AUGUSTA, Maine — Deb Neuman has resigned as deputy commissioner of the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development.
Neuman’s last day on the job will be Friday, according to Doug Ray, a spokesman for the DECD. Ray would not provide specifics on the circumstances of her departure, except to say she’s leaving on her own initiative and was not fired.
“I know she told [DECD Commissioner George Gervais] that she wants to pursue interests closer to her hometown,” Ray said. Neuman lives in Bangor, according to the website of her radio show, “Back to Business,” which airs on WVOM.
Reached late Tuesday, Neuman said “it’s been an honor and privilege to serve the state in this capacity and I’m grateful to Commissioner Gervais and the administration for the opportunity. I will continue to support their efforts to make Maine a great place to do business and to share the stories of businesses making it in Maine.”
Gov. Paul LePage appointed Neuman to the post in July 2011. She had served on the governor’s transition team, providing input on small business and economic development issues.
As deputy commissioner, Neuman oversees the governor’s team of “account executives,” who serve as a single point of contact for Maine businesses that have regulatory questions and issues, and to aid businesses in accessing available resources.
Ray said Neuman’s replacement has not been chosen, but that her duties would be “absorbed temporarily by senior management until a replacement is hired.”
Prior to her role at the DECD, Neuman was director of the Target Technology Incubator at the University of Maine. She is also creator and host of the “Back to Business” radio show on WVOM.
Some shoes are hard to fill.. I hope she finds a job that she can excel at rather then be at the top of a dead end job.
Well since FaceBook is about you and not someone else you expected what????
Narcissist are we?
Narcissist? Moi, hardly.
But since the term means “a person who is overly self-involved, and often vain and selfish” the term could apply to you push since you edited your post to remove the reference to Ms. Newman posting photos of herself on FaceBook. Seems you are overly self-involved in preserving a certain public persona. Isn’t that a bit “vain” on your part?
Thanks, I was lost. The old edit option.
Works well
I hear yeah Bush…hard to follow when the poster takes down a part of a post. Makes you wonder why they bothered to post something offensive in the first place.
I was being polite to Deb by taking it off, The last comment was referring to you RT.. Your click is getting bothersome.
your button seems easily pushed, there red.
http://youtu.be/io6CmKJgnuM
can’t speak for yourself?
got me! It was late and I let someone else into my head..
there’s plenty of empty space in there, i guess.
;)
(-;
OK push OK
we wish you luck, Deb! You are the BEST!
Paul just can’t seem to keep his house in order can he.
Liberals can’t seem to understand that it is difficult for free-market-minded individuals to work in government, even if it is for a conservative government.
Nice spin.Did you get that from MHPC or ALEC?
Who?
is that an owl imitation?
I think it’s more likely that Paul’s many appointees are quitting because their boss is such a buffoon.
Call him whatever names you want to, but the bottom line is that he has done what he said he would do–which is to reign in government spending and reduce the tax burden. He may not be glamorous, as the libs like their politicians, but he is effective.
Like having his grubby little paw out for Federal funds due to the Northeast Fisheries disaster? Paul is just like LA’s Bobby Jindal, railing against “Big Gov’mt” until something happens, then they cry for Federal money. It seems like the republican by line is “Privatize the profit, Socialize the risk”
Nah! He’s just trying to get some of what Obama took from us back into this state!
the guy hired is daughter for crying out loud at 50 grand a year
Don’t forget his brother-in-law, too.
Do you support discrimination against relatives? Ouch!
That’s a long stretch if you bothered to think about it. It’s worth a closer look when its taxpayer dollars paying the relative. In a private business nepotism’s an entirely different but common occurence.
Effective at what exactly? Alienating our state from the federal govt? Alienating the staff of his agencies? Making us look like a bunch of huicks and inbreds? You’re right, he HAS been effective!
Those who have become wards of the State won’t like the govt officials who want to cut off their gravy train! C’mon people, get with the program! Most of you have been disillusioned with free-enterprise and capitalism, but just wait until you see what European-style socialism will feel like! You’ll welcome LePage and his type back in a heartbeat!
Especially true if the free-market minded individual is perceptive enough to recognize that her work in the “conservative” government will be held against her after that government’s political train-wreck is over.
Too late. She’s already spoiled goods in Maine.
