It was nice to see Gov. Chris Sununu come to Hampton to meet with local officials to talk about the town’s contention that it deserves more state financial support for its contributions to the maintenance and operation of Hampton Beach.

The governor called for the meeting in response to reports that Hampton selectmen were moving forward with a lawsuit against the state for not living up to its obligations as part of the 1933 deed that transferred Hampton Beach from the town to the state.

Hampton has argued it is entitled to additional state funding due to the municipal services it provides to the tourist spot, such as police, fire and public works. They also argue that Hampton Beach State Park generates significant revenue each year for the state via meters and rooms and meals taxes, all on the backs of Hampton taxpayers.

Yet those arguments have fallen on deaf ears over the years with attempts to bring additional revenue to the town via changing the distribution formula for the state’s rooms and meals tax and other means failing in the Legislature.

While some have been critical of Hampton’s decision to sue the state, it obviously was the right move as it caught the attention of the governor.

Unfortunately, the meeting between the two entities appears to have done little to move the conversation forward.

Sununu told selectmen he was open to advocating for more projects and funding that benefit Hampton but gave no real commitments.

We aren't closer to a resolution with town officials taking offense after Sununu called out Hampton Selectman Phil Bean for not attending the meeting. Bean, who has been one of the most vocal supporters of the lawsuit, said he called the governor’s office before the meeting and told his staff he would be unable to attend.

Sununu then used Bean's absence to diminish Hampton’s efforts, saying it speaks “very clearly as to the legitimacy of the complaints being filed.”

State and town officials at the meeting also reverted to their same talking points. State officials brought up the fact the state invested $14.5 million in upgrading its state park facilities, including a new Seashell Stage. They also spoke of future plans for the $8.1 million reconstruction of Ocean Boulevard, a state road, and $40 million replacement of the state's “red-listed” Neil R. Underwood Bridge.

Hampton Selectmen Chairman Jim Waddell told Sununu Hampton's police, fire and public works departments are "stressed" financially, much due to the boom in population the town sees each summer as tourists flock to the beach.

What both sides didn’t talk about was what exactly Hampton selectmen want and the board’s rationale behind the lawsuit.

When the town deeded Hampton Beach to the state in 1933 it did so with the understanding the state would cover costs of constructing jetties and seawalls and that it would maintain the property in perpetuity.

While the transfer called for the town to maintain public order and sanitation, nowhere in the agreement, Hampton selectmen argue, did it call for the town to pick up all the other costs associated with making Hampton Beach one of the top tourist destinations in the state.

The governor’s decision to come to Hampton shows he’s willing to listen, but selectmen have to do a better job expressing what they want. And Bean needs to be in attendance. He has been the loudest voice in town on this issue for years and has even called the state "tyrannical." Bean should be there to back up his tough talk when the governor comes to town to discuss it.

Hopefully, the town and the state will have more honest conversations in the future.

It would be nice if both sides could settle their difference without the courts. But if both parties can’t come to the table then going to court is still a viable option.

While some argue taking legal action may hurt the relationship between the town and state, we would argue it will only strengthen it. These disputes have been festering for years and need to be settled once and for all.