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Committee denies reappointment of Dennis R. Marble to Maine ethics commission
Summary
After extended questioning about Facebook posts and a recent commission decision, the joint Veterans and Legal Affairs committee voted 9'to'4 to deny the reappointment of Dennis R. Marble to the Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices.
The Joint Standing Committee on Veterans and Legal Affairs voted to deny the reappointment of Dennis R. Marble of Hamden to the Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices after an extended hearing that focused on Marble's past social-media posts and a recent commission decision some members criticized.
Marble, who has served on the commission since 2020 and described himself as an "unenrolled" member, defended his record, saying he had been impressed with commission staff and colleagues and that he had tried to be fair in his decisions. Marble told the committee, "I think I would bet money, honestly, that they're gonna tell you I've been fair in my comments, in my decisions, in my recommendations." He also said he is not an attorney and is retired.
Members pressing Marble cited a series of Facebook posts criticizing national political figures and questioned whether that record undercut the appearance of independence the unenrolled seat requires. Representative Dave Boyer and others raised a separate concern about a recent commission matter in which a campaign manager was alleged to have solicited under-the-table work; according to members, Marble's vote in that proceeding led some to question his judgment.
During deliberations, several members said the social-media posts and the recent decision together created an appearance-of-bias; others defended Marble's years of community service and leadership in Bangor. Representative Timberlake said he could not support the nomination "at this time" given the information presented; Representative Farewell argued Marble's local record and awards argued in favor of his service.
After discussion and the required procedural steps, the clerk called the roll. The recorded votes in the transcript showed Representative Graham, Representative Frost, Representative Faircloth and Representative Mallon voting in favor; nine other members voted against reappointment. The clerk read the tally as 4 in favor and 9 opposed, and the committee voted to deny the reappointment. The committee's written record will be forwarded to the president of the Senate.
