An Order to Establish the Personal Representative of the Governor for Washington County

June 24, 2005

44 FY 04/05

WHEREAS, Washington County’s abundant natural and cultural resources present economic development opportunities; and

WHEREAS, the hardworking people of Washington County are among the region’s greatest assets; and

WHEREAS, employment and personal income levels have historically lagged behind those of the rest of the State; and

WHEREAS, the economic opportunities of Washington County need to be addressed in a concerted and analytical way; and

WHEREAS, a coordinated effort by State government is required in order to bring sustained economic progress to Washington County:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, John E. Baldacci, Governor of the State of Maine, do hereby designate a Personal Representative for Washington County.

Mission

The Personal Representative will:

• Act as an extension of the Office of the Governor on issues related to viable economic development for Washington County;

• Analyze and recommend how to address the economic development challenges historically experienced by Washington County;

• Coordinate the efforts of State government in order to efficiently and effectively use State resources to assist in improving and cultivating the economic environment of Washington County; and

• Confer with and report to the Governor and State agencies and departments, including the Department of Economic and Community Development, regarding the development of strategies to achieve the above objectives.

Goals

The primary goals of the Personal Representative will be to identify the historic and existing economic barriers faced by Washington County and identify new business and investment opportunities, as well as ways to retain existing enterprises and increase employment and personal income.

Responsibilities

The Governor’s Personal Representative will:

• Confer with interested parties, local organizations, experts, potential investors, state, county, and local government officials, regulators, university personnel and others who can assist in economic improvement;

• Recommend public investments, changes in statutes and regulations, and policies to encourage and support private investment in the area;

• Recommend realistic and business oriented development strategies, as well as the steps necessary to implement them; and

• Submit a final report to the Governor no later than January 1, 2006.

Implementation Costs

• The facilities, services and costs, including the actual expenses of the Personal Representative, such as mileage, meals, and lodging, associated with this Executive Order shall be absorbed by the Office of the Governor.

Effective Date

The effective date of this Executive Order is June 24, 2005.