Chafee Appoints Retired Judge as Counselor and Legislative Director

Chafee Appoints Retired Judge as Counselor and Legislative Director

As one of his last acts as Governor-elect yesterday, Lincoln Chafee appointed a senior campaign advisor and retired District Court Judge Stephen P. Erickson as his Legislative Director and Counselor.

Chafee’s office said Erickson would advise him on a “wide range of policy issues,” in addition to being the chief liaison to the General Assembly.

“I am delighted to add to my senior staff someone with 34 years of diverse experience in all three branches of government,” Chafee said. “Judge Erickson was a key advisor on my campaign, and I look forward to working with him on the many important decisions that await us.”

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Erickson’s position brings a $4,000-a-month salary. Also, as a retired judge, he receives an annual pension of $120,000. Chafee said that hiring Erickson as a consultant would save the state money in terms of employer taxes and employee benefits.

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