AUGUSTA – Senate President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, testified in support of Leo Trudel of Madawaska Lake at a confirmation hearing before the Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee on Tuesday. Trudel has been nominated by the Aroostook County Commissioners to serve on the Maine Land Use Planning Commission (LUPC).

“It has been a pleasure to know Leo ever since he moved to St. Francis many years ago. His advocacy for economic development, knowledge of the region’s unorganized territories, and academic experience teaching at the University of Maine at Fort Kent will be a great asset to the LUPC,” said President Jackson. “It’s not a  surprise that the committee unanimously approved his nomination and I was glad to add my voice in support of such a qualified nominee.”

Trudel is an Associate Professor at the University of Maine at Fort Kent (UMFK) and teaches a variety of courses related to Business Management and Accounting degree programs. He also serves on the University of Maine’s Board of Trustees as a Faculty Representative. Trudel’s background includes a number of economic development positions at the municipal level, including the towns of St. Francis and Fort Kent.

The Maine Land Use Planning Commission — formerly the Maine Land Use Regulation Commission — consists of 9 nominated members who are subject to review by the committee having jurisdiction over conservation matters and to confirmation by the Senate. The commission has broad responsibility for preserving public health, safety and general welfare and extending the principles of sound planning, zoning and development to the unorganized and deorganized townships of the State.  

The committee voted 13-0 to unanimously confirm Trudel’s nomination. His nomination will now go to the Maine Senate for a vote.

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