New Hampshire House Speaker Dick Hinch died at Govt-19, a medical examiner ruled Thursday following his untimely death. Hinch, who only took office as the state’s new Republican-led legislature a week ago, died Wednesday. Hinch was 71, and began his seventh, two-year term in the state legislature. He previously served as majority leader for the 2016-17 session and as minority leader for the past two years when Democrats were in control. His death was announced by his office on Wednesday night, which did not give any details as to “this unexpected tragedy”. According to House Clerk Paul Smith, New Hampshire Hinch was the first to die during the session. “We’re sitting here in unnamed territory,” Smith said. Sherman Packard, who represents Londonderry, is serving on the council for the 15th time and will be acting speaker until the full council meeting in January. 6. President Chris Sununu ordered the flags to be cut in half, and he said he was “deeply saddened” that Speaker Hinch was “a staunch defender of the New Hampshire Advantage, a close friend and a respected public servant.” “His loss will be greatly felt by the people of this state. I urge the Granite Stutters to join me in praying for his family during this incredibly difficult time.” Republicans won a majority in both chambers in November. Senate President Chuck Morse, R-Salem, said he was looking forward to working with a colleague he considered a best friend. American Sen. Democrats, including Maggie Hassan, also expressed grief over Hinch’s death. “I had the opportunity to work and I saw him closely when I was governor, including implementing a key solution to improve mental health services and increase funding to combat substance abuse,” Hassan said in a statement. “It takes a great deal of effort to serve in our legislature – especially in the leadership positions held by Speaker Hinch, all in a fundamentally voluntary capacity. Speaker Hinch was deeply committed to this service and I am grateful for all that he has provided for our state and our country.” Acting, Merrimack served on the Board of Selectmen and the Town Budget Committee, and was also the owner and primary broker of a real estate agency, in an emotional speech when he was elected speaker on December 2, particularly of members of opposing parties, “an epidemic. “I’ve been working with members of our caucus for good times and badly in many words. Long nights, stressful days, but the right course is to charge before we can believe it,” he said. “At the time, I worked to make sure everyone had a seat at the table.” The swearing-in of the 400-member House and 24-member Senate took place outside the University of New Hampshire because of the corona virus outbreak.More House members, most of them, learned that several Republican lawmakers tested positive for the virus after attending an indoor GOP Caucus meeting on November 20. Democrats skipped the ceremony.
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