Center appointed Chair of Maine State Harness Racing Commission

On February 14, 2022, Governor Janet Mills nominated Attorney Harry B. Center, II, Esq. to fill the “Public Member” of the 5 person Maine State Harness Racing Commission. 

Center then appeared before the Maine State Legislature’s Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry for a Hearing on March 1, 2022, and he received unanimous confirmation from the Committee members.

On March 9, 2022, the Maine State Senate unanimously confirmed Center’s appointment.  Following the Senate Confirmation, Governor Mills then appointed Center as Chair of the Commission.

The Commission is established pursuant to Title 8  M.R.S. s. 261-A.  The Commission consists of five members, with 3 having experience and connections to the Harness Racing industry, and one member representing the State’s Agricultural Fairs and a member of the Public who has not ties to the industry.

The Maine State Harness Racing Commission oversees the industry. Tasks include:  regulation of substances administered to races horses, blood testing; ensuring the safety of horsemen and horses by drug testing licensees; seeing to completion positive test results by holding hearing meetings and delivering the appropriate penalty; hearing appeals from presiding race judge’s decisions, licensing Off-Track Betting facilities and their operators; maintaining a safe and productive environment for those involved as horsemen, betting public, and spectators; and to promote and preserve the pride in Maine Harness Racing.

Attorney Center has been a life-long patron of the sport and brings 35 years of legal experience as a trial lawyer, having handled numerous matters before many of Maine’s agencies, boards and commissions.  He looks forward to serving the Governor, citizens and members of the Harness Racing Community to ensure that this important industry thrives and continues.