by Wendy Ireland, executive director, MHHA

Augusta, ME — After longtime member George McHale announced that he would not be seeking reappointment to the Maine State Harness Racing Commission, Governor LePage nominated Michael Timmons of Cumberland, Maine, to fill that position.

MHHA photo

Michael Timmons

On Wednesday (June 5), members of the Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry voted 11-0 in favor of the nomination.

Timmons’ knowledge and experience in the Maine harness racing industry is extensive. Along with his dad, he has been involved part-time as an owner and trainer for nearly 40 years.

In 1990, he was appointed as a director to the board of the Cumberland Fair and has held several key positions over the years. For the last six years, he has served as president of the fair and for the last ten years has been in charge of the racing program.

Timmons worked for the Windham School District for 38 years, during which time he was a high school educator, principal and assistant superintendent.

The Maine Harness Horsemen’s Association testified in favor of this nomination and we feel that his experience as a school administrator will be an important perspective to the Commission.