A Job Well Done, Gov. Lynch

John Lynch, arguably the most popular governor in New Hampshire’s history, will be leaving office shortly after a record-breaking four terms.

New Hampshire has been fortunate during our history in having some extremely fine governors – both Democratic and Republican as well as a handful or more who were memorable for other reasons.

The first governor I vividly recall was Wesley Powell who served two terms in the late 1950s and early 60s. I was a grammar school student in Concord when our Cub Scout Troop visited the governor’s office where we were greeted warmly by Gov. Powell. He spent almost 15 minutes chatting, asking questions and allowing his picture to be taken by our Brownie Cameras.

I was a student at Bishop Brady High School a number of years later when we visited the Statehouse and said hello to Gov. John King.

Gov. Meldrim Thomson Jr. was someone who had strong principals and beliefs and never shirked from expressing them. While you might disagree with what he said, it was difficult not to admire his honesty. He genuinely championed his beliefs and when I met him several times at the Christmas Party he threw for state workers (I was employed in the John Morton Building), I was impressed that he remembered my name whenever he saw me (in or out of the context of work) and looked me squarely in the eyes when he talked.

Gov. Gallen regularly attended St. Peter’s Church where he warmly shook hands and greeted Parishioners and casual meetings with Steve Merrill and John Sununu always reinforced in me the notion that in New Hampshire, even if we disagreed with someone’s political stand, we could comfortably and respectfully interact with them and occasionally come away with a degree of admiration.

In 2002, I invited then-Gov. Jeanne Shaheen to attend a benefit I was presenting at the Capitol Center for the Arts. Legendary singer Patti Page was performing in order to raise money and awareness for a non-profit I worked for. She not only came, presenting a proclamation and making a speech that was genuinely moving and heartfelt, but she clearly enjoyed herself.

When I brought Broadway legend Carol Channing to Concord in June 2007 to help another non-profit, I contacted Lynch’s office and he enthusiastically invited Carol and her husband Harry to stop by his office and say hello. It was an instant mutual admiration society on a very hot late June afternoon.

An invitation to come back the next day and meet the Executive Council led to Carol spending the evening at the Centennial Hotel re-writing the words to “Hello Dolly”, changing them to “Hello Johnny” to reflect her admiration for her new friend and his wife, Dr. Susan Lynch.

To the delight of the governor, Carol sang the song to the Executive Council and then proceeded to the House and Senate Chambers where she gave repeat performances.

In a manner so indicative of the “Lynch Years,” Carol was joined by two Republicans – Susan Emerson and Fran Wendelboe – in singing the praises of the Democratic governor.

Lynch has made a habit of reaching out to the “other side” during his four terms and, at all times, giving those with an opposing view a chance to be heard. While he stands on principal in many areas, he has shown himself willing to hear why others may feel differently and responded in a civil and respectful manner, something increasingly rare in the world of politics.

I’ve said it before and it bears repeating that there have been times in my life when someone with an opposing political viewpoint has helped my thinking to evolve or change or modify and embrace what they believe or at the least develop a deep respect and understanding for why they feel their opinion is the right one.

Lynch was often methodical and thoughtful prior to issuing a statement and while some found fault with that way of doing business, I like a governor – Democratic or Republican – who tries to gather all the facts and information before speaking out.

When Carol returned to New Hampshire in 2008, Governor and Doctor Lynch were front row in Portsmouth, much to Carol’s delight. In fact she urged him to run for president promising to sing “Hello Johnny” at his Inauguration. When her husband Harry passed away a year ago, the governor picked-up the phone and called me prior to sending a floral display to Carol who treasures his heartfelt note to her.

Lynch didn’t run for governor to stoke his ego or to amass power. He did it to reach out and genuinely try to help all of the people of New Hampshire, whatever their belief or political affiliation. Whatever you may feel about decisions he made in the past eight years, few can find fault with the fact that he conducted himself like a gentleman and has never lost a bit of his enthusiasm for our State. He has been a tireless cheerleader on behalf of all.

All future governors can take a page from the Lynch playbook as a blueprint for how to be a governor for all of the people.