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.

[2] On February 9, 2018, the Portland Press Herald reported that there weren't any conflict of interest issues involving UMaine or Richardson.

[4] Richardson also sponsored the legislation which created the Mid Coast Regional Redevelopment Authority(MRRA) and served on its planning and implementing committees.

[5] In January 2007, he was appointed Commissioner of the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development, a position that he held until November 2009.

Committee assignments On April 26, 2010, just six weeks prior to the Democratic primary, Richardson ended his run for governor.