Governor John Lynch Presents: “The State of State Government: Lessons from Concord,” at Rockefeller 003 at 4:30 pm on January 29, 2013

The November elections will be remembered with great historical significance, not because of the outcomes in the national elections, but rather the often-overlooked state elections. Embracing their constitutionally enumerated state powers, both Colorado and Washington took a leadership role through their legalization of marijuana—standing in stark contrast to current U.S. federal policy. This highlights an emerging trend of states subverting the slow bureaucracy of the federal government, and taking the lead in progressively addressing issues facing America today.

Former four-term New Hampshire Governor John Lynch has a wealth of political knowledge from his long and distinguished career as a politician. He will speak of how New Hampshire’s position in national elections allows a small state such as ours to hold great influential power in national policy, putting newly elected Governor Margaret Hassan in the driver’s seat when it come to federal policy negotiations. Dartmouth students should pay attention to New Hampshire state politics not only because it is our home for four years, but also because New Hampshire is emerging as a leader in federal policy reform.

Governor Lynch was elected in 2005 as the 80th Governor of New Hampshire; he served in this role for four consecutive terms until 2012. Under Gov. Lynch, New Hampshire was named the “Most Livable State” in the nation, as well as the “Safest State” for three years in a row. New Hampshire has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation, the lowest states taxes, and fourth lowest government spending per capita. Prior to being elected as Governor, Lynch served as the President and CEO of Knoll, Inc., a national furniture manufacturer; he transformed a company losing  $50 million a year into one making a profit of nearly $240 million. Gov. Lynch has also served as chair of the University System Board of Trustees, director of Admissions at the Harvard Business School, and president of the Lynch Group, a business-consulting firm in Manchester. Gov. Lynch earned his undergraduate degree from the University of New Hampshire in 1974. He also holds an M.B.A. from the Harvard Business School and a law degree from Georgetown University Law Center.

Please join us for Governor John Lynch’s talk, “The State of State Government: Lessons from Concord,” at Rockefeller 003 at 4:30 pm, January 29, 2013.

Students, you also have the opportunity to have dinner with Gov. Lynch after his talk. RSVP required.