– State Senator Richard Green has announced that he will not seek reelection to the NH Senate, as he has been chosen as the New Director of Pease International Tradeport. In an open letter to the community, Green speaks with enthusiasm of his new role as the steward for economic growth at Pease. An experienced community leader, and former Mayor of Rochester, Green is eager to keep up the level of excellence established by previous directors and Board members. His open letter appears below.
[Letter to the community]
Richard P. Green
15 Nola Avenue
Rochester, New Hampshire 03867
It is with great enthusiasm that I accept the position of Executive Director of the Pease International Tradeport. Given the success that those who have gone before me, both the Pease Board members and the Executive Directors, I am well aware that meeting the high standards of successful accomplishments that they have set presents me with a daunting task. Nevertheless, I intend to work closely with the current Pease Board, and its employees, tenants, business partners and associates to raise the bar for success for the Tradeport even higher.
As all who know me hopefully recognize that I have always had a deep interest in economic development. As the Mayor of Rochester, one of my primary accomplishments was my work with the Rochester City Council in creating the Rochester Economic Development Commission and undertaking the development of the Ten Rod Road Industrial Park, actions which resulted in the creation of literally thousands of new jobs in Rochester. At the same time we launched an effort to address the needs of Rochester’s existing businesses. I believe that our efforts demonstrated that new business and commercial development can be accomplished in a manner that is also beneficial to existing business interests. Over the past decade the transformation of Pease from an abandoned military facility into an economic engine for the seacoast and, indeed, for the State of New Hampshire as a whole, has clearly demonstrated that economic development is not a zero sum game – but, rather, a process that gives proof to the old adage that: “A rising tide lifts all boats.”
As Director of Economic Development for the State of New Hampshire during the early 1990’s I worked successfully, on a statewide basis, to bring more businesses and quality jobs to New Hampshire, both through the attraction of new businesses and the expansion of existing businesses.
In the State Senate, one of my primary areas of attention has been to focus on maintaining and improving New Hampshire’s business climate, while at the same time being sensitive to the overall environmental impacts, so that New Hampshire will continue to be the leader in the northeast in economic development and the maintenance of a strong and vibrant economy.
As the Pease Executive Director, I believe I can contribute to New Hampshire’s bright future by continuing to work hard to bring the message of the “New Hampshire Advantage” to businesses seeking to relocate at the Pease International Tradeport, as well as by attending to the needs of those businesses that have already had the foresight to relocate at Pease, or its surrounding municipalities.
I look forward to meeting the challenges that such work will surely present. I am extremely grateful for the consideration that the Pease Board has shown me during the selection process, and I am thankful and humbled, by the confidence their selection has placed in me. I look forward to working with the Board and the Tradeport’s staff to build on their already considerable accomplishments. I will do all that is within my power to justify the Board’s confidence.
While I am entering the job of Pease Executive Director with great enthusiasm, I do want to let everyone know that the decision to take this job was not one that was made without considerable thought on my part. Any misgivings that I have had with respect to accepting this position have sprung entirely from the recognition that my new position will ultimately lead to the end of my service as State Senator for District 6.
I want to take a few moments today to thank the people of District 6 for their support and the trust that they have given me over the years as their State Senator. It has been a distinct honor and great pleasure to serve the people of District 6. An honor I have sought to justify by working hard, always striving to keep my promises, and by standing up for policies and principles in which I believed.
Given the statutory constraints that exist with respect to the circumstances under which a candidate who has filed for an elective office can have his, or her, name removed from the ballot to be replaced by another candidate, I am announcing today that between now and the conclusion of the September primary I will move my residence to outside of District 6. At that time, I can be replaced on the November ballot by a candidate who will share a political philosophy similar to that which I have brought to Concord over the past few years. District 6 voters will then have an opportunity to return to the New Hampshire State Senate a representative who will reflect their beliefs and goals, and who will seek to advance their hopes and dreams for the future of New Hampshire.
