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JUL 1 0 2017

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ATTORNEY GENERAL
July 10, 2017

The Honorable Janet T. Mills
6 State House StatiOn
Augusta, ME 04333

Dear Attorney General Mills;

1 am writing in order to formally request outside counsel in order to file an amieus brief in the
ease omete QfMaine v. Peri-j). This case concerns a pardon that I issued that referenced a dog
that had been ordered euthanized. The dog was ordered to be euthanized Without the knowledge
of the dog?s current owner. A decision of the District Court is now being appealed to the Law
Court.

As you know, the ancient power of Executive Clemency is very broad and is a power that the
People of the State of Maine have vested in the Chief Executive. With this in mind, I strongly
believe it is my constitutional duty and obligation to defend this important power in court,

Members ofrny staff have been in touch with Catherine Connors, Esq. of Pierce Atwood about
writing and ?ling an amicus brief on my behalf in the ease ofStale ofMar'ne 12. Perry. I have
some to understand that the representation that Attorney Connors and. perhaps other associates
would be provided at no cost to the State of Maine. Further, as you are aware, Pierce Atwood is
a very well?respected ?rm that carries all relevant insurance.

For the reasons I have just laid out, {request your written permission to retain the ?rm ofPierce
Atwood for the purpose of writing and ?ling an arnieus brief in the ease of State (fill/{nine v.
Perry. I request that you provide this permission to me as soon as possible.

Sincere] y,




   

Paul R. LePag'
Governor

H?oicel TTY I'll FAX: (307} 18231034

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