Three more of Gov. Janet Mills’ Cabinet nominees gained unanimous endorsements from legislative committees Wednesday.
The nominations of Maj. Gen. Douglas Farnham, Judith Camuso and Laura Fortman now will go to the full Senate for a final confirmation vote. No one spoke in opposition to their respective nominations as the commissioners of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Services; Inland Fisheries and Wildlife; and Labor.
Farnham is one of three nominees who also served in the administration of former Republican Gov. Paul LePage.
The three will join four prospective cabinet members who were endorsed Tuesday: Transportation nominee Bruce Van Note; Marine Resources nominee Patrick Keliher, who also served under LePage; Community and Economic Development nominee Heather Johnson; and Administrative and Financial Services nominee Kirsten Figueroa.
Thirteen people representing a wide range of outdoor groups in Maine spoke in favor of Camuso’s confirmation at her hearing. Her voice broke with emotion as the addressed the committee, saying she was honored to be the first woman nominated to oversee the department.
A fourth cabinet nominee, Jerry Reid, who was tapped by Mills to head the Department of Environmental Protection, faced extensive criticism from Maine’s tribal nations for his handling of water quality cases as an assistant attorney general. However, Reid was endorsed unanimously by the Legislature’s Environment and Natural Resources Committee on Wednesday.
Staff Writer Deirdre Fleming contributed to this report.
Scott Thistle can be contacted at 791-6330 or at:
sthistle@pressherald.com
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