By SUSAN M. COVER
Staff Writer Tuesday, April 24, 2007

During the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee hearing, supporters described Fleming as courteous, professional and dedicated.

No one testified in opposition to his nomination.

"Through his 23 years of service with the state police, Lt. Fleming has demonstrated his leadership ability, his integrity, his dedication to his vocation, and his moral conviction to uphold and enforce the law," said Aroostook County Sheriff James P. Madore, who spoke for the Maine Sheriffs' Association.

Several others spoke in support of Fleming, including the Maine Office of Substance Abuse, the Maine State Troopers Association, family friend Mary Jane Viles of North Anson, and Kay Rand, chief of staff for former Gov. Angus King.

Fleming, a 44-year-old native of Hampden who lives in Fairfield, started his State Police career on rural patrols in Somerset and Franklin counties, and later patrolled Interstate 95 from Augusta to Newport.

He then switched to the executive protection unit, which provides security for the governor, his family and dignitaries.

In August 2004, he was promoted to lieutenant of the special investigations unit, which includes liquor licensing, gaming and weapons, and gambling control.

If confirmed by the Senate, he will take over from Col. Craig Poulin of Gardiner, who announced he was leaving the position in January.

The lone objection to Fleming's nomination came from Rep. Richard Sykes, R-Harrison, who said he questioned the process used to name Fleming as the nominee.

Sykes said he didn't object to Fleming, but questioned Department of Public Safety Commissioner Anne Jordan at length about how Fleming was chosen.

Prior to the hearing, Sykes had requested Jordan's file that contained her notes, resumes and reference checks performed during the nomination process. Jordan said state law prohibited her from releasing that information. Sykes said he didn't believe Fleming was Jordan's first choice, but that she got overruled by Gov. John Baldacci.

"This nomination to a very critical position has all the appearances of a political appointment by the governor to his former bodyguard," Sykes said to explain why he voted against Fleming.

Baldacci spokesman David Farmer said Fleming was chosen because of his experience.

"He is incredibly well qualified," he said.

Sykes tried repeatedly to get Jordan to name the candidate she recommended to Baldacci.

Jordan said she could not answer the question.

Later, he pressed her once more. "In your opinion, is Lt. Fleming the most qualified of all the candidates?" he asked.

In response, Jordan said: "Lt. Fleming is qualified to run the state police."

During testimony before the committee, Fleming said he's concerned about a reduction in the number of troopers patrolling the highways and "a complicated reporting system" that requires troopers to spend too much time off the roads.

Several of those who spoke in favor of Fleming remarked on his height -- he's 6 foot 7 inches tall -- and his sense of humor.

Lt. David Alexander, who retired from Maine State Police in 2003 and is now with the Ogunquit Police Department, said he worked with Fleming as part of the executive protection unit.

Alexander recalled times when Fleming had them "doubled over laughing."

"He has the ability to alleviate that stress and it just came natural to him," he said.

Susan Cover -- 623-1056

scover@centralmaine.com