Sununu Wrestles With New Challenge

Former governor, and White House Chief of Staff John H. Sununu can add a new title to his resume: town hog wrangler.

Sununu and his wife, Nancy, recently were bestowed with the title of Hampton Falls hog reeve.

The post dates to the 1700s and means the couple are responsible for rounding up pigs who get loose in town. The honorary title is usually given to newcomers to town. The Sununus recently moved from Salem to Hampton Falls to be closer to family on the Seacoast.

"Somebody had warned us," Sununu said. "We had some friends who had come to town earlier."

They were sworn in at the town deliberative session and presented with a badge.

Sununu served as governor for three terms in the 1980s. He was chief of staff to President George H.W. Bush from 1989 to 1991.

Sununu is taking his new job in stride.

"It's one of the great honors," he said. "We got a badge and everything. If you need any hogs rounded up, call me."