Ex-speaker nominated to Cabinet Richardson to replace Cashman in state post

AUGUSTA – Gov. John Baldacci on Monday nominated former House Speaker John Richardson to join his Cabinet as commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development.

Richardson, a Democrat from Brunswick, faces legislative committee review and Senate confirmation before taking the post.

The department promotes new businesses and expansion of existing ones to create jobs. Baldacci said Richardson “is uniquely qualified to head this vital department.”

During his four terms in the Legislature, Richardson served as House chairman of the Joint Standing Committee on Business and Economic Development before rising to leadership.

Richardson is a graduate of the University of Maryland and received his law degree from Creighton University. He has been a partner in the firm Troubh Heisler in Portland.

The current economic development commissioner, Jack Cashman, is leaving the post to become senior economic adviser in the governor’s office.