THIS WEEK:

February 13: Spruce Mountain Sled-In- French Falls, Jay. 11 a.m. till 3 p.m. Bring the family for some winter fun!! Food, raffles, snow shoe races and snow sculpture contests are just a few of the activities!! Admission is FREE!!!

February 13: Michael J. Rowe Fishing Derby- Wilson Lake, Wilton. Presale tickets available at Shelley's Hometown Market and Wilton Hardware. Tickets are $5 and available all derby day at the boat launch. First 50 registered youths will receive a surprise grab bag to be picked up at the registration shack. A FREE Family Fishing Clinic will be held from 9 a.m. till 3 p.m. at the boat launch. No equipment is needed, bait and traps will be supplied.  It's a MDIFW free family fishing day. Multiple door prizes will be drawn at the launch at 4 p.m., including a Youth Lifetime Fishing License donated by Sam's. FMI: Call Alan Hart at 778-2450.

February 13: Dinner Program at Norlands- 290 Norland's Rd., Livermore. Enjoy dinner in a romantic setting like no other. The program will be: The Washburn Women-Keepers of Hearth and Home. Tickets are $30 each, and must be purchased in advance. Call 897-4366.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

February 15: Town of Jay Select Board Meeting- Town Office, 6 p.m.

February 15: Town of Livermore Select Board Meeting- Town Office, 6:30 p.m.

February 16: Town of Livermore Falls Select Board Meeting- Town Office, 6:30 p.m.

February 17: JLLF Chamber of Commerce Golf Committee Meeting- LaFleur's Restaurant, Main St., Jay. Planning this year's golf tournament that funds scholarships for seniors. Looking for new committee members. FMI: 897-6755 or info@jay-livermore-lf.org

February 17: Town of Livermore Falls Planning Board- Town Office, 6:30 p.m.

February 17: Town of Livermore Planning Board Meeting- Town Office, 6:30 p.m.

February 18: JLLF Chamber of Commerce Area Guide Committee Meeting- Androscoggin Bank Community Room, Jay. 7:30 a.m. All are welcome to the meeting! FMI: 897-6755.

February 20: Cabin Fever Reliever Living History Day- Washburn-Norlands Living History Center, 290 Norlands Rd., Livermore. 11 a.m. till 4 p.m. Activities include: Horse drawn sleigh/wagon rides, mansion tours, games, shingle making demos spelling bee and much more!! Admission: $8 adults, $5 12 and under, $20 family rate. FMI: 897-4366.

February 27:  Hand gun Training- Wilton Fish and Game Club, Route 2, Wilton.  9 a.m. till 1 p.m.This class is for adults 21 and older, with a limit of 10 students. If there is enough interest, another class may be added. Students must bring their own handgun, unloaded in a holster and at least 50 rounds of ammunition. You must also bring eye and hearing protection to the class. NO magnums are allowed on the indoor range. You must pre-register and pay to attend no later than February 20th. To register for the class, please call Deb @ 578-2005. Payments are to be mailed to WF&G, PO Box 339, Wilton, Maine 04294. FMI: Call Scott Nichols @ 778-2680.

February 27: Hollandstrong Fishing Derby- Round Pond, Livermore. Registration from 5 a.m. till 10 a.m. $5. registration fee. Proceeds from derby to benefit Hollandstrong Memorial Scholarship Fund. Prize categories for adults and children. Raffle drawings, auction and a toast to Mike at noon.

March 10: The Business Connection- St. Rose of Lima Parish Hall, 2 Church St. Jay. 5-6:30 p.m. The JLLF Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce to host the first in a series. Get to know resources available to local businesses. FMI: Visit the JLLF Chamber Facebook Page.

