Caswell’s Reappointment Stalls as Three Councilors Signal Opposition

Taylor Caswell

CONCORD — Governor Kelly Ayotte did not bring forward the renomination of Taylor Caswell to lead the Department of Business and Economic Affairs (BEA) at Wednesday’s Executive Council meeting, after it became clear the nomination lacked the votes to pass.

“Commissioner Caswell has my full confidence. I think he has done an excellent job,” Ayotte said. “We have a disagreement with the council right now, which happens with certain issues, and I will keep working on that.”

Caswell has served as commissioner since 2017, overseeing business development and tourism as well as the distribution of COVID-19 relief funds. But three of the five Executive Councilors have now publicly opposed his reappointment, citing a need for new leadership and economic priorities.

Councilor Joe Kenney, R-Wakefield, praised Caswell’s service but said the state must move in a new direction.

“I want to thank Commissioner Taylor Caswell for his eight years of service to the state of New Hampshire and his administration of COVID funds,” Kenney said. “I believe the state should be moving in a different leadership direction and setting new priorities at the Department of Business and Economic Affairs at this critical juncture.”

Kenney raised concerns about limited funding for business recruitment—just $50,000 in the recent state budget compared to $14 million for tourism marketing—and pointed to a lack of support for rural economic development. “Maine is eating our lunch,” he said, referring to that state’s forestry industry initiatives.

Councilor Dave Wheeler, R-Milford, cited fiscal concerns. “He has brought too many overpriced items to the Council that we have had to turn down,” Wheeler said, referencing a $4 million tourism photography contract rejected by the council last year.

Councilor John Stephen also opposed the renomination. “I thank Commissioner Caswell for his eight years of service. I’ve spoken with several industry stakeholders, employees in the department, and businesses across the state and I value all of their input in highlighting both successes and room for growth in the department,” Stephen said in a statement.

“It is my belief that the state could benefit from a new leader that can maximize the potential of BEA and its staff, a leader that can bring new opportunities to all areas of our state and ignite economic development in every corner.”

A recent report by The Granite Eagle highlighted that the state-run tourism website, operated under BEA, had promoted LGBTQ events that included programming for young children. While the article drew attention in conservative circles, none of the councilors opposing Caswell cited it as a reason for their position.