Politics & Government
Longtime Executive Councilor Won't Seek Re-election
Ray Burton, 74, has been battling kidney cancer.
Executive Councilor Ray Burton has announced that he will not seek re-election due to illness.
Burton, 74, has been battling kidney cancer. He has represented the North Country for more than 30 years, and politicians on both sides of the political aisle were quick to praise him on Sunday.
"Ray Burton is a legend in New Hampshire politics, and it's hard to even consider the Executive Council without his steady and reassuring presence," New Hampshire Republican State Committee Chairman Jennifer Horn said. "For over three decades, Ray has been a tireless champion for the North Country, a respected bipartisan leader and one of the most dedicated elected officials in New Hampshire.
"There will never be another public servant like Councilor Ray Burton. He is simply irreplaceable and his difficult decision is an enormous loss for our state. New Hampshire is thankful for his outstanding service and our thoughts and prayers are with him during these trying times."
Former New Hampshire Gov. John H. Sununu, a Republican, said he was "deeply saddened," to hear that Burton will not seek re-election.
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"As a former governor who served with Ray for six years, I was always impressed with his dedication and deep commitment to his constituents," Sununu said. "No one has done more to stand up for the North Country than Ray, and his institutional knowledge and bipartisan leadership will be missed on the Executive Council.
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"Nancy and I extend our best wishes to Ray during these difficult times, and we ask that all Granite Staters keep him in their thoughts and prayers," he added."
U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) also issued a statement:"Public service is a labor of love for Councilor Burton, who has established an unmatched record of achievement, and I am deeply saddened by his announcement," Ayotte said. "No one has fought harder for his constituents than Ray, who has been a passionate and tireless voice for the North Country for decades –earning the admiration and gratitude of citizens across New Hampshire, Grafton County and Council District 1.
"This must have been a very difficult decision for Councilor Burton, and I join with his constituents and people throughout New Hampshire in expressing deep and heartfelt thanks for his extraordinary service. I pray that Ray will find strength and peace during this difficult time."
"Ray Burton's steadfast dedication to the people and communities of the North Country and his unmatched public service have for decades strengthened the entire State of New Hampshire," she said. "I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside Councilor Burton and I deeply appreciate his invaluable knowledge and deep commitment to the Granite State. I will work with the Executive Council to provide any support Councilor Burton requires as he continues to fulfill his duties on behalf of his constituents. My thoughts and prayers are with Ray and his loved ones in this difficult time."
U.S. Rep. Annie Kuster (D-NH) offered these remarks:
"Ray Burton has been a fixture of governance and service in New Hampshire since I was a young girl," Kuster said. "Ray's kindness, compassion, and commitment will set the bar for generations of public servants to come. We send our deep appreciation and abiding affection to Ray. Our thoughts and prayers join thousands more across the state, wishing him well in his recovery."
U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) issued this statement:
"Ray has been a dedicated public servant for more than three decades and the North Country is a better place because of his service. His decision to retire is a big loss for not only his constituents but the entire state of New Hampshire," she said. "My thoughts and prayers are with Ray and his family."
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