AUGUSTA (AP) – Looking toward this winter’s legislative session in advance of next year’s statewide elections, Gov. John Baldacci is bringing his Cabinet together for a policy-oriented retreat this week as House and Senate Democrats prepare for a weekend summit of their own.

The three-year-old administration’s third Cabinet retreat will be held at the Bethel Inn from tonight through Friday.

Gubernatorial aide Lee Umphrey said the agenda consists of broad topics, with presentations by Trish Riley, Jack Cashman, Rebecca Wyke and Beth Nagusky planned on Dirigo Health, economic development, budget priorities and energy.

Riley is the governor’s health-policy director, while Cashman heads the Department of Economic and Community Development. Wyke, who serves as commissioner of administration and finance, is the governor’s top budget adviser and Nagusky focuses on energy policy.

“And the governor will outline his expectations to the Cabinet for the upcoming year and his vision for the next four years,” Umphrey said.

Umphrey said discussions would also involve ways to cope with federal cuts.

Previous Cabinet retreats were held in Bangor and Lewiston.

Saturday’s daylong gathering of Democratic lawmakers will be held at Maple Hill Farm in Hallowell and will feature guest speaker Mike McCurry, who served as a spokesman under President Clinton.

“With the close balance of power in the Legislature, it is essential that we come together, identify our priorities and unite our Democratic voice,” organizers said in a written invitation. “This summit is a convergence of ideas and plans for Democrats, with the goal of establishing a true identity and agenda for our caucus and our party moving forward.”

The House of Representatives is made up of 75 Democrats, 73 Republicans, two independent-unenrolled legislators and one Green party member. Democrats hold control of the Senate, 19-16.

Following the Saturday summit, Democratic lawmakers have also been invited to an evening reception with Baldacci at the Blaine House.

As the planning sessions have taken shape, some notable personnel moves at the State House have been under way.

Within the Baldacci administration, which has experienced a variety of transfers, departures and additions since its onset in January 2003, Umphrey is readying to leave.

After serving as a spokesman and roving adviser, Umphrey said Wednesday he will be maintaining a Maine residence but relocating to New York City, where his immediate plans involve consulting.

Shrugging off more detail, he asked jokingly: “Can you say that I’m going into the witness protection program?”

On the legislative side, House Speaker John Richardson’s chief of staff, Joanne D’Arcangelo, is stepping down. She is expected to assume a top role with the Dirigo Alliance and Maine Citizen Leadership Fund.

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