We are sad to report that our friend and colleague John Richardson died Tuesday.
While he’s become familiar recently as one of the contributors on our weekly Political Brew segment, John has long been a fixture on Maine’s political stage.
In 2002, John, a lifelong Democrat. was elected House Majority Leader and was the political spokesperson for the House Democratic caucus.
In 2005, he was elected as Speaker of the Maine House of Representatives. In the Legislature, he earned a reputation for building consensus and worked to foster bipartisan agreements.
In 2007, John was appointed commissioner of the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development. He held that position until 2009.
In 2010, John made a bid to become governor, but ultimately ended the run shortly before the Democratic primary.
John was raised outside of Maine but had family roots here. He moved to Maine to practice law, run for office and raise a family.
He was a successful attorney in Brunswick and spent many years representing the Maine Association of Police. He knew everyone, and while he was a loyal member of his party, he also would say, '"you have to compromise to get things done."
Phil Harriman, a Republican who served with John in the Maine Senate and appeared with him on Political Brew, said the world could use more John Richardsons because of the way he approached politics and how he sought to move Maine forward.
"John and I had a special relationship," he said. "We were somewhat adversaries when I was in the Senate and he was in the House ... John was never disagreeable. He held to his principles. He was amicable and you could shake hands with him over any topic and move on. That's a great legacy for any public servant in Maine to leave," Harriman said.
"A good friend to the core. Always approachable," Harriman added. "Someone with genuine empathy for others and cared deeply for his wife and children. They were always the topic of conversation when we were off the air."
John leaves behind his wife, Stephanie, and his three children.
Governor Janet Mills released the following statement Tuesday evening in response to John's death:
I was deeply saddened to learn of John’s passing. As Speaker of the House during my time in the Legislature, he was a tireless advocate for Maine’s working men and women, efforts that he continued later as Commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development where he fought to build a brighter future for families and small businesses across our state. John’s many contributions to Maine extend beyond state government, with a legacy that stretches from the creation of the Business and Consumer Court to the redevelopment of the former Brunswick Naval Air Station, now Brunswick Landing. On behalf of the people of Maine, I offer our sincere condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time and express our gratitude for his service to our state. The people of Brunswick have lost a friend. I have lost a friend. The State of Maine has lost a friend.
Former Governor John Baldacci sent the following statement:
I’m deeply saddened to learn the news today that John has passed away. John was a dedicated public servant, who served Maine well for many years as a member of the Legislature, Speaker of the House and Commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development during my administration. John was also a successful attorney and a thoughtful political commentator whose wit and wisdom will be missed. Karen and I send our condolences to John’s family and to his many friends and colleagues.
Senator Susan Collins issued the following statement:
John began his public service as a volunteer firefighter. At age 19, a courageous attempt to rescue someone from a burning building put him in the hospital for nearly five months. John didn’t let that incident stop him, however, and instead he dedicated his life to serving others. As an attorney, Maine’s Speaker of the House, and the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development, John worked tirelessly for the people of Maine. As Speaker, John built consensus and got things done. John’s passing is a loss to the entire State of Maine, and my heart goes out to his family and friends.
Current Speaker of the Maine House of Representatives Sara Gideon issued the following statement:
We often remark that the Legislature is one big family. Sadly, we have lost an important member of that family with the sudden passing of John Richardson. From his time as a State Representative, as Maine’s Commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development or as Speaker of the House, John was tireless when it came to standing up for working Mainers. He will be remembered as a tough negotiator, a champion for the middle-class and as a mentor to many, many legislators. My heart goes out to his wife, Stephanie and his children, John Jr., Glenn and Maddie - our entire legislative family grieves with you.
Maine Senate President Troy Jackson issued the following statement:
John Richardson was a strong labor advocate, lifelong public servant and someone I consider a true friend. There are few individuals, especially politicians, who have such a profound influence on me, my politics and the way I see the world. When I was first elected to the House of Representatives as an Independent, it was John, who showed me which party was fighting for working-class families like my own. His unwavering commitment to the working men and women of this state as House Majority Leader actually led me to enroll in the Democratic Party, and the rest is history.
I want to extend my deepest condolences to John’s family and loved ones. John leaves behind an extraordinary legacy and his passing represents a huge loss for this state. He will most certainly be missed.
His passing leaves a big gap in Maine’s political world, and in our own world here at NEWS CENTER Maine. We extend our condolences to John's friends and family.
