State House lobbyist named to LDA board

AUGUSTA – Kay Rand, a State House lobbyist and former chief of staff to Gov. Angus S. King, was unanimously approved Tuesday as a trustee to the Loring Development Authority in Limestone by the Legislature’s Business and Economic Development Committee.

The board, which oversees policy for the reuse of the Cold War-era, nuclear Strategic Air Command bomber base, considers a variety of proposals at the facility, which recently won an extended contract for refurbishing military Humvees and other mechanized vehicles.

A native of Ashland, Rand was nominated by Gov. John E. Baldacci for the position. She said she was looking forward to visiting Aroostook County more as the result of her new responsibilities. She is currently managing the campaign on behalf of Question 1B, the measure endorsed by Baldacci and the Legislature to compete against the Maine Municipal Association’s Question 1A for property tax relief.

“Being able to work with the LDA is exciting,” she said. “They’re a very committed, active, passionate board. They care a lot about the County and they’ve made a real difference.”

Although he was unable to appear in person, Brian Hamel, president of the LDA, sent a letter to the legislative panel urging lawmakers to approve Rand as a “woman of high integrity” who is committed to “enhancing the lives of all Maine citizens.”

Rand faces final confirmation by the Maine Senate, which is scheduled to convene at 1:30 p.m. Thursday.