March 17: Community Health Assessment Forum- Spruce Mountain Middle School, Jay. 6-8 p.m. Keynote speaker Donna Beegle, author of "See Poverty, Be the Difference". All residents are invited to attend the conversation initiative to make public health improvements. Child are, limited transportation and refreshments provided. FMI or RSVP: Call Tracy Harty, HCC Senior Program Director at 779-2830 or email thirty@fchn.org You may also register online at: http://conta.cc/20mswbx

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Governor Supports Teachers and Urges Democrats to do the Same

February 11, 2016

For Immediate Release: Thursday, February 11, 2016
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, 207-287-2531

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage is urging teachers to contact Democrats in the Legislature and tell them to support the administration’s tax conformity bill that will provide teachers with tax benefits for school supplies they pay for out of their own pocket.

“Our hardworking and dedicated teachers are already underpaid,” said Governor LePage. “By opposing tax conformity, Democrats are now punishing teachers who pay for school supplies with their own money, students, low-income earners and Maine businesses. Educators, parents and any other Mainers who support our teachers must call or email their Democratic legislators and tell them to vote for permanent tax conformity.”

The tax conformity legislation includes tax credits for teachers, students, low-income earners, small and large businesses and anyone who claims depreciation. The Maine Education Association is spreading false information to its members, claiming the House is stripping out of the tax conformity legislation “a new tax break for large corporations to pay for the additional money for schools.”

“This statement from the MEA is patently false,” said Governor LePage. “They’re raiding the rainy day fund for additional education funding, threatening the stability of the state’s credit rating, and threatening the State’s ability to withstand a future recession. It’s unconscionable a union that is supposed to support educators is actively opposing tax credits for teachers.”

On Thursday, the LePage Administration also released information explaining how conforming Maine’s tax code to the federal Internal Revenue Code will benefit educators:

• Teacher Expense Deduction: The Administration’s proposal would permanently conform Maine to the federal teacher expense deduction, an important tax break to Maine teachers who purchase classroom supplies out of their own pocket. The teacher expense deduction has existed for a number of years and has been utilized by approximately 18,000 primary and secondary education teachers in Maine. The teacher expense deduction allows teachers to deduct up to $250 for classroom related expenses each year.
• Tuition Expense Deduction: Another important tax provision makes higher education more accessible to Maine families. The tuition expense deduction allows Maine families to reduce their taxable income by up to a $4,000 for qualified tuition costs and related expenses. This deduction primarily benefits low- and middle-income taxpayers and is estimated to benefit more than 6,000 Maine families. If the Maine Legislature approves the legislation proposed by the Administration, 2016 will mark the first year the tuition expense deduction is offered to Maine families.

If the tax conformity legislation does not pass, Maine teachers will not be able to claim the expense deduction

 

Governor Critical of Speaker’s Comments Opposing Maine Business Tax Credit

February 10, 2016

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, February 10, 2016 Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, (207) 287-2531

Governor Critical of Speaker’s Comments Opposing Maine Business Tax Credit

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage today released the following statement after Speaker of the House Mark Eves’ opposed proposed legislation, when he specifically targeting the Maine Capital Investment Credit, to conform Maine’s tax code to the federal Internal Revenue Code.

“Speaker Eves has demonstrated once again he has absolutely no understanding of how business and simple economics work,” said Governor LePage. “Eves’ position is like flying on an airliner that gets you only 95 percent of the way home.”

“Eves is demonizing the private sector entrepreneurs who invest in our communities, create good-paying jobs, sign the paychecks of hardworking Mainers and generate the tax revenues we all benefit from. It’s a slap in the face to struggling mom-and-pop small businesses, as well as the companies that provide substantial investment and significant economic benefit to our state.”

In January, the LePage Administration compiled supportive statements made by Maine’s business trade associations at the Joint Standing Committee on Taxation’s public hearing on January 25, 2016. Cumulatively, these organizations represent thousands of Maine businesses.

Hope Perkins, Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. – Richmond

“By lowering the cost of capital for equipment and technology intensive businesses, this legislation could serve as a catalyst for new and expanding investment in Maine. As Maine continues to recover from recent economic downturns, we believe it’s imperative the state engage public policy measures that make it easier to attract investment opportunity.”

