By Ramona du Houx

January 6th, 2012

Photo: Maine House Speaker Bob Nutting, R-Oakland and House Democratic Leader Rep. Emily Cain, D-Orono, welcome newly sworn-in Maliseet Rep. David Slagger on Jan, 4, 2012.
“I was pleased to witness this historic day for the Maliseet Tribe and for all Maine people,” said Rep. Emily Cain. “I’ve known David for years through his hard work as a doctoral candidate at the University of Maine. He brings an important perspective to Augusta and will serve the Maliseet people well.”

The Maliseet Tribe s is the third of Maine’s four tribes to have a representative serving in the State Legislature. The Penobscots and Passamaquoddies are already represented; the Micmacs are not. The Maliseets were authorized to send a representative to the Legislature in 2010 under the leadership of Gov. John Baldacci.

Indian representatives are selected by their tribes. The representatives participate in the Legislature but may not vote. Their districts are also represented by voting legislators. In order to have a vote a lawmaker must represent over 1,000 citizens. Rep. Slagger represents about 800 people.