Letter: Rod Tenney was dedicated to public service
Published: 02-20-2025 2:11 PM |
In response to the Monitor’s recent article, I would like to further comment on Rodney Tenney’s longstanding commitment to public service.
Whether at the state or federal level, Rod was a firm believer in the power of government to provide a safety net for its citizens and, in this regard, readily involved himself whenever opportunities presented themselves. Working closely with the governor and two legislators, who proposed the Healthy Kids Initiative in the ‘90s and secured its funding, Rod conceived a roadmap for the program’s implementation, with an emphasis on efficiency and economy, and rallied bi-partisan support for it. His legendary facility for finances and figures enabled him to proceed confidently and assure others of its likely success. He hired Healthy Kids’ first executive director and served as its board chair for ten years. The initiative achieved its objective of reaching young children regardless of their parents’ healthcare coverage and made quite a difference for New Hampshire families.
He respected what public service could accomplish for the community and state and generously donated his time and talent to any number of causes. Fortunately, his wife, Roberta, shared his commitment to the public good and supported his efforts to advance it.
Rod always wanted to make a small footprint for himself but a larger one for the public. This philosophy shaped his approach and was a factor in his successes. It also earned him the admiration of others. He definitely was “a pillar in the community,” as Sen. Shaheen aptly described him.
His was a life very well lived.
William Upton
Concord
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