Brian Parke, Maine Motor Transport Association – Augusta

“The biggest reason for our support is the provision in the tax extenders legislation that includes bonus depreciation to the year 2019. This provides a measure of certainty for our member carriers who can now confidently make capital asset purchases without wondering how depreciation rules might change from year-to-year.”

Linda Caprara, Maine State Chamber – Augusta

“Growing Maine's economy should be our number one priority. Encouraging businesses to invest on a continual basis in an effort to grow and expand and to create jobs is something I'm sure we can all agree is important. Extending and making permanent these tax provisions allows businesses to plan for the future and do just that.”

David Clough, NFIB – Portland

“There are two kinds of investments business owners make: One is to keep people in jobs by modernizing equipment. The other is to create jobs by buying equipment that is necessary to expand. Both are extremely important to the health of State of Maine’s economy.”

Ben Sanborn, Telecommunications Association of Maine – Augusta

“This benefit only accrues after investments have actually been made in the State. This is not an issue of giving support and hoping that it is used to benefit Maine, this is an issue of rewarding actual investment in the State and freeing up resources that can then be reinvested in the State.”

Peter Chandler, Maine Society of CPA’s – Portland

“Our clients are vitally interested in knowing whether they are going to receive favorable depreciation treatment and they make their decisions accordingly.”

Don Flannery, Maine Potato Board – Presque Isle

“Agriculture, no matter what it is in the State of Maine, is a small business. What we need to do - primarily to help those businesses – is support them. Passing this bill is a great step toward that. Growers that are investing – whether it be a potato farm, dairy farm, raising whatever it may be in the state – if they are going to make capital investments, they need to know what they can do and how that - going forward - will work.”

 

 

Governor Temporarily Withdraws Nomination of Education Commissioner

February 9, 2016

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, February 09, 2016
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, (207) 287-2531

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage today announced the temporary withdrawal of his nomination of Dr. Bill Beardsley as commissioner of the Maine Department of Education.

The Governor halted the nomination upon learning Education Committee members admitted they plan to reject Dr. Beardsley’s confirmation for political reasons unrelated to his qualifications for the job.
Democrats have repeatedly used this tactic to denounce nominees. The Governor cited the vitriolic mistreatment of former nominees by Democrats playing partisan political games, including Dr. Bruce Williamson of the Maine Public Utilities Commission and Susan Dench, who was nominated to the University of Maine System's Board of Trustees.

“I am temporarily withdrawing Dr. Beardsley’s nomination because Democrats on the Joint Standing Committee on Education are planning to unanimously oppose him solely for partisan political games, without regard to his impeccable qualifications,” said Governor LePage. “Let me be perfectly clear: I have enormous respect for Dr. Beardsley, and I have full confidence in his qualifications. He is my choice for commissioner of DOE, but I will not allow him to be a political whipping boy for socialist Democrats.”

Governor LePage said that once Democrats put aside their childish and immature political games, he will put Dr. Beardsley up for nomination again at a later date.

“Democrats are using Dr. Beardsley’s confirmation hearing as a platform to advance an activist political agenda, but they fail to recognize the Chief Justice invited the Legislature to clarify the statute for transgender students,” he said.

In her concurrence, the Chief Justice stated the following:

Put simply, it could now be argued that it would be illegal discrimination for a restaurant, for example, to prohibit a man from using the women’s communal bathroom, and vice versa. I agree with the dissent that it is highly unlikely that the Legislature actually intended that result. Accordingly, on this matter of public policy, it would benefit the public for the Legislature to act quickly to address the concern raised by the dissent in this matter.

“I could not agree more,” stated the Governor. “Once the Legislature fulfills its legislative duty by establishing a clear policy on this matter, the Executive Branch will move ahead with rulemaking to implement this law.”

