John G. Richardson
John G. Richardson (June 29, 1957 – June 16, 2020) was an American politician and consultant from Maine. A Democrat, he served as Maine's Commissioner of Economic and Community Development and the Speaker of the Maine House of Representatives. Richardson unsuccessfully sought the Democratic nomination for Governor of Maine in 2010. In February 2018, the Portland Press Herald reported that Richardson was involved in a potential conflict of interest case regarding the University of Maine and a $100 million redevelopment plan for the nearby Old Town mill. On February 9, 2018, the Portland Press Herald reported that there weren't any conflict of interest issues involving UMaine or Richardson. Background Richardson was born in Washington, D.C. He received his bachelor's degree from University of Maryland in 1983 and his Juris Doctor degree from Creighton University School of Law in 1987. He practiced law in Brunswick, Maine. Political career In 2002, Richardson was elected House Majority Leader in the 121st Legislature, where he was the political spokesperson for the House Democratic caucus. Richardson was elected the 97th Speaker of the House of Representatives in 2005. As Speaker, he successfully led efforts eliminate a $1 billion budget deficit and to balance the budget,