By Paul Sylvain

County Commissioners Chris Gardner (R-Edmunds) and Vinton Cassidy (R-Calais) have seen a lot in their combined three decades of service to Washington County. And as Gardner said during this year’s county budget negotiations, a 21-percent budget increase is not the horse he and Cassidy wanted to ride off into the sunset on.

Still, it was the hand they were dealt in their final months as Washington County commissioners. So, on Dec. 12, in what was their final commissioners' meeting following more than a decade in county government each, Commissioners Gardner, Cassidy, and John B. Crowley formally accepted the 2025 spending package from the county’s budget advisory committee.

However, there was still one more order of business remaining before Gardner — the commissioners’ chairman since 2007 — used his gavel to adjourn his final meeting. Both Gardner and Cassidy were presented with commemorative plaques bearing the Maine County Commissioners Association emblem, thanking them for their contributions to the state's — and nation’s — easternmost county.

It was a well-deserved honor for two long-time public servants.

Following his election in November 2004, Gardner served on the board of county commissioners for 19 years beginning on Jan. 1, 2005. He won reelection every four years through 2024. In 2024, he chose not to seek reelection. Gardner’s last official day as a commissioner will be Dec. 31, a day shy of 20 years in office. Retired Maine State Police Trooper David Burns will take over representing District 2 residents on the board of county commissioners the next day, Jan. 1.

According to his biography on the county’s website, Gardner, who resides in Edmunds, was born and raised in Washington County, graduating from Shead High School in 1992. He went on to earn a bachelor of arts degree in business administration from the University of Maine in Machias. After college, he pursued a career in law enforcement, serving for more than a decade with the Washington County Sheriff’s Department.

In 2007, Gardner became executive director of the Eastport Port Authority and, as such, has been credited with growing the post to record levels in net worth and business volume.

In spite of all his accomplishments, Gardner will be best remembered for his quick wit and sharp tongue, which could be pointed and entertaining at the same time. If he had something to say, he could be counted on to let it fly.

Gardner’s district includes Cutler, Dennysville, East Machias, Eastport, Lubec, Machias, Passamaquoddy Pleasant Point Reservation, Pembroke, Perry, Whiting, and the Unorganized Territories of East Central Washington County which include Edmunds and Trescott. 

District 1 County Commissioner Vinton Cassidy has served on the board for 11 years, beginning on Jan. 1, 2013. He was defeated in the state’s primaries earlier this year by former Calais mayor Billy Howard, who will replace Cassidy on the board Jan. 1. 

Like Gardner, Cassidy is a product of the county he served. 

Cassidy was born in Eastport and raised in Calais, where he still resides with his family. He graduated from Calais High School, then went on to study at Northern Maine Vocational Technical Institute, and eventually earned a bachelor of science degree in vocational education from the University of Southern Maine before going on to teach for many years at the Washington County Community College in Calais. 

Before becoming a county commissioner, Cassidy played an active role in the city government in Calais, beginning with his election to the Calais city council in 1971. According to his biography, Cassidy went on to serve the city a total of 16 years, including several terms as its mayor. Finally, he also served in the Maine State Senate for six years. 

Cassidy’s district includes Alexander, Baileyville, Baring Plantation, Beddington, Calais, Charlotte, Cooper, Crawford, Danforth, Deblois, Grand Lake Stream Plantation, Marshfield, Meddybemps, Northfield, Passamaquoddy Indian Township Reservation, Princeton, Robbinston, Talmadge, Topsfield, Vanceboro, Waite, Wesley, Whitneyville, and the Unorganized Territories of North Washington County.

District 3 Commissioner John B. Crowley’s seat was not up for reelection in 2024. He will continue to serve on the board, representing a district that includes Addison, Beals, Cherryfield, Columbia, Columbia Falls, Harrington, Jonesboro, Jonesport, Machiasport, Milbridge, Roque Bluffs, and Steuben.