DECD head, MTA board member nominated
Gov. Paul LePage has nominated George Gervais as commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development, replacing Philip Congdon, who stepped down amid controversy last month.
Gervais was previously assistant commissioner and has been serving as acting commissioner since April, according to a press release from LePage's office. He has worked with DECD since 2008, and also served as development program manager and business development specialist. Prior to joining DECD, Gervais, of Hampden, worked as senior loan officer at Carteret Mortgage Corp. and Dedicated Mortgage Associates LLC. His nomination requires legislative review and Senate confirmation.
Congdon resigned from the post amid reports that he made disparaging remarks against rural residents, African Americans and Native Americans while speaking at a Caribou Chamber of Commerce event and attending a Northern Maine Community College event. Congdon said the reports were inaccurate and his remarks were misunderstood, but stepped down to avoid any distraction from the work of the LePage administration and to protect his family.
In related news, LePage nominated retired Chief Justice Daniel Wathen to a spot on the Maine Turnpike Authority Board of Directors. Wathen served for 20 years on the Maine Supreme Judicial Court, 10 of which as chief justice, and previously was a Maine Superior Court justice. His nomination also requires legislative review and Senate confirmation. If approved, he will likely be named chairman. The turnpike authority has been under scrutiny this year for its spending habits, leading to the resignation of longtime Executive Director Paul Violette and other changes.
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