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Governor Sununu says about the claim that the state’s poor mental health facilities contributed to Allie Eckersley’s plight.
“They are parents going through a very tough situation with their daughter. I’m not going to criticize them, but their assessment is completely wrong.”
In an interview with WGIR’s Chris Ryan, New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu discusses what the state is doing to deal with homelessness; addresses criticism from Dennis Eckersley that the state’s mental health system is broken; and responds to a bill which is being considered the legislature to raise the filing fees for candidates for governor, US Senator, or US Representative.
Governor Sununu defends the efforts which New Hampshire has made to deal with the difficult problem of homelessness. He explains that the state has spent $20 million to shelter about fifteen hundred homeless individuals in hotels in different parts of the state.
In addition, the state has devoted $100 million to the InvestNH Housing Fund which is intended to increase affordable rental units throughout New Hampshire.
The Governor also points out that the state has spent $12 million to provide winter shelters and healthcare to a population which for a variety of reasons is resistant to assistance.
“When you’re looking at the homeless population, approximately nine out of ten that we come into contact with are having some sort of substance misuse or mental health issue.”
However, Governor Sununu says that the state continues to try to incentivize homeless individuals to take advantage of services which are available.
Recently, Alexandra Eckersley, the adopted daughter of Red Sox Hall of Fame pitcher, Dennis Eckersley, brought national attention to the homeless problem when she was charged with reckless conduct after her newborn baby was found unclothed and freezing in a wooded area in Manchester, NH.
In a statement from Dennis Eckersley and his family, Alexandra’s history of mental illness and substance abuse and the family’s efforts to help was given as background. In addition, there was a claim that the New Hampshire mental health system was broken.
Governor Sununu responded to the allegation that New Hampshire’s inadequate mental health facilities contributed to Allie Eckersley’s plight.
“They are parents going through a very tough situation with their daughter. I’m not going to criticize them, but their assessment is completely wrong.”
As part of his defense, the Governor reiterated the difficulties which exist in providing services to the homeless population and outlined the increased services which have been provided.
In the final segment of the interview, Governor Sununu responded to the plan which is being considered by the legislature to increase to the filing fees to run for governor, US Senator, or US Representative from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
“I don’t like the concept that we are charge more money for people to run for office. One of the best parts of New Hampshire is that we make it easy for someone to run for office.”