Marine Resources committee unanimously recommends Louis Turado for advisory council

The Joint Standing Committee on Marine Resources voted unanimously to recommend that the Senate confirm Louis Turado of South Portland to the Marine Resources Advisory Council.

Sen. Denise Tepler, Senate chair of the committee, opened a public nomination hearing and outlined statutory requirements for committee consideration. Sen. Marianne Moore moved the committee recommend confirmation; Rep. Holly Eaton seconded the motion.

Commissioner Carl Wilson, appearing for the governor's director of Boards and Commissions, told members he spoke on behalf of Governor Mills and urged support for the appointment. Wilson described the Marine Resources Advisory Council’s statutory composition (Title 5, Section 12004-G, Subsection 27) and highlighted Turado’s background as a firefighter and EMT, a charter-boat captain, a registered Maine guide and owner of Diamond Pass Outfitters. "Louis Turado's vast experience and knowledge of Maine's fishing industry will make him a valuable addition to the Marine Resources Advisory Council," Wilson said.

Turado, who joined the hearing by phone, told the committee he has a "long-standing history in the state of Maine in this fishery" and said his primary experience and passion are on the recreational side. He noted prior service as a harbor commissioner for the Port of Portland and said he looks forward to representing recreational anglers and commercial interests as appropriate.

Committee members asked no follow-up questions. The clerk conducted a roll-call vote; Sen. Tepler, Rep. Allison Hepler, Rep. Wayne Farrin, Rep. Abden Simmons, Rep. Holly Eaton, Sen. Marianne Moore, Rep. Jim Thorne, Rep. Schroll, Rep. Riley and Rep. Irene Gifford each voted yes. The committee recorded the vote as unanimous of those present and will forward its recommendation to the President of the Senate for consideration by the full Senate.

Committee staff noted a clerical discrepancy in the nomination paperwork (the materials alternately listed the submission as an "appointment" and a "re-appointment"); the committee proceeded on the committee's understanding that this was an initial appointment but left the record available for correction by staff. Members also noted statutory timing: the committee must take its vote within 35 days of the governor's written notice, and the Senate must consider the committee's recommendation under its own procedures.

The hearing closed and the committee adjourned.