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The members of the 130th Maine Legislature were sworn-in to office on December 2. The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Augusta Civic Center to provide legislators and staff with extra space to remain socially distant. Acting Chief Justice Andrew Mead performed the swearing-in duties for Governor Mills who was in quarantine.
Following the morning’s ceremonial duties, the Legislature went to work electing the constitutional officers and the State Auditor. Constitutional officers include the Attorney General, the Secretary of State, and the State Treasurer. Elected by the Legislature, these officers serve a two-year term, with a maximum of four consecutive terms. The State Auditor also is elected by the Legislature and can serve two four-year terms.
Attorney General Aaron Frey and State Treasurer Henry Beck both were seeking re-election for a second term. Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap was termed out and ran for the open seat left by State Auditor Pola Buckley. State Senator Shenna Bellows was nominated to serve as Secretary of State. All four candidates were successful in their bid for office. Frey, Beck, Dunlap, and Bellows each have received League endorsements in the past and have worked closely with the League on policy matters.
These offices should be included in our credit union advocacy efforts because these offices oversee many important policies that the League actively monitors. For example, the Attorney General’s office often gets involved with foreclosure; Secretary of State works with notary and titling; and State Treasurer maintains unclaimed property.