Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — A local resident has been appointed by Governor John E. Baldacci to serve the state as dedimus justice.
“Dedimus justice is a lifetime appointment by the governor. The sole duty of the dedimus justice is to administer the oath of office to persons elected or appointed to any civil office, except when otherwise specified by the Constitution,” said Ron McPherson, recipient of the honor.
McPherson said he’d found it difficult to find someone to perform such services in the past and decided to look into what it would take to become one himself. He obtained an application, filled it out and returned it to Augusta within the last year, thinking he’d probably never hear from anyone.
“I needed one to sign my notary commission and couldn’t find one right off. I decided there was a need and pursued it. I looked into what such service entailed. I decided to call Augusta and requested an application. I sent it in thinking I wouldn’t hear back,” said McPherson.
Much to his surprise, he received a response from Augusta requesting a letter explaining why he felt he should be appointed.
“I drafted a letter and sent it back. It was probably a month after I sent the letter that I received a letter from the Secretary of State advising me I’d been approved and was advised to go to dedimus justice to be sworn in,” he said.
McPherson, a member of the Presque Isle City Council and various other boards, said as a public figure he felt the appointment is a good fit for him.
“I’m available, being on the Council and other boards — I’m accessible to do such work,” said McPherson.
Dedimus justice appointments are the only lifetime appointments made by the governor, according to McPherson.
“Gov. Baldacci feels strongly that the duties of dedimus justices should be one of public service, not personal profit,” said McPherson. “I’ve been a public figure for many years and agree. This will make my 12th year running for Council this fall. I enjoy listening to public concerns and assisting citizens with various issues.”
If you are in need of a dedimus justice, McPherson can be reached by phone at 551-9791.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
RON McPHERSON holds the certificate he received following his designation as Dedimus Justice, a statewide appointment.