On Tuesday, the Governor also wrote a letter to Department of Education staff reiterating the effective leadership of Dr. Beardsley and his staff. “In light of an announcement I will be making today, I want to make perfectly clear to all of you that Dr. Bill Beardsley and Suzan Beaudoin are the right leadership team for DOE, and they will continue uninterrupted in their roles,” he wrote. “I know that there have been several leadership transitions at DOE, and I have respect and the utmost confidence this is the right leadership team for DOE and this administration.”

 

Tax Conformity: Maine Democrats Still Don’t Get It

February 8, 2016

For Immediate Release: Monday, February 08, 2016
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, (207) 287-2531

Democrats want a $38 million tax increase on the Maine people AUGUSTA – While Republicans in the Legislature support the LePage administration’s proposal to permanently conform Maine’s tax code to federal tax laws and reduce taxes on the Maine people, House Democrats are still adamantly opposed to it.

By not voting for permanent conformity, House Democrats are endorsing a $38 million tax increase on Maine families. “Socialist-led Democrats in the House think this is their money to spend, but it’s not,” said Governor LePage. “This money belongs to the hardworking people of Maine, and we should give it back to them. The Democrats are forcing uncertainty and undue hardship on the people and businesses that are waiting to file their taxes for no other reason than they think they know better how to spend the money than the Mainers who earned it.”

In addition to extending the Maine Capital Investment Credit through 2019, the LePage Adminstration’s proposal permanently conforms Maine to the federal teacher expense deduction, an important tax break to Maine teachers who purchase classroom supplies out of their own pocket. The legislation will also extend Maine’s conformity to federal tax items affecting itemized deductions for mortgage insurance and a deduction for higher education expenses.

“Democrats in the House are playing games by approving conformity for just one year, instead of permanently. They are turning their backs on Maine teachers, students, families and small businesses,” said Governor LePage. “If you’re a teacher buying supplies for your classroom, a family sending a kid to college or a business owner employing your neighbors, these House Democrats are saying—loud and clear—that you are not a priority to them.”

 

Governor LePage Submits State of the State in Writing to the 127th Legislature

February 8, 2016

For Immediate Release: February 8, 2016
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, (207) 287-2531

AUGUSTA – Following the historical tradition of sending a gubernatorial address to the Legislature in writing, Governor Paul R. LePage today delivered his State of the State in written form to all members of the 127th Legislature.

In the eight-page State of the State, the Governor details his top priorities and urges the Legislature to work with him so they can move Maine much more quickly from poverty to prosperity. He also calls on lawmakers to focus on the heroin epidemic that is killing Mainers every week.

“As you know, I have chosen to forego the pomp and circumstance of a live speech so we can spend our time and energy on what truly matters: getting work done for the Maine people,” the Governor wrote to the Legislature. “I’ve talked to thousands of Maine people in the past five years. They want us to work to reduce their tax burden, reform welfare so it benefits the truly needy, lower electricity rates so employers can create jobs, find ways to keep our young people here and eradicate the drug crisis that is ravaging our state.”

Governor LePage also asked Mainers to pay attention to who they elect in November to represent them. “To the Maine people, I say this: If you want to improve our economy, if you truly want to prosper, then you have to change the culture in Augusta,” the Governor wrote. “Vote for those candidates who will work for you. Hold them accountable; demand their attention.”

 

Franklin Community Health Network taps

Western Maine Health leader as interim CEO

 

Timothy Churchill takes over for Rebecca Arsenault, who is retiring Feb. 29.

 

FARMINGTON and NORWAY, Maine ­– The Board of Directors of Franklin Community Health Network (FCHN) in Farmington has named the current president and CEO of Western Maine Health in Norway, Timothy A. Churchill, as FCHN’s interim leader following the retirement of Rebecca Arsenault later this month.

 

Churchill will serve as CEO of both organizations until a permanent replacement for Arsenault is found. Both Western Maine Health and FCHN are members of MaineHealth, the state’s largest health care provider.

