AUGUSTA, Maine - Maine Gov. Paul LePage has reversed course and confirmed that he has appointed Ryan Reardon as the Kennebec County sheriff, ending a months-long battle with county Democrats.
The Kennebec Journal reports that Wednesday's announcement comes nearly five months after Reardon was tapped for the position by the Kennebec County Democratic Committee and nearly one month since LePage initially selected another candidate.
Reardon, who has served as interim sheriff since September, says he looks forward to working with LePage to "stem the tide of opiates in this state.''
The appointment, however, is only temporary because Reardon's predecessor's term runs through 2018. Randall Liberty left the post after he was named warden of the Maine State Prison in Warren by LePage.
Reardon's appointment is just for the balance of this year only.