AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Maine Gov.-elect Paul LePage has announced the first two of his 15 Cabinet appointments.
Maine National Guard Maj. Gen. Bill Libby speaks to reporters Friday, Jan. 19, 2007, at Camp Keyes in Augusta, Maine. Libby expressed unease at the way a new policy was developed under which any Guard member can be redeployed to Iraq or Afghanistan, even if they've met previous 24-month limits.
On Wednesday, the incoming Republican governor said Maj. Gen. John "Bill" Libby has agreed to stay on as commissioner of the Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management.
Libby had announced earlier this year that he would leave office when Gov. Baldacci does. Baldacci appointed him to the job in 2003.
Along with Libby, his entire leadership team will remain in place, including Deputy Commissioner Peter Rogers, Director of the Bureau of Veterans Services Peter Ogden, Maine Emergency Management Agency Director Rob McAleer and Tim Corbett, the CEO of the Maine Military Authority.
Libby grew up in Lewiston. He attended the University of Maine and earned his Army commission in 1966. He later volunteered for service in Vietnam.
The governor-elect also said John Morris, the former Waterville police chief who was LePage's campaign manager, is his choice for commissioner of the Department of Public Safety.
Public Safety oversees state police, fire marshals and other law enforcement functions. Libby head the Maine National Guard, veterans affairs and disaster response functions.
The nominees will face legislative reviews, and confirmation by the GOP-majority Senate is likely.
LePage had high praise for both of his nominees, saying he was honored they've agreed to serve in his Cabinet.
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