people and the community and the people in state government that he's going to need to know to help his constituency."
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