This November, voters will shape state government for the next two years by selecting a new governor and members of the Legislature. But one of the most significant choices for the future of our state will also be on the ballot: the race to succeed Ray Wieczorek on the Executive Council in District 4.

The council is an important check within the executive branch and should serve as a fiscally responsible watchdog for taxpayers. It is vital in ensuring that New Hampshire has well-qualified department heads and a fair and independent judiciary. The Executive Council makes the final decision on state contracts, the governor’s nominees and incoming federal funds.

For decades, councilors of both political parties have steered a moderate course for our state. But over the past year and a half we have seen an Executive Council that is beholden to an extreme ideology and that is not serving the people’s best interests. Too often — on issues from economic development to heath care — the council has put politics ahead of what’s best for New Hampshire. This ideological approach is not consistent with the historic, constitutional role of the council or the independent-minded will of Granite Staters. And unless we change direction, we will be short-changing the future of our state’s economy and quality of life.

Consider the Executive Council’s vote to send $3.2 million in federal funds back to Washington that was designated to study the restoration of passenger and freight rail service from Manchester to Boston. Councilor Wieczorek and the local business community, which privately raised $120,000 to apply for the funds, supported it. It could have been a significant economic development project for Southern New Hampshire, creating jobs, spurring growth and serving as part of an intermodal transportation system for the region. The Executive Council voted to kill it.

The council sent more money back to Washington in a political protest over the Affordable Care Act. Rather than complying with the law and accepting funding for New Hampshire to set up its own health insurance exchange, the council gave the money back. Now the federal government will set up the exchange for us. Our elected leaders surrendered local control and gave away our ability to put a New Hampshire stamp on our own health care system.

The most shocking example of the council’s ideological approach was its decision to defund Planned Parenthood and deprive thousands of women and families of critical health services. On a 3-2 vote, the Executive Council cancelled what had been a non-controversial contract for more than 30 years and blocked access to preventative care, annual exams and cancer screenings for thousands of women.

As a small-business owner, community leader and lifelong Manchester resident, I know we can do better. I am proud to be a fourth-generation owner of my family’s business, the Puritan Backroom restaurant. And I know that to remain competitive New Hampshire must create a more dynamic economic climate that is a magnet for skilled workers and innovative new companies.

I believe in efficient, fiscally responsible government, and I supported such policies as a state legislator and county official. I am committed to seeing the greater Manchester area thrive, and I believe the next councilor must be a fierce advocate for our community and work cooperatively with leaders across the political aisle to deliver results.

When Gov. John Lynch first ran for office in 2004, he famously pledged to keep an eye on the bottom line while still looking out for people. As he leaves office after keeping that promise for eight years, I hope to carry on his common-sense philosophy as a member of the Executive Council.

It appears that Bob Burns won the Republican primary for this seat. Although the outcome of that primary is in question pending a recount, the approach Mr. Burns would take as a member of the council is crystal clear. He has said he will fight to permanently defund Planned Parenthood. He opposes passenger rail for Southern New Hampshire. He wants to apply a strict litmus test to judicial nominees, and he even said the confirmation of David Souter to the New Hampshire Supreme Court was the worst mistake the council ever made. Those priorities are wrong for New Hampshire, and they represent a real departure from the moderate, common-sense-oriented approach I believe is necessary on the Council.

We must refocus the attention of the Council on issues that will grow our economy and move New Hampshire forward. I believe I have the right priorities and experience to accomplish that goal and be a strong voice for the people’s best interests. I would be proud to be your choice this November to serve as your Executive Councilor in District 4.

Chris Pappas, owner of the Puritan Backroom in Manchester, is the Democratic candidate for Executive Council in District 4.