Committee unanimously recommends two gubernatorial picks for Maine Milk Commission
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Summary
The Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry unanimously recommended reappointment of Timothy D. Drake and appointment of William J. (Bill) Randall to the five-member Maine Milk Commission after brief hearings and industry endorsements.
Sen. Rachel Talbot Ross convened the committee and opened public hearings on Gov. Janet Mills’ nominations to the Maine Milk Commission.
Joe Bushey, director of boards and commissions for the governor, presented Timothy D. Drake of China for reappointment, saying Drake has served on the commission since 2022 and earlier served 12 years as the commission’s executive director and in other Department of Agriculture roles. “Timothy Drake’s commitment to public service and vast knowledge of the challenges facing the dairy industry have made him a valued member of the Maine Milk Commission,” Bushey said.
Drake addressed the committee, identifying himself as Tim of China and noting four years on the commission and his prior 2008–2021 service as executive director; he offered to answer questions, and the committee asked none.
Industry supporters testified in favor. Dale Cole, representing the Maine Dairy Industry Association, said the association “fully supports the nominee.” After public testimony and a roll call, the committee voted unanimously to recommend confirmation of Drake.
The committee then considered Gov. Mills’ nomination of William J. Randall of Palmyra. Bushey summarized Randall’s career in the dairy sector — work as a quality control inspector at Hood, field representative roles at Westland Creamery and AgriMark, and decades on family dairy operations — and urged support for the appointment. Randall made a brief statement and deferred to his submitted resume.
Again, industry voices supported the nomination. Walter Fletcher, a Pittsfield-based dairy farmer who has served on the Maine Farm Bureau and cooperative boards, praised Randall’s “honesty and integrity” and long service to the industry. The committee voted unanimously to recommend Randall’s appointment.
Next steps: the committee will send written notice of the recommendations to the president of the senate in accordance with statutory procedures (Title 3, section 157).
