May 24, 1978
Page 15253
Mr. MUSKIE. Mr. President, I am pleased to support the nomination of Kenneth Curtis to the International Joint Commission, United States and Canada. Governor Curtis began his public career as an aide to former Congressman Jim Oliver. He has since served as Maine's Secretary of State, Governor of Maine and chairman of the Democratic National Committee. Four years after he left the Governor's office, he remains the most popular public figure in Maine.
Governor Curtis is uniquely qualified to serve as a Commissioner on the International Joint Commission. During his 8 years as Governor, he established an excellent relationship between Maine and our neighboring provinces of Quebec and New Brunswick. He created an Office of Canadian Affairs to facilitate communications with the provincial and Federal Governments of Canada. The Governor met regularly with the premiers of the Maritime Provinces to discuss matters of mutual concern. But, perhaps most important, Ken Curtis brings to this office his great ability, his imagination and his compassion.
I might add, Mr. President, that many of us in Maine share not only a border, but a common heritage with our Canadian neighbors. For this reason, I believe it is particularly appropriate that a former Governor of Maine, and a very able one, be appointed to this position. It is an excellent appointment and I commend the committee for voting favorably on it.