 

“In Tim we get a seasoned health care executive who knows firsthand the challenges that small, rural hospitals face,” said Clint Boothby, chair of the FCHN Board. “We also get someone who has led his organization for all 15 years that it has been a member of MaineHealth. That will set us up nicely as we start on the path of creating our own strategic vision in the wake of our joining MaineHealth in October of 2014.”

 

Indeed, it was the prospect of crafting and implementing a new long-term vision for FCHN, a process that is expected to take several years, that led Arsenault last month to announce her retirement effective Feb. 29. Arsenault said that she had planned to retire before that strategic process could be completed, and it made little sense for her to start on that work only to have her personal priorities interrupt it halfway through.

 

Churchill has been the president and CEO of Western Maine Health and its flagship, Stephens Memorial Hospital, since 1996. Prior to that, he held various executive posts in the health care industry dating back to the 1980s. His first leadership role was as CEO of St. Joseph’s Hospital in Philadelphia in the early 1990s. He has also served as president of the Osteopathic Medical Center of Philadelphia and president of Windber Medical Center in Windber, Penn. Born in Lewiston and raised in Waterville, he holds an MBA from the University of Maine and a bachelor’s degree from King’s College in Pennsylvania.

 

Boothby said the FCHN board was impressed with what Churchill has accomplished at Western Maine Health. Stephens Memorial has been named a top rural hospital three times by The Leapfrog Group, a nationally recognized nonprofit that tracks hospital quality. He added that Churchill’s reputation as a strong financial leader who connects well with the community, physicians and hospital staff should prove to be assets over the short-term for FCHN.

 

While his schedule will depend on the situation week to week, Churchill said his general plan is to spend two days a week on campus at FCHN. His official start date is March 1, but he expects to spend some time at FCHN prior to that date. He said his priorities would be tackling the challenges common to rural hospitals in Maine: Recruiting good staff—including physicians—as well as serving a population that includes many people of modest means and many elderly patients, all while maintaining the overall fiscal health of the organization.

 

Churchill said the dual role will also give him an opportunity, working closely with the two organizations’ boards, to explore further areas of cooperation between Western Maine Health and FCHN. Already as MaineHealth members, the two organizations work together on operational functions such as purchasing.

 

“While it is important that each organization maintain an identity in its home community, it will be interesting to see what kind of synergies may exist,” said Churchill.

 

Boothby expects the process of selecting a new leader for FCHN to take about six to nine months. “This interim solution gives us the luxury of being able to take the time we need to find the next great leader of FCHN,” he said.

 

Bill Caron, President of MaineHealth, said Churchill is regarded as one of the strongest leaders in the MaineHealth system, known for fostering a positive and engaged culture among employees as well as operational excellence.

 

“Franklin Community Health Network is in good hands,” said Caron.

 

Franklin Community Health Network is a locally controlled, nonprofit, integrated network of rural healthcare providers, created by Franklin Memorial Hospital in 1991. Its affiliates include Franklin Memorial Hospital, Franklin Health, Evergreen Behavioral Services, Healthy Community Coalition of Greater Franklin County, and NorthStar EMS.

 

Western Maine Health Corp. is the parent of Stephens Memorial Hospital, a 25-bed critical access hospital and offers a range of inpatient and outpatient services including Western Maine Multi Medical Specialists, school based health clinics and community educational programs. 

 

FCHN and Western Maine Health are members of MaineHealth, the state’s largest healthcare system with member and affiliate hospitals throughout southern, western and central Maine, as well as Carroll County, N.H. Other MaineHealth members include HomeHealth - Visiting Nurses of Southern Maine in Saco, LincolnHealth in Damariscotta and Boothbay Harbor, Maine Medical Center in Portland, Maine Behavioral Healthcare in South Portland, the MaineHealth Accountable Care Organization in Portland, Memorial Hospital in North Conway, N.H., NorDx in Scarborough, Pen Bay Medical Center and Waldo County Hospital in Rockport and Belfast, Southern Maine Health Care in Biddeford and Sanford, Spring Harbor Hospital in Westbrook and  Synernet in Portland. Affiliates include MaineGeneral Health in Augusta and Waterville, Mid Coast Hospital in Brunswick, New England Rehabilitation Hospital in Portland and St. Mary's Regional Medical Center in Lewiston.

