by John Bott, Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry

Augusta, ME — Maine State Harness Racing Commission veteran James Tracy of Farmingdale, Maine, attended his final Commission meeting on Monday (Sept. 29), having served in the capacity for more than 16 years.

Maine DACF photo

James Tracy (left) accepts a plaque in honor of his longtime service to the Maine State Harness Racing Commission from Director Ellis Additon of the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.

Ellis Additon, Director of the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry’s Bureau of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources, presented Tracy with a plaque in recognition of his many years of service.

Additon acknowledged Tracy’s steadfast support for Maine’s harness racing industry and expressed gratitude on behalf of the Department for his willingness to continue serving for more than a year after the expiration of his final term, while awaiting the nomination of his replacement.

In addition to his service on the Racing Commission, Tracy has also served as the Treasurer of the Windsor Fair since 1982 and plans to remain in that capacity.

Pending confirmation by the Senate, William McFarland of China, Maine, is slated to replace Tracy as the commission member with an affiliation to an annual agricultural fair. McFarland, who was nominated by Governor Paul LePage earlier this month, currently serves as First Vice President and Director of Racing at Windsor Fair.

If confirmed, McFarland will serve a three year term, joining current commission members Gary Reed of Falmouth, Dirk Duncan of Mapleton, Michael Timmons of Cumberland, and Chairperson Barbara Dresser of Saco.