Lawmaker’s request to leave panel OK’d

A Wilton lawmaker embroiled in a highly public controversy with several environmental organizations requested Wednesday not to be reseated on the Legislature’s Natural Resources Committee.

Rep. Thomas Saviello, an unenrolled lawmaker, had asked House Speaker John Richardson to remove him temporarily from the committee in December after allegations that he improperly used his political position to benefit his employer, International Paper.

On Wednesday, Saviello asked Richardson to reassign him elsewhere. Richardson granted Saviello’s request, which came less than a week after the state ethics commission ruled that his job as environmental manager at IP’s Jay plant did not constitute a conflict of interest with his committee post.

Saviello said in a statement that it would be unfair for him to rejoin the committee so late in the session. He also said he wanted to focus on serving his constituents.

“I respect each committee member and do not want to be the source of distraction as my colleagues complete the work they have undertaken during my absence,” Saviello said.

Earlier this week, Richardson and Senate President Beth Edmonds announced the structure of an advisory group to examine Maine’s legislative ethics laws.

The 15-member group will include four current legislators, two former legislators, three members of the public, two lobbyists, a former member of the Ethics Commission and one representative each from Maine’s three recognized political parties.

Richardson and Edmonds are expected to name the group’s members next week.