 

 

Tax Conformity: Maine Democrats Just Don’t Get It

February 3, 2016

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, February 03, 2016
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, 207-287-2531

Democrats favor a $38 million tax increase on the Maine people

AUGUSTA – Republicans on the Maine Legislature’s Joint Standing Committee on Appropriations and Financial Affairs voted today to support the LePage administration’s proposal to permanently conform Maine’s tax code to federal tax laws and reduce taxes on the Maine people.

Democrats refused to vote for permanent conformity, which will result in a $38 million tax increase on Maine families.

“Even members of Congress in gridlocked Washington, D.C. agreed the American people deserved a break when they approved tax reductions late last year,” Governor LePage said. “Maine Democrats usually raise your taxes behind closed doors in the middle of the night. This time, they are proudly doing it out in the open, right in front of your face. You would think even Democrats would know better than to increase taxes in an election year.”

The Department of Administrative and Financial Services’ proposal adopts conformity to the permanent Section 179 expensing provision and extends the Maine Capital Investment Credit through 2019. The Department’s proposal also permanently conforms Maine to the federal teacher expense deduction, an important tax break to Maine teachers who purchase classroom supplies out of their own pocket. In addition to these important provisions, the legislation will also extend Maine’s conformity to federal tax items affecting itemized deductions for mortgage insurance and a deduction for higher education expenses.

“Maine’s Democrats are turning their backs on Maine teachers, students, families and small businesses,” said Governor LePage. “If you’re a teacher buying supplies for your classroom, a family sending a kid to college or a business owner employing your neighbors, these Democrats are saying – loud and clear – that you are not a priority to them.”

If you want to prevent a $38 million tax increase, call or contact the Democratic legislators on the Appropriations Committee who are refusing to vote for conformity and tell them to do the right thing for the Maine people.

Senator Linda M. Valentino (D-York)
Phone: (207) 205-0077 Email: senatorvalentino@gmail.com
Representative Margaret R. Rotundo (D-Lewiston), Chair
Phone: (207) 784-3259 Email: Margaret.Rotundo@legislature.maine.gov
Representative John L. Martin (D-Eagle Lake)
Phone: (207) 444-5556 Email: John.Martin@legislature.maine.gov
Representative Linda F. Sanborn (D-Gorham)
Phone: (207) 939-2879 Email: Linda.Sanborn@legislature.maine.gov
Representative Aaron M. Frey (D-Bangor)
Phone: (207) 249-9969 Email: Aaron.Frey@legislature.maine.gov
Representative Erik C. Jorgensen (D-Portland)
Phone: (207) 939-7120 Email: Erik.Jorgensen@legislature.maine.gov
Representative Gay M. Grant (D-Gardiner)
Phone: (207) 582-5882 Email: Gay.Grant@legislature.maine.gov

 

Governor Officially Promotes Col. Douglas A. Farnham to Brigadier General

February 3, 2016

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, February 03, 2016
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, 207-287-2531

AUGUSTA – On Wednesday, Governor Paul R. LePage officially promoted Colonel Douglas A. Farnham to brigadier general. Brig. Gen. Farnham is the Adjutant General, the senior military officer of the state, and Commissioner of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management (DVEM).

“I am proud today to officially promote Col. Douglas Farnham to the rank of Brigadier General.” Governor LePage said. “Brigadier General Farnham has selflessly served our country for more than 30 years, and I thank him for his dedication and leadership.”

