Milford senior serves as Executive Councilor’s 140th intern

Plymouth State University senior Benjamin O’Leary, of Milford, is the 140th intern to earn academic credit at the office of state Executive Councilor Ray Burton, PSU class of 1962. The internship is authorized by Dr. Michelle Fistek, political science professor at PSU, for three academic credits, which is one day a week at Burton’s Statehouse office and Grafton County Commissioners Office. Duties include representing Burton at various functions and meetings throughout the region and responding to a variety of requests from residents, towns, cities, counties and business. “Ben O’Leary is gaining valuable real-life experience in the public arena both at the county and state government level,” Burton said. “I am proud he is the 140th intern since I first entered public office as a councilor in 1977. Many PSU students have participated over the years.” O’Leary said working with Burton has been rewarding. “Councilor Burton told me from the start I won’t be just sitting behind a desk, and he was right,” O’Leary said.