Read Part One: Introduction here.

Read Part Eight: Electing the Clerk and Secretary of State here.

Written by Andrew Horn of Amherst, NH.

“Nominations for State Treasurer are now in order the chair recognizes a Representative from Kingston, Rep. Ken Weyler for the purpose of making a nomination,” the Speaker says.

“Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Madam President,” Rep. Weyler says. “I rise to nominate Monica Mezzapelle to again be Treasurer of the state of New Hampshire. This is a critical role for the financial management of our state. She brings a background of financial management in New Hampshire government for the last 24 years. … She's brought us record returns on the investment of state funds and has brought us two credit rating upgrades in the last two years. That's important in achieving low rates for borrowing. … But I can assure you for my 30 years of doing budgets, she can keep all the various functions of our financial system in her mind without missing any detail. If you want a good read pick up the New Hampshire Bond statement. This is about a hundred pages describing the economic and demographic details of our state. She publishes it annually for the negotiations and issuance of New Hampshire bonds. Please join with me in voting for Monica Mezzapelle for New Hampshire State Treasurer and keep our finances in good hands. Thank you.”

Applause.

“Rep. Ken Weyler nominates Monica Mezzapelle for the State Treasurer,” the Speaker says. “The chair recognizes the senator from Nashua, Sen. Cindy Rosenwald, for the purpose of seconding the nomination.”

“Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and congratulations to you,” Sen. Rosenwald says. “And it's great to be back in this chamber. I, too, am pleased to support the nomination of Monica Mezzapelle for State Treasurer. She has held this position for nearly five years, and for six years before that, she was the Deputy Treasurer. I echo much of what Rep. Weyler said about her, but the role of Treasurer is critically important to the health of New Hampshire's economy. First, she's focused on the state's borrowing capacity, recommending to the legislature the amount that is appropriate for us to bond every two years. Her sound professional judgment on borrowing has led to two upgrades in ratings, which will save the state millions in borrowing costs. She's also responsible for investing and managing the state's cash reserves of over $2.5 billion. She's been incredibly successful here, with interest coming in $85 million ahead of plan for the last fiscal year, and $46 million ahead of plan for the current year to date. This is by far our best performing revenue source right now. Further, as State Treasurer, she's also responsible for oversight of municipal cash reserves through the public deposit investment pool. This is worth over $600 million right now, helps our cities and towns invest their own money to get the best returns. And she oversees New Hampshire's college savings plan, which many families depend on to send their children to college. She's responsive to all legislators, not just those serving on finance and ways and means. She's done a great job for the state, and I hope we will re-elect her. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.”

“Sen. Rosenwald seconds the nomination of Monica Mezzapelle for the State Treasurer,” the Speaker says. “Are there further nominations? There being none, Rep. Weyler moves that the nominations be closed. One ballot cast for Monica Mezzapelle, and declare her the duly elected State Treasurer for the 2025-2026 biennium. Are you ready for the question? All those in favor say ‘aye’. Opposed, ‘nay’. The ayes have it, and Monica Mezzapelle is declared State Treasurer for the 2025-2026 biennium.”

“Good afternoon. Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker, Madam Senate President, honorable members of this General Court,” Ms. Mezzapelle says. She speaks with a slight Mexican accent. “Thank you very much for your support today and for electing me as your State Treasurer. First of all, I would like to thank Rep. Weyler and Sen. Rosenwald for nominating me today. It is a great honor to have their support and to hear the kind words and remarks. It is also a great honor to be here before all of you today, to be in this chamber, and to receive the overwhelming support you provided me today. I really thank you for electing me today and for giving me the opportunity to do this again for two more years. The last four years have been the highlight of my professional life. The challenges that we faced during the pandemic, and the benefits that we have received during the recovery have taught us many lessons. I have certainly learned a lot. And one of the key takeaways for me is the importance of being prepared, the need to assess risks, and develop policies and plans that can guide us in good and also not-so-good times. I’m really excited to continue this work and to continue building not just a more resilient treasury but to continue building a stronger state, a stronger economy, and all for the benefit of all Granite Staters. But clearly that’s not a one person job, so I look forward to collaborating with all of you, to continue making this state the best state in the country. And I want to be brief today, so before you go back to your business and your lunch, I would just like to take the opportunity to recognize the Treasury staff. They are a wonderful, hardworking group of people who really care about their job and the citizens we serve. I feel very honored I get to work with them every day. And in closing, I just would like to remind you that my office is across the street. I am only one email or phone call away. Please do not hesitate to contact me. I would love to assist you in any way I can. And with that, I thank you again for your support today and for your trust. And I look forward to working together in this upcoming legislative session. And congratulations to you all. Thank you.”

The body stands and applauds.

“The Joint Convention will come to order,” the Speaker says. “I will now administer the oath of office to the Secretary of State and the State Treasurer. Raise your right hand, and where appropriate, state your name and town.”

Speaker Packard gives them both the oath of office.

The body stands and applauds.

“The Senator from Hampstead, Sen. Birdshill, and the Member from Charlestown, Rep. Steven Smith, move that the Joint Convention arise. Are you ready for the question all those in favor say ‘aye.’ Those opposed ‘nay.’ The ayes have it, and the Joint Convention is adjourned,” the Speaker says and bangs his gavel once.

“The house is still in session,” the Clerk says. The senators leave the chamber in a line, out the door to the left of the well.

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Part 10 coming soon…

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