CONCORD, NH — New Hampshire House Speaker Shawn Jasper, a Republican, will be the state’s new commissioner of agriculture despite concerns over his credentials and commitment to his constituents.
The Executive Council on Wednesday voted 3-2 to confirm Jasper. Gov. Chris Sununu last month asked Jasper, who grew up on a chicken farm, to seek the top position at the Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food. Republican Russell Prescott along with Democrats Andru Volinsky and Chris Pappas supported the nomination while Republicans David Wheeler and Joe Kenney voted no.