Spokeswoman for governor takes new post

AUGUSTA – The transfer of gubernatorial spokeswoman Crystal Canney to the post of associate commissioner of Maine’s Department of Administrative and Financial Services was announced Thursday by Gov. John Baldacci.

Baldacci said Canney would be succeeded as the governor’s director of communications by David Farmer, a reporter and former editorial page editor for the Sun Journal newspaper of Lewiston.

“I am deeply appreciative of Crystal’s contributions to my communications and outreach,” Baldacci said in a statement.

“She has been a vital member of my administration and instrumental in my ability to reach out to Maine people and transmit my vision, goals and policies. She will be greatly missed, but I am pleased that she will continue to contribute to the running of the state in her new capacity.”

The Department of Administrative and Financial Services, headed by Commissioner Rebecca Wyke, provides central services to state agencies, manages the budget process and oversees state government’s procurement process and property management.

Its units also manage tax collections, lottery ticket sales and employment applications.

Officials said the transition within the governor’s press office would take place over the next few weeks. Talk of Canney’s departure only began to circulate broadly on Wednesday.

Canney, a former television reporter, joined the Baldacci administration 13 months ago.

According to an administration statement, Farmer has 18 years of media experience and has worked for the Sun Journal since 2003.

Farmer earned a bachelor’s degree in arts and journalism from Emory & Henry College in Virginia and a master’s in American government from The American University in Washington, D.C., the statement said.

“I look forward to David joining my staff in this leadership position,” said Baldacci. “David has a deep understanding of the issues facing Maine and has demonstrated high quality work. His experience, integrity, and knowledge of Maine issues and people will serve my administration well as we enter this legislative session.”