No chance. LePage will have school buildings and other prestigious institutions named after him once his two terms are done! He will forever be known as the one who turned Maine back over to a conservative state, once he’s fully cut off the gravy train for all of the non-producer types we now have in this state, and they are forced to head back down South where they came from (MA, CT, NY)!
Git a posse rounded up Marshall Dillon!
Then I guess they should get the heck out. Lets start with Mr Open for Business himself!
You’ve done enough damage to our State already! Please go back to Massachusetts or New Jersey or wherever it is that you came from and take your negative attitude toward free-enterprise with you before you completely destroy this State!
Neuman has never been a “free-market-minded individual.” She has always worked in the non-profit sector and her jobs have been funded with state and local tax dollars. Working for the state was simply a change in venue, not in source of income. From the state employees I know, the LePage administration is very difficult to work in, and there is a pervasive atmosphere of fear and incompetent leadership. Neuman was one of those “leaders,” but obviously has a sense of self preservation. Her leaving is probably a good thing for both her and the state. Expect more departures of more important employees; it is hard to keep good people in a poisonous environment.
Haters. . . .all of you!!
Hmmm. Sophmoric comes to mind. Wonder why? Hmmm.
So the inn that she owned and operated in Bar Harbor was a non-profit and funded with state and local tax dollars?
Deb Neuman is a very talented individual.
she does a lot of talking about businesses on her radio show (all common sense though), but she doesn’t seem to have a ton of experience running a business. I’m sure she has experience, but that was a _long_ time ago. now all she does is make money off the government!
We are the sum of our experiences in life.
http://debneumanbiztips.blogspot.com/p/about-deb.html
Hey, Sid – she has plenty of experience – and has spent a
good portion of her life helping others make their small business a reality.
She is a competent business woman, self-motivated and hard working – beyond
that she is generous of time and spirit with others. She has owned her own
businesses, helped others start, build and save their businesses & has been
named Small Business Journalist of the Year – I’d say she’s qualified. She was not “making money off of the government”; she was providing a service to you by being a valuable part of our capitol. Shut it.
Don’t let the door hit your big but$ on the way out!
Shut it!
Why? Doesn’t Katrina Walls have the right to an opinion?
jd, Shut it!
Hmmmm….nope!
WOW! yet you defend Kats right to tell someone to Shut it!! Why the double standard?? Don’t answer that we know. elitism
Plus, I make really good cupcakes.
push, Shut it! Hey this is fun!
“Elitism”? Yeah OK push…whatever you say.
Elitism 1. practice of or belief in rule by an elite . 2. consciousness of or pride in
belonging to a select or favored group. Neither of those definitions fits anything about me or my life push.Now to go play in the rain.
Some people are blinded by friendships. Just like your buddy Carlson, you guys over at blueberry protected him to the bitter end, then you kill the story… So I shall reserve the right to not take your word on peoples character.
you’re right – totally the same.
Your right, it is the same. Before the Carlson Story broke you guys would have stood in front of God to defend his Character..
Just One of the reasons why I stopped listening to blueberry… At least at the Pulse they don’t hide their agenda and pander to politicans just to be friends..
Push what character flaw did you see in Carlson prior to him taking the big leap that NO one else saw?
And what pray tell did you do with that information that NO one else saw?
Surely you read the police reports. Many people saw a flaw in Carlson’s character. Many, however did not have the proof, just strong suspicions. AS for the radio show at blueberry, many of their “experts,” are not experts at all. Whoever hires these “experts” should probably be moved to another department. Anyone who trusted Carlson should be taking an inventory of who they trust and vote for.
Two Bangor police officers, one Penobscor Deputy Sheriff, one psychologist/psychiatrist and one college president.
That list came from the MSP redacted police report and 5 people does not come anywhere close to meeting the definition of “many”.
So what was the character flaw you saw that tipped you off to Carlson’s serial sexual abuse of children and why didn’t you do anything about it?
OH, I’m really not sure he jumped. That will be up in the air for eternity.
Is the Pulse still in business? Since the switch from sports to their commie talk format, I figured they’d be closed up by now?
yes but they don’t hide who they really are like the other station. WVOM is liberal talk in sheeps clothing.. Have they ever asked a liberal politican like Emily Cain a tough question?? NO!
So Rush, Beck, and Howie are all liberals? First time I’ve heard that!
pure logic would realize I was speaking of the morning show.
Smarta**! Logic isn’t about being a mind reader, but using the mind to form one’s opinions instead of emotions.
spock
lol
I think you’ve got your vowels and consonants mixed up.
