Education committee recommends Haley Farden for student seat on Maine Maritime Academy board

Senator Joseph Rafferty, chair of the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs, on behalf of the committee recommended confirmation of Haley Farden of Standish as the student trustee to the Maine Maritime Academy Board of Trustees following a public hearing and a roll-call recommendation vote.

The committee heard opening remarks from Joe Bushey, who spoke on behalf of Governor Janet Mills and described the duties of the board and Haley Farden’s background. "Haley Farden of Standish is nominated as the student member of the board," Bushey said, noting she is a junior at Maine Maritime Academy majoring in marine transportation and operations and a graduate of Baxter Academy.

Farden addressed the committee and described her experience at Maine Maritime Academy, including serving as a student ambassador, teaching assistant, adjutant for her drill company and incoming president of Women on the Water. "I will graduate with a bachelor's degree in marine transportation and operations and a third mate's license," she said, adding that she wants to "ensure that this school continues to grow both academically and in student engagement."

Committee members asked a few questions. Representative Kim Hagen asked whether Farden had specific priorities; she responded she would advocate for adding a nuclear major and for additional faculty in the marine transportation program so instructors are not overworked. Senator Rafferty then called for the committee to vote. The roll-call recorded eight members present voting in the affirmative and none opposed; the clerk reported "8 yays, unanimous for all that are present." The committee’s recommendation to confirm will be transmitted in writing to the President of the Senate for action by the full Legislature.

The committee also briefly noted the usual practice of waiting 15 minutes before proceeding to a vote on confirmations; members agreed to move forward without that delay in this instance. No formal objections to the nomination were recorded during the hearing, and no in-room opposition speakers appeared; one online sign-up for opposition (Norma Bennett) did not appear.

The committee’s recommendation is advisory to the full Legislature; the nominee’s confirmation requires further action by the Senate following receipt of the committee’s written recommendation.