For the past three years, Brigadier General Farnham has been the Wing Command of the 101st Air Refueling Wing in Bangor, known as the “MAINEiacs.” A graduate of Brewer High School and the United States Air Force Academy, he holds an MBA from Chapman University and has 31 years of military service.

Commissioned in 1984 as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force, he served as primary pilot for CINC U.S. Space Command, a C-21A pilot, a flight examiner and ground school instructor for pilots of C-21, C-12 and C-9 aircraft. As a pilot of a KC-135E aerial refueling aircraft in the Air Guard, he was activated for Operation Noble Eagle, a mission to support homeland security in response to the September 11 attacks. He also served as a KC-135 evaluator pilot, full-time Air Guard technician, 132nd Air Refueling Squadron Operations Officer, Chief of Wing Plans.

In 2005-06, Brigadier General Farnham served as commander of 132nd Air Refueling Squadron. From 2006-12, he served as Operation Group Commander, 101st Air Refueling Wing, then from 2012 to present as Wing Commander, 101st Air Refueling Wing.

He is also president and fourth-generation owner of Getchell Bros. Inc., a family-owned packaged ice company in business since 1888, and has been active in local civic organizations.

“There are many people responsible for me standing here today. First and foremost, I thank my family,” said Brig. Gen. Farnham. “Thank you to the 101st Air Refueling Wing. From the prior leaders who gave me the opportunity to the older generation of airmen who are writing Air Guard history every day – thank you. It is an honor and privilege to serve the State of Maine and I look forward to this great challenge.” Brig. Gen. Farnham said.

 

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage administered the oath today to three lawyers who will serve as judges in Maine District Court. Charles F. Budd Jr., Cynthia Montgomery and Thomas Nale Sr. took the oath in the Governor’s Cabinet Room Wednesday afternoon.

Charles F. Budd Jr. is a partner at Rudman Winchell focusing his practice on criminal law, divorce and child custody, family law, and personal injury law. Prior to law school, Charles worked for a member of Congress in Washington, D.C. and later for Massachusetts Governor William Weld. Prior to joining Rudman Winchell, he worked for the Boston law firm of Hill & Barlow.

Charles F. Budd Jr. was born in Toronto, Ontario. He is a graduate of Dartmouth College and Boston College, and graduated cum laude from Georgetown University Law Center, where he served as an editor of The Tax Lawyer, an ABA publication. He now lives in Penobscot. Cynthia Montgomery has served as Chief Counsel since March 2015 in the Office of the Governor.

A native of Texas, Cynthia is a graduate of Georgia State University, where she also received her law degree in 1994. Cynthia served as a union representative and in-house counsel for the International Brotherhood of Police Officers, Local 623, from 1989 to 1995. In her private practice, she successfully litigated discrimination actions against the several urban governments, and multiple national and international companies.

Recognizing public service as her true calling, Cynthia worked as a trial attorney for the EEOC, representing the federal government in discrimination actions in Georgia federal courts. After relocating to Maine in 2002, she worked as EEO/ADA Coordinator for Maine DHHS. In 2003, she accepted a position in the Bureau of Employee Relations as a Labor Relations Specialist, then Counsel in 2006 and was promoted to the position of Chief Counsel in 2011.

Montgomery lives in Palermo with her former opposing counsel and life partner.

Attorney Thomas Nale Sr. has been practicing law since he was admitted to the Maine Bar in 1979. He is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire School of Law and Thomas College.

Thomas specializes in divorce, family matters and litigation. With over 35 years of litigation experience, Thomas has tried cases before the Maine District Court, Maine Superior Court, Maine Supreme Court, and the United States District Court for the District of Maine. He is a member of the Maine State Bar Association and the Waterville Bar Association where he current serves as vice president. Thomas served as the Mayor of Waterville from 1986-1987. Tom is a former President and Treasurer of the Waterville Bar Association.

Thomas is a life-long resident of the Waterville area.