I feel like I might be better qualified to state
the facts regarding the goings on around here. There is no one in this group who would have “protected” ANY person if we thought children were in danger. Maybe you could spend a cumulative 10 minutes with someone every other week and be able to determine the inner workings of their minds, I cannot. If you can read minds… there is a certain overnight talk show I could suggest you give a call! The need to place blame, I understand, but, keep it where it belongs – on the person who committed the crime.
Could you please explain what Carlson has to do with anything push?
I was just evaluating ones judgement of Character.. If one thought that Carlson was a honorable man then one must question their opinion of others Character.. nothing personal R just defending gsgofer right to an opinion when K told him to shut up
And the way I see it push is Katvtook exception to a post. Just like I took exception to your post below. Of course you “edited” your post so no one could see what you said.
By the way I am not “R” or “RT” which I assume means Rick or Rick Tyler.
But hind sight is 20/20. I doubt if you saw any character flaw prior to Carlson taking the final leap. Not many people did.
I didn’t have personal contact with Carlson.. Like they did at blueberry broadcasting on a wkly basics.. I find being a good judgement of character is important in my life….. And as for Deb having facebook with mostly pictures of herself and me asking whats up with that. you explained why that was so. Thanks explaining it to me. I sometimes need a walk to the woodshed… Good job, I don’t bow to many.
At a salary of $80,000 per year she wasn’t making money off the government? She was being paid well for “providing a service.” She wasn’t doing it out of the goodness of her heart. She got sucked into the LePage administration and too late realized it was a disaster and would ruin her reputation. I’m sure she wishes she had stayed where she was.
Living off government grant funding you mean?
So does LePage and his family
She has more experience running a small business or any business for that matter than the current resident of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
Thats not a big step up jd. LOL, please if you like Deb give another example.
What business has President Obama owned, operated or managed prior to being elected to the U.S. Senate?
“Deb Neuman is a very talented individual.”
So what does she know about why now is the time to bail on LePage ?
mayor weston most likely offered her a city job
And what power does “mayor” Weston have that can be found in the City Charter?
Yeah, for drawing a pay check for doing nothing. I think she was surprised when she found out LePage expected her to actually work for the money. She was way out of her element.
I’ve listened to her show a bunch (yes, even with my handle, I do listen to VOM, mostly just to hear what the other side is shouting about)… And I thought much the same thing. Having some experience in small business, and talking about really basic concepts on the radio doesn’t necessarily qualify you for a position this high up. But hey, she’s well-known, I think that’s really all that counted.
Guess that depends upon who you talk to.
I am left wondering, are we still “open for business”, poor Paulie his staff are bailing like rats from a sinking ship.
That’s quite an assumption to make? The LePage Administration has done quite well, given the economic climate perpetuated by Obama at the federal level. Perhaps Deb had other interests beyond government service? Knowing her personality, I could understand how it would be difficult for her to work in state government, regardless of whose administration it was.
“The LePage Administration has done quite well, given the economic climate …”
You gotta give Pres. Obama, high marks, or a big break, if thinking like that works for Gov. LePage.
Anything else would be disingenuousness, at the very least.
lol.
Well considering there has been record corporate profits? You blame Obama for the economic climate, which for business is starting to do well. They are not hiring however. Also you also do realize that peoples 401k, and other investments are just getting back to normal. In 2008 when the market crashed people lost a lot of there money, boom just like that. If you lose 50% of your investment, you then need to get a 100% return just to break even. Its tough.
If Obama weren’t in office, the recovery would be booming right now. Much of the run-up in the stock market is under the assumption that either Romney will win, or at least that the Republicans will keep the House and make gains in the Senate, and all of those automatic spending cuts will kick in early next year!
Randy Newman – “I’m Dreaming”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvLeQbwuKys&feature=plcp
lol
Thank you Nostradamus.
One there has not been a run up in the stock market, it has been steady since the collapse. Your comment is not even close. What would a republican have done different? This recovery is not a quick process. People lost a lot of money. 50% gone, just like that, just to break even they have to then make 100% return. That is very very hard to do. This recovery is going to be years in the feature as well. It might actually be good for republicans that they do not win this election cycle. They will not be able to fix it in four years and then will have to explain why they couldn’t. During 2008 election, People actually said that winning might not be the best for either party because they knew no one could turn the economic crisis around in those 4 years, and when it came to re-election, the vast majority of the population will not know that.
the stock market has doubled in 4 years what’s your problem?
