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June 10, 2009 Jay Finegan, 287-1445
Rep. Dianne Tilton Selected for Prestigious Legislative Leadership Program

AUGUSTA – State Rep. Dianne Tilton has been selected as one of only 50 state legislators in the country to participate in the 2009 Program for Emerging Political Leaders, sponsored by the State Legislative Leaders Foundation and the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia.

This prestigious program is held every year on the campus of the University of Virginia, in Charlottesville, for a select group of state legislators who have been nominated by the speaker of the House, president of the Senate or minority leader from their state. Legislative leaders are asked to nominate one or more members who have demonstrated those qualities typically associated with leadership—integrity, compassion, intelligence, vision and common sense.

“I’m very honored to be selected for this program,” said Rep. Tilton, a first-term Republican legislator from Harrington. “I’m looking forward to meeting legislators from other states to exchange solutions to common problems. They say the states are laboratories of democracy, and some of the best ideas percolate up from the state level rather than come down from Washington.”

As a member of the Marine Resources Committee, Rep. Tilton has been instrumental in successful efforts this year to protect Maine’s shellfish industry. “Rep. Tilton has built a reputation as a very thoughtful and conscientious legislator in a short time,” said Rep. Josh Tardy (R-Newport), the House Republican leader. “She is an effective and respected member of the Legislature.”

The University of Virginia conference, set for July 12-15, involves study in such topics as values and ethics; the art of political leadership; action steps to make a difference; personal leadership in a changing world; and the art of compromise and coalition building. Discussions will be lead by Professor Ed Freeman, the Elis and Signe Olsson Professor of Business Administration at the Darden School, and other University of Virginia faculty members.

The State Legislative Leaders Foundation is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, independent organization committed to providing specialized educational and enrichment programs for state legislative leaders.

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