FARMINGTON — Two newly appointed state commissioners talked about their positions and answered a variety of questions Friday during the Western Maine Legislative Caucus breakfast forum at the University of Maine at Farmington.

Creating a different department attitude and changing the timing needed for project applications are two of Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Darryl Brown’s goals. A third is getting to know his staff.

Department of Conservation Commissioner William Beardsley highlighted the numerous areas covered by his department. Goals include addressing the Land Use Regulation Commission and revitalizing the forestry industry.

“My vision (for the department) is yours. I’m here to learn from you,” he told community members.

Both men referred to the new administration’s commitment to find a balance between maintaining a safe, clean environment and protecting the state’s natural resources, and fostering new business.

“Maine has been a leader in many environmental initiatives but has been dead last in the business environment. We need to create a sense of balance,” Brown said.

As an example, he noted that a compromise with a buyer for a tannery in Hartland saved it from closing and the loss of 160 jobs.

During sessions held by Gov. Paul LePage’s administration throughout the state to gather information from local business people, many called for regulatory reform and a change in the department’s attitude.

“The DEP welcomes new, responsible business and will lead them through the process,” Brown said.

It’s not right that an application sits for 30 days then takes an additional six months to process. Brown said he wants to cut the time in half. An expansion project in Eastport was recently processed in 20 days, he said.

Consolidating the permit process used by LURC and DEP into one is possible but most of all it needs to be fair, he said. The DEP uses the state’s guidelines and regulations to comply with the law at that time. Fairness, something that has been questioned about the department, needs to be used and any decision needs to be defensible, he said.

The Conservation Department’s task to conserve and enhance Maine natural resources, as stated on its website, includes overseeing 6,000 acres of public lands, acres of forests and a variety of state parks and historic sites, Beardsley said.

This forum was the first in a series organized with the state’s new leadership. Department of Education Commissioner Stephen Bowen was also invited but did not attend.

The Western Maine Legislative Caucus is sponsored by the Western Mountains Alliance, University of Maine Farmington, Mt. Blue Regional School District, the Franklin Community Health Network, Western Maine Community Action, Greater Franklin Development Corp., and Mission at the Eastward.

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