FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 30, 2009
PORTLAND, Maine – Attorney Jeffrey A. Thaler was elected President of the American College of Environmental Lawyers (ACOEL) at the group’s 2nd annual meeting this week in Portland, Maine.  Thaler, a partner at law firm Bernstein Shur, is renowned for his work in environmental and energy law.  ACOEL is a professional association of prominent environmental lawyers recognized by their peers as preeminent in their field.

As one of the ACOEL’s founders, Thaler has provided the group with organizational leadership as well as expertise on the legal dimensions of issues including greenhouse gases, alternative energy and climate change.  He is a senior member of Bernstein Shur’s energy, environmental, and litigation practice groups.

“This is a deserving honor for Jeff that truly speaks to his strong reputation and the respect he has earned in the legal community,” said Charles E. Miller, managing shareholder at Bernstein Shur.  “His strong reputation as an environmental and energy attorney will provide ACOEL with solid, credible leadership.”

Thaler is recognized by Best Lawyers in America as a leading figure in environmental and natural resources law, and by Chambers USA for his environmental and litigation practices.  He has taught environmental law at the University of Maine Law School, serves on the Boards of the Land for Maine’s Future, the Energy and Environmental Technology Council of Maine and is lead author of The Maine Environmental Law Handbook.  Thaler is a graduate of the Yale University School of Law and Williams College.

The American College of Environmental Lawyers
The American College of Environmental Lawyers is a professional association of lawyers distinguished by their experience and high standards in the practice of environmental law.  ACOEL members are dedicated to: maintaining and improving the ethical practice of environmental law; the administration of justice; and the development of environmental law at both the state and federal level.  More information can be found at http://www.acoel.org.

Bernstein Shur
Bernstein Shur is one northern New England’s largest multi-service law firms, with more than 100 attorneys in offices in Maine and New Hampshire.  Founded in 1915, the firm provides practical and innovative counsel in the areas of business law, litigation, and municipal law to clients throughout the region and around the world.  Bernstein Shur is Maine’s exclusive member of Lex Mundi, the world’s leading association of independent law firms. More information can be found at http://bernsteinshur.com.

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Rosa Scarcelli, Democratic candidate for governor, announced today that veteran Maine journalist and public affairs consultant Patsy Wiggins has been hired as campaign manager.

Wiggins, a resident of Scarborough, will leave her position as a consultant with the Government Affairs Practice Group of Eaton Peabody, the 70-year-old Maine law firm with offices in Augusta, Bangor, Brunswick and Ellsworth. She joined the firm in 2008 after more than 20 years in television news covering the Legislature and Maine politics for Maine television stations including WCSH and WGME in Portland. She also served as the host of MPBN’s MaineWatch program after the previous host, Angus King, Jr., was elected governor.

“Patsy brings a wealth of experience, skill and know-how to my campaign at a time when we are really beginning to gain momentum,” Scarcelli said. “She is exactly the type of person I want on my team and who I hope to attract to my administration, someone with a deep commitment and knowledge of Maine but who brings a fresh, outside perspective.”

A graduate of the University of Maine, Wiggins co-founded and was president of a multi-media company in South Portland where she videotaped and edited stories for various programs. She has served on several state boards and commissions, including Maine Maritime Academy, the Maine Irish Heritage Center, the Maine Center for Creativity and the Wayside Soup Kitchen.

During her career she has produced documentaries and conducted interviews with such luminaries as Sen. Margaret Chase Smith, Edmund S. Muskie and Richard Nixon. Wiggins received an award from the Maine Association of Broadcasters for her special “Walter Cronkite, At Anchor in Maine.”

“Leaving a job you love is always difficult,” Wiggins said, “but this was a lot easier because I believe Rosa will be a great governor and I want to be part of the team that helps get her elected. She will bring the exceptional business and financial skills to the job as governor that the state needs right now while protecting the special qualities and traditions that make Maine so special.

“I was frankly flattered to have been asked to join as campaign manager, which I’ve never done before, but my years covering Maine politics and Maine politicians, and being involved public policy and the decision making process, have prepared me for this challenge. It’s a very interesting time for Maine and Maine’s future, and this will be a very exciting campaign.”

As campaign manager, Wiggins will be in charge of the staff and day-to-day implementation of the overall campaign plan and strategy.

About Rosa Scarcelli: Scarcelli, 39, Democratic candidate for governor, is the owner and CEO of Stanford Management that provides quality, affordable housing in more than 30 Maine communities. A native of Wilton, Scarcelli said she wants to use her business skills to help create a better climate in Maine for job creation and growth. She lives in Portland with her husband Thom and their three children ages 12, 9 and 8.

For more information and a press kit including bio and photos, go to www.rosaformaine.com or http://pitch.pe/25980

Contact: Dennis Bailey, 207-347-6077/207-749-4963