Staff Writer
A Presque Isle attorney has been nominated to serve on the Loring Development Authority of Maine, which is responsible for the reuse of the former Air Force base in Limestone.
Frank Bemis
Francis “Frank” Bemis, of Bemis and Rossignol LLC, was nominated by Gov. John E. Baldacci. The Maine Legislature must confirm Bemis’s appointment.
Bemis, of Presque Isle, serves on the Presque Isle Industrial Council, and is a past member of the Presque Isle City Council.
Bemis earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine and a law degree from Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law. In his law practice, he specializes in criminal defense, probate and general civil litigation. Previous to this experience, Bemis was an attorney at Harding’s Law Offices.
“The city asked me if I was interested in being on the LDA and I’m always interested in public service,” said Bemis.
The attorney cited his involvement with the Presque Isle Industrial Council and working with numerous businesses while on the City Council.
Carl Flora, president of the LDA, said he’s looking forward to working with Bemis.
“I think he’s got a ‘can-do’ attitude, which is always helpful,” said Flora. “He has a positive outlook. He’s the kind of person to keep everyone’s eyes on the goal, which is to make Aroostook County a better place and to attract more business and economic activity.”
The newly elected LDA chairman, Kay Rand, also has been re-nominated to serve on the development agency’s board. Rand is employed as a managing director at Bernstein Shur Government Solutions in Augusta.
Rand served eight years in the Office of Governor Angus King, first as director of policy and legislation and then as chief of staff. Rand is on the Board of Directors of the Kennebec Valley YMCA, Gulf of Maine Research Institute, KIDS Consortium and Small Woodlot Owners Association of Maine. She is a graduate of the University of Southern Maine and a resident of Hallowell.
Flora cited Rand’s experience as “very seasoned” in the field of public affairs, given her experience in the governor’s office.
The nominations must be reviewed by the Joint Standing Committee on Business, Research and Economic Development and confirmed by the Senate. A confirmation session of the Senate has been scheduled for Aug. 20.
The LDA is governed by a board of trustees composed of 13 voting members appointed by the governor. Members are appointed for four-year terms.
No less than seven are to be residents of Aroostook County and are nominated by the primary impact communities At least four of the remaining appointments must be from candidates who are not residents of Aroostook County. By law, the state commissioner of economic development also is a voting, ex officio member of the board.
