Jayna Smith

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William “Billy” W. Howard III and Vinton E. Cassidy, both of Calais, are running in the Republican primary on June 11, 2024, for Washington County Commissioner District 1.  David Burns, of Whiting, is running unopposed in the Republican primary for Washington County Commissioner District 2.

Washington County is split into three commissioner districts, with each elected commissioner serving a four-year term.  District One is made up of Alexander, Baileyville, Baring, Beddington, Calais, Charlotte, Cooper, Crawford, Danforth, Deblois, Grand Lake Stream, Marshfield, Meddybemps, Northfield, Passamaquoddy Indian Township, Princeton, Robbinston, Talmadge, Topsfield, Vanceboro, Waite, Wesley, Whitneyville, and Unorganized Territory of North Washington County.  

District Two is made up of Cutler, Dennysville, East Machias, Eastport, Lubec, Machias, Passamaquoddy Pleasant Point, Pembroke, Perry, Whiting, and Unorganized Territory of East Central Washington County

The towns of Addison, Beals, Cherryfield, Columbia, Columbia Falls, Harrington, Jonesboro, Jonesport, Machiasport, Milbridge, Roque Bluffs, and Steuben make up District Three.

This year, the term of office of the commissioner from District One and from District Two expires, while that from District Three expires in 2026.

Vint Cassidy is seeking reelection as County Commissioner.  Discussing his priorities if reelected, Cassidy emphasized the completion of the new public safety building, which will house the sheriff’s office. “We did get some of that grant money for $5.5 million and so that’s underway,” he said.

Cassidy also expressed strong support for Rene Davis Gray, who was appointed as county manager less than a year ago, indicating his hopes for her success in the role.  He added, “I worked serving the public for years, and I really hate to quit…I have a lot of years of experience doing it.”

Addressing pressing needs for infrastructure or capital projects in the county, Cassidy acknowledged the challenges.  “Right now, of course like every form of government, there's always too much to do and not enough money.  We work real close with the budget committee, and once the budget is submitted, we all discuss it at the end.”

When questioned about the county’s tax rates, Cassidy commented, “It’s like every tax…we try to keep it as low as we can, that’s why we have a budget committee…taxes are always too high, but we make every effort we can to keep them down.  Of course, the taxes are adjusted by the state evaluation.  The state evaluates each community…The problem is some of the smaller communities pay a high rate because they have so much waterfront, like Milbridge, Lubec, and Eastport, because the state values the frontage really high.”

If re-elected, Cassidy will continue a long career in public service.  He has a 32-year background in teaching at the community college level, served 16 years on the Calais City Council–including terms as chair and mayor, and spent six years in state government.

“I think I’ve got a background to understand budgets and what goes on…and try to be positive for the people and always try to represