AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Gov. Paul LePage says a veteran Maine transportation official is his choice to head that department, and his nominee for corrections commissioner has experience in four other states’ prison systems.

The governor on Monday announced that David Bernhardt, an engineer who has 26 years background in Maine’s Transportation Department, will be his nominee for commissioner. Bernhardt says his main focus will be to find cost efficiencies without having to raise Maine’s gas tax.

LePage’s nominee for Corrections commissioner is Joseph Ponte, who has held administrative positions in corrections systems in Idaho, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Tennessee. Ponte is currently a warden with the private Corrections Corporation of America.

The two nominees will face legislative confirmation votes.


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