Bragdon Chosen as New LGC Executive Director

State Senate President Peter Bragdon will be taking on the role as the Executive Director for the Local Government Center. (LGC)

The boards for the LGC and the HealthTrust, and Property-Liability Trust (PLT) will vote today for the Milford politician to replace George Bald, who has served as the interim Executive Director for six months.

The LGC has experienced many legal issues over the past few years, according to The Union Leader. It commited multiple violations of NH state law from 2003 to 2010, including

LGC had engaged in actions or inactions that resulted in multiple violations of state law, starting in 2003 and continuing through 2010, including improper transfers of funds and failing to distribute excess earnings to LGC members. Read more.

Bragdon will remain in the senate after he is appointed to his new role.

"We are truly excited that Mr. Bragdon has agreed to join our team.  His strong management, organizational and people skills will be instrumental in guiding the LGC and its risk pools into the future," said LGC Board chair Tom Enright in a press release. "Senator Bragdon will be able to build on the strong foundation that George Bald set in motion during his tenure here.  We are so thankful for George's willingness to serve and Cate Street Capital in giving him the leeway to do so."

Bragdon has been both owner and publisher of the Milford Observer, Operations Manager at Comp-Sigma, Ltd. of Concord NH, a third-party administrator for self-insured workers’ compensation trusts, and President of ACHIEVE! Technology in Amherst. He has also served 17 years on the Milford School Board, 12 of them as chair.

"The Local Government Center, HealthTrust and Property-Liability Trust provide critically important services to our towns and cities.  I am very excited about the opportunity to be a part of the organization and its future," said Senator Bragdon. "George Bald's leadership has been instrumental in righting the ship.  I look forward to taking the helm and guiding these important and valued organizations forward."

Bragdon has signed a one-year contract with the LGC and its risk pools.

New Hampshire Democratic Party Communications Director Harrell Kirstein released the following statement regarding Bragdon's new position.

“Bragdon's irresponsible decision to accept this position raises serious long-term questions about his ethical judgement. It is a blatant conflict of interest.  How does Senator Bragdon plan to continue as Senate President while taking a job that raises so many serious concerns?  Almost every single issue and or piece of legislation that comes before the State Senate impacts the LGC or its sister organization the Municipal Association."

Kirstein added that this conflict of interest could be harmful to New Hampshire communities. 

"As Senate President, Bragdon decides what committees bills are assigned to, what Senators serve on those committees, who the chairs are, what staff they have access to, and when bills are given a vote on the floor of the Senate. But as the head of the LGC, Bragdon will be receiving financial compensation for directing a team of paid and registered state lobbyists seeking to influence that very same legislation and those very senators. Will he recuse himself from all of those decisions?  Many of communities across the state are involved in lawsuits against the LGC. How can Bragdon assure citizens of those towns that any future cuts to their schools, pensions, other funding is not retribution against them?"