Maine governor questions Indian child welfare commission pick

Monday, April 8, 2013  

Maine Gov. Paul LePage (R) says he will withdraw support for the Maine Wabanaki-State Child Welfare Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

Five members were named to the commission in December 2012. They include Secretary of State Matt Dunlap, whom LePage believes has a conflict of interest.

"Because Mr. Dunlap holds a fiduciary and ethical relationship of trust with the State of Maine as its Secretary of State and simultaneously serves as a truth and reconciliation commissioner, the governor believes the independence of the commission is compromised,” a spokesperson for the governor said in a statement, The Bangor Daily News reported.

LePage didn't raise objections in December but his complaint comes amid a dispute over tribal fishing rights.

Get the Story:
LePage threatens to pull support of tribal commission if secretary of state is involved (The Bangor Daily News 4/8)

NPR: Commission examines Indian child welfare issues in Maine (03/12)
Members of Maine Indian child welfare commission sworn in (02/13)
Five to join Indian child welfare truth and reconciliation panel (12/19)
Editorial: Start the healing process on Indian child takings (09/17)
MPBN: Commission to look at Indian child welfare issues in Maine (07/02)