AUGUSTA (AP) — A former general who became Maine’s labor commissioner three months after the governor removed a mural depicting scenes from the state’s labor history is stepping down.

Gov. Paul LePage said Wednesday that he’s accepted the resignation of Robert Winglass, who became commissioner in June 2011. He says he’ll be nominating Winglass’ deputy, Jeanne Paquette, to take over the post.

Winglass decided that now’s a good time to step down because he met his obligation of serving between one and two years and because he and his wife recently moved from Bath to a retirement home in Surry.

LePage created a furor by removing the mural from the labor building, contending it presented a one-sided view of history. In a statement, Winglass praised the governor’s “strong, no nonsense and determined leadership.”