AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Gov. John Baldacci’s nomination of a former Maine Public Utilities Commission chairman to serve on the University of Maine System Board of Trustees has cleared its first legislative hurdle.

The Maine Legislature Education Committee voted 7-3 Wednesday in favor of Kurt Adams’ appointment. The full Senate will consider the nomination later this month.

Adams was Baldacci’s chief legal counsel before being appointed to the Public Utilities Commission. He left after he decided there was a conflict of interest because of a transmission project near his home.

He joined wind energy company First Wind, but critics say he took an equity stake before resigning.

Adams shrugged off his critics Wednesday. The Kennebec Journal says he told the committee that he brings “a lot to the table.”

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Information from: Kennebec Journal, http://www.kjonline.com/


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