Panel backs agriculture nominee
A legislative committee yesterday unanimously supported Gov. Paul LePage's nomination for agriculture commissioner.
The Legislature's Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee voted 12-0 in favor of Walter Whitcomb, a Waldo County dairy farmer, according to MaineToday Media. Whitcomb, also a former state representative, has owned Springdale Jerseys Inc. for 32 years and has also served as president of the Maine Dairy Industry Association. Whitcomb told legislators his two daughters would run the farm if he is confirmed as commissioner, though he would remain one-third owner of the farm and continue to receive subsidies from the state's dairy stabilization program. He assured legislators he would not involve himself in detailed discussions on proposed changes to the dairy industry to avoid a conflict of interest.
The Senate still must confirm Whitcomb's appointment.
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