Yes, Obama is in the pocket of Wall St. The middle and lower class are drowning, due the the cost of food and fuel. He goes on national TV and says he’s the president for all Americans. Yeah right, he is here to serve only his rich friends, while he pretends he cares about the average person.
lol !
The stock market is fictious.. It’s only a matter of time before it’s done, cooked like a chicken.. Imagine investing your money in the market not a company. The stock is valued on how many people invest in the stock, not on what that company is really worth.. So at any time someone could make a company worth a billion in the morning and $100.00 by the closing bell. just by buy and selling stock in that company.. How it that Real?
Huh?
I’m thinking anything that might make President Obama look good is fictious.
Am I right push?
If you say so.. the snowball has gained to much speed. sorry to say.
Just a bubble waiting to be burst, especially if O’Carter wins another term! No need to get sophomoric now??
O’Carter? And who needs to get sophmoric?
Got it.
So has gas prices, food, heating oil etc. good for what
Boom Boom Boom….Another one bites the dust….
Another bites the dust. They are dropping like flies because the people leaving are trying to salvage their reputations. Oh,what a wicked web we weave Tea Potties.
This happens when you cross political lines to hire liberals
She’s on the WVOM…they wouldn’t hire a liberal.
That made me smile. Thanks.
George is a liberal, Rick is a Liberal and Deb is a liberal.. They are good at fooling ya local folks.
Having listened to WVOM in the past I can assure you that Ric Tyler is no liberal and George is . Deb does what she has to do and say to make a living. All of their on air advertising comes from local right wing republican sources . Plowman’s business being one of the main ones. Their only show I listen to anymore is Coast to Coast AM… I give Martians more credibility than Lamebaugh , Shannity and Fleck .
so is your contention that George McHale is a conservative?
There are no liberals on WVOM!
1st it’s the head of the Maine Technology Institute and now it’s the Deputy Head of the DECD. If business and Govenment both need stability then why is Maine teetering like a drunken duck on a fence rail ? Something’s not right here and Pepe’ is beginning to be smelled !
And those are only the most recent in a long line.Looks like Paulie will have to start using a whiteboard to keep track of who he can flay this week.
Don’t forget the first DECD commissioner who got fired for racism and stupidity.
Good luck Deb! Thank you for your work on behalf of our great state.
There are many good photos of Deb Neuman out there. The BDN picks this crappy one.
Editorial bias against the LePage Admin? You can say that again!
You can say that again!
and again!
That must be you oh great one Mr. Demeritt…how are all those expert business moves you made doing..you know the foreclosed properties and the pizza place there Danny D..you get the fire insurnace on that slum place down there in Chelsea or Richmond yet?
You made all of so happy as spokesperson ..you were just like your former boss brilliant I say absolutely brilliant.
that’s a great shot of Deb. She’s engaged, on the air, doing her thing. I think she looks great!
Absolutely. You should see the pictures they dig up of Cynthia Dill, though!
Deb you will be sorely missed in Augusta.Like most of LePage’s staff that resigned after 6 months or a year. you made a great impact on the state and we will reap ythe rewards for the mountains you moved for years to come. What tremendous work you did in your ahhh like 8 months at your post. We are so blessed tohave had you to watch over us. As you go join the ranks of the many before you like. LePage’s former spokes person Dan Demerrit . You touched so many lives. Someday children now will grow up to become adults and look to your triumphant term in the vaultedadministartion and ask ….what were these people thinking????????????????
What was she thinking??? Quitting ???? What do you mean by what were these people thinking??????
I mean what were they thinking by working for an imbecile. Does that help?
I was told Deb is on The Rick and George show Wednesday.. Will it be like another Carlson style Blackout or can callers call in and ask questions?
Why don’t you call and ask?
But why are you so curious about her reason(s) for leaving? People leave jobs every day of the week. Maybe she didn’t feel challenged. Maybe she didn’t feel she was accomplishing what she set out to accomplish when she accepted the position. Maybe she got tired of the two and a half hour commute every day. There are almost an endless number of reasons why she decided to leave.
She is a PUBLIC employee, public knowledge
I hope you are never the Director of HR for any company push because you couldn’t be further from the truth. Personnel matters for a public sector position are just as protected as in the private sector.
