GOFFSTOWN--Executive Council Ray Wieczorek (R-Manchester) and Bob Bruce (D-Candia) spent most of their time in their debate explaining, and clarifying, what is the role of the Executive Council.

"The toughest part about my race is that nobody knows that the Executive Council does," Bruce said in his opening statement.

Wieczorek used his opening statement to explain the make-up of the council.

"The council is split up not by geography but by population and we each represent about 250,000 constituents," Wieczorek said.

During a question on possible budget cuts Wieczorek said, "Balance the budget? That's the job of the legislature."

He added, "We don't really have a lot of control over that."

The council approves appointments and approves every state contract over $5,000.

Wieczorek and Bruce also disagreed over state contracts.

Bruce said he would give deference to New Hampshire companies; Wieczorek said that he favors giving contracts to New Hampshire companies but added that it is sometimes necessary for companies to go out of state to find specialized workers.

Bruce also said, "The low bid is not always the best."