Baldacci shuffles staff

After losing his legal counsel and deputy chief of staff, Gov. John Baldacci has made several staff changes.

Current Communications Director David Farmer will take over as deputy chief of staff, replacing Ryan Low. Low was appointed Commissioner of the Department of Administrative and Financial Services. Farmer will be responsible for moving the governor’s initiatives through the Legislature, and also be the liaison to the Finance Authority of Maine, MaineHousing and the Maine Municipal Bond Bank.

Gov. John Baldacci said in a release: “David has a broad understanding of the issues facing Maine, and is a trusted adviser. He will work hand-in-hand with Chief of Staff Jane Lincoln as we develop our next two-year budget, reform government at all levels and work for tax relief and economic development.”

Current Senior Policy Adviser Patrick Ende will be the new chief legal counsel, replacing Mike Mahoney, who left earlier this year for private practice. Ende will also continue to work on health and human services issues.

Baldacci said: “Pat is a brilliant lawyer and a dedicated public servant. He provides strong moral leadership within our office. I know that he will excel in his new position as we continue to try to balance the demands of providing important government services with the need for fiscal discipline.”

Deborah Friedman, current policy director for outgoing Senate President Beth Edmonds, will replace Ende, and work in the areas of education, labor and Maine’s cultural agencies.

Also, current policy adviser Lance Boucher is being promoted to senior policy advisor for economic development. He will also continue to be director of Baldacci’s Office of Redevelopment, Re-employment and Business Support, and also coordinate the state’s response to the closing of the Brunswick Naval Air Station.