REORGANIZATION OF GOVERNOR'S OFFICE ANNOUNCED

Gov. John Baldacci, D-Maine, issued the following press release:

Gov. John Baldacci today unveiled changes in his inner office as he prepares for his second term. This reorganization was undertaken to better move Maine's economy forward as well as deal with changes in the budget and find ways to make key investments in Maine and its people. Following on the heels of the Brookings Report, the Governor is looking forward to building on his successes and creating greater economic opportunity throughout the state.

The Governor made his staffing changes public before the new Legislature is sworn in on Wednesday morning. "Working with the Legislature to meet our shared goals of providing opportunities for Maine people into the future is an essential function of my entire staff. I want my office to be a conduit to forward thinking ideas and to work with the Maine Legislature to promote policies to move this agenda forward."

The Governor's Office will add Ryan Low as Deputy Chief of Staff. He will be the administration's lead in moving key initiatives through the legislative process. Ryan Low has worked as the state budget officer and prior to that as associate commissioner for the Department of Administrative and Financial services. In naming Low to this position, Governor Baldacci said: "Ryan brings added experience to my office regarding the budget. He also will work hand in hand with my Chief of Staff on property tax relief and reform which is a priority this legislative session."

Jack Cashman will also join the Governor's Office as Senior Economic Advisor. Cashman worked in the Governor's Office during the first term of the Baldacci Administration and then was appointed Commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development. Governor Baldacci said: "In naming Jack to this position, we bring one of the best cheerleaders for business in Maine into the Governor's office. Moving Jack back into the Governor's Office is in line with our increasing emphasis on economic development. Jack will work on a variety of projects which will include job growth and development."

Chief Legal Counsel Tom Federle will be leaving the Governor's office to return to private practice. Governor Baldacci is adding Michael Mahoney as Chief Legal Counsel. Mahoney has worked at Preti Flaherty since 2000. Prior to that he was associated with Hale and Dorr, LLP in Boston and served as a Law Clerk in Massachusetts.

In making the announcement, Governor Baldacci said: "While I will miss the working relationship I had with Tom, I am pleased to announce that Attorney Michael Mahoney will be joining the team. Michael comes from the private sector. He will be a great addition and has worked in the legislative and government services sector. He will head up our efforts on the expansion of broadband around the state. Increased access is crucial to moving Maine ahead. He will also provide a new focus on utilities."

As part of the Governor's restructuring effort, two Senior Policy Advisors will be leaving. Alan Stearns and Dick Davies will be leaving sometime in January. Stearns and Davies will be tapped for other positions within the administration.

Karin Tilberg will join the Governor's team as a Senior Policy Advisor replacing Dick Davies. Tilberg currently serves as the deputy commissioner of the Department of Conservation and prior to that as the Maine director of the Northern Forest Alliance. She is an attorney and has practiced in the area of conservation and environmental law for several years.

In speaking about Tilberg's appointment, the Governor said: "Karin brings a great sensibility to the table on issues surrounding conservation and the environment which will be a key factor in how Maine promotes its natural resources and promotes itself in the years ahead."

Policy issues currently handled by Alan Stearns will be redistributed among the Governor's staff.

Governor Baldacci will announce his plan for the next biennium budget and initiatives to streamline government functions, improve efficient delivery of services, and invest in critical sectors to grow the economy in his Inauguration on January 3, his State of the State Address (date to be determined) and in his budget submission to the Legislature on January 5. Additionally, the Governor will be providing an analysis of the budget process and his budget priorities in a television production which will air on local cable access stations in January.