Then lets change the law!
You should right your representative then.
deleted.
Why didn’t you think you might be wrong about Carlson? Perhaps you need to re-evaluate your thinking. When I posted in April 2011 (in response to a letter to the editor that Carlson wrote) that I questioned why a “Reverend” would support voting for an arena which was supposed to be funded by gambling revenue. You were the first person to defend Carlson. Even stating that you believed his position at PCHC was unpaid (I found that comment completely ignorant). Not even having the moral judgement to know the difference. It is because of people like you that Carlson was able to succeed. You need to know more about people before you defend them. Ask about their past, education, etc. You simply try to slam people who make a comment that makes sense with your poor judgement. If I had commented back in April 2011 that I believe that Carlson is a pedophile. First of all that would not have made it past the monitor at the BDN, however if it did. I am sure you would have gone on about how he is so great and would “give you the shirt off his back.” I hope you have developed better judgement. It always seems as if you are still defending him. Perhaps you feel foolish for your inability to listen to others.
LeePage will have to get someone else to do his dirty work…!!!
She’s done such a great job – Maine’s economy is booming, unemployment is dropping like a rock, Maine is Open For Business…
Oh wait…
She is the queen of area “no-talents” that get blog space and other media outlets to listen to her. She gives no solid advice and seeks out the camera at chamber and other civic events…….did I say she is a no-talent?
Raised Correctly? I think your post proves the opposite.
It’s not all her fault….I could complile a list of the area no-talents if you wish. For some reason we call people “experts” when they are not that at all.
How many businesses have you owned and operated raised?
On her Back to business show I’m sure she would say never quit a job without at least 2 weeks notice giving your employer a chance to fill your position.
I’m sure she would, which is probably why she did.
She is lucky to have you as a friend K.. You loyalties are honorable.
Oh. I thought it was more sudden when I read the story and thought the same thing. BDN should fix that misconception in their story. It looked like she gave only three days notice.
Maybe the city of Bangor has an opening. I think they do.. we will see. The Mayor is in her group of friends.
His company’s going to be busy since “Bangor seeks to market its brand” in the near future. Maybe they’ll hire her.
There are all kinds of reasons why she could be leaving the job.I think that a lot of these govs. high paid,do nothing positions can read the handwriting on the wall.Hopefully there will be a big change in novembers election.If upper management can absorb the duties why hire anyone else for that position.
“Hopefully there will be a big change in novembers election.”
Are you hoping we can go back to being cheated by hacks like the Violettes and McCormicks of the Dem party?
Cant be any worse then the crooks and cheats that are in there now.They have the best partime job in the state and get full time bennies and perks that are all funded by our taxes.
Sleazer of the House Nutting got away with stealing over one million and the R’s rewarded him with the Speakership.
Tell me about hacks old one.
“…As deputy commissioner,Neuman oversees the governor’s team of “account executives,” who serve as a single point of contact for Maine businesses that have regulatory questions and issues,and to aid businesses in accessing available resources. …”
I know someone with a Masters degree in economics who applied and interviewed for one of those jobs.
During the interview, Deb Neuman was all gushy about a retired doctor from Dixmont who was making specialty cheeses as a one man operation. Economic development? Pfft. She’s in over her head and useless.
Hey Deb!!! I was thinking about opening up a lemonade Stand, any advice?
Make sure you add sugar to the lemonade or you will quickly go out of business.
Deb Neuman is one of the bright spots in this administration. Besides her full-time job at DECD, she promotes businesses and Maine through her weekly talk show, weekly newspaper columns, talk-show interviews, and via social media. Her connections are nationwide, and when people read or hear what she writes, it’s not just in Maine. Also, she’s beginning another small business, volunteering with numerous organizations in the Bangor area, and maintaining a workout regiment as a runner. She’s always “on.” Plus the daily commute to Augusta. Yeah, Deb is a huge asset for the state of Maine. Knowing her, Maine and Maine businesses still will be promoted by her regardless of her next 40-hour-a-week job. It’s her passion. She deserves a promotion. Any company that hires her will be all the better for it.
Deb Neuman is top-notch. Their loss, for sure.
The phone books are getting mighty thin in my community. I compared one from 2007 to the one this year recently, less both white and yellow pages.
Can’t, Won’t speculate. Deb will be missed. Maine Business Works because of your efforts. Thanks! We will still see you on the radio.