STATE OF MAINE
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
1 STATE HOUSE STATION
AUGUSTA, MAINE
0433343001

 

Paui R. LeF?age

GOVERNOR

VIA HAND DEUVERY JAN. 4, 203.6

December 31, 2015

Rita Moran, Chair

Kennebec County Democratic Committee
219 Route 133

Winthrop, ME 04364

Re: Vacancy of Kennebec County Sheriff position
Dear Ms. Moran:

After speaking with members of my staff, it appears that your committee and i are at somewhat
of a standoff with regard to the above-referenced matter. While 1 can appreciate your politicai
gamesmanship, i hope we can move past this standoff and move forward with the business of
governing.

As you undoubtediy know, when the office of sheriff is vacated, the Maine Constitution and
statutes impose obligations on both me and your committee in filiing that vacancy. The Maine
Constitution provides that ?ail vacancies in the office of sheriff  shall be titled in the same manner as is
provided in the case ofiudges and registers of probate.? Me. Const. Art. iX, ?10. Aiso pursuant to the
Constitution, vacancies in the offices ofjudges or registers of probate are by eiection in the
following November, yet in the meantime, the Governor may said vacancy by appointment 
Me. Const. Art. VI, The process by which a vacancy in the office of sheriff is titled is governed by 30-A
MRS. which provides that in making the appointment, ?the Governor shaii choose from any
recommendations submitted to the Governor by the county committee of the poiiticai party from which
the appointment is made? (emphasis added).

As Chair of the Kennebec County Democratic Committee, you recommended one name to fili
the vacancy left by former Sheriff Randy Liberty. After receipt of the one name, my office asked you for
another recommendation, 3 request i beiieve you refused. While I understand your Committee?s desire
to make the appointment, yourself, the constitutional appointment power and the statutorily granted
choice of recommendations both rest in the Governor. i doubt you believe that the Legislature intended
the law to be manipuiated in this way. Your refusal to fulfiil your statutory obiigation out of poiiticai
maneuvering fails to serve the interests of Kennebec County citizens and exemplifies the reason for my
frustration and disappointment with party politics.

Piease be advised that i will move forward as I deem appropriate should you continue to

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PAPER

PHONE: (207) 2876531 {Voice} TTY USERS CALL 711 FAX: (207) 28751034

mai no .gov

Rita Moran, Chair
December 31, 2015
Page 2

disregard the interests of the citizens of Kennebec County.

Sincerely,

Paul R. LePage
Governor