PARIS — On Nov. 4, the Legislature’s Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry will hold a hearing to vet Oxford County’s nomination of Robert A. Everett of Bethel to the Maine Land Use Planning Commission.

If appointed, Everett will replace governor’s appointee Durward Humphrey, whose term expires Nov. 4.

Until several years ago, the commission, known then as the Land Use Regulatory Commission, consisted of seven members appointed by the governor. In 2012, the law changed and the name became the Land Use Planning Commission and the number of members was raised to nine. Members were nominated by the eight counties with the most acreage of unorganized territory.

“Mr. Everett’s long-term service on various municipal boards, elected and appointed, has proven his ability to see all sides of an issue and vote with objectivity. This record, combined with unorganized territory property ownership, makes him an ideal candidate for nomination to the Maine Land Use Planning Commission,” Oxford County Administrator Scott Cole said.

Everett has a long history of civic-mindedness. He spent nearly three decades in military service and then purchased Bethel Auto, which he ran for 15 years prior to retiring in 2010. He lived in Bethel for more than two decades and served on the Planning Board, school board and Board of Selectmen, among other committees.

Everett also has served on the Oxford County Budget Committee and the Oxford County Board of Assessment Review.

When county commissioners approached him about his nomination to the LUPC, Everett seized the opportunity to serve his state and protect Maine’s unorganized territories from uncontrolled development.

“What I’d like to see is the unorganized territories controlled by Mainers instead of having outside influence. We need to use our resources the way Maine people want them used,” Everett said.

The LUPC is the land use planning and zoning authority for all of Maine’s more than 10 million acres of unorganized territories, including townships and plantations. Since these areas have no local controls like town planning and zoning boards or code enforcement officers, the LUPC ensures development in those areas is in harmony with the state’s goals for resource management and protection, as well as economic development and preservation of outdoor recreational opportunities.

More than half of the state falls under the LUPC’s authority.

“A good candidate will be thoughtful and conscientious in each of his/her actions,” Cole said. “He/she will take the time to learn background and circumstances behind the various topics and issues which come before the LUPC. Every person comes to the table with their own worldview.

“In the county commissioners’ eyes, a good candidate will be able to apply their worldview objectively in the LUPC environment,” Cole said. “That person needs to stay true to their views, be mindful of facts and realities, and then vote accordingly.”

Cole said the commissioners believe Everett exhibits all of those qualities.

Everett expects that, should he be appointed, he will have much to learn, but he said he will consider what is in the best interest for his home state when it comes time to make decisions.

“Our natural beauty is one of the things you always think about Maine — the rolling hills and pristine countryside,” he said. “A lot of this is new to me. There’s going to be a period of time for me to come in to see their agenda, but if I’m confirmed, one of the things I’m not going to do is to come in with any pre-drawn conclusions. You have to learn.”

After Everett’s nomination hearing, the Senate will vote on his appointment. That vote is tentatively scheduled for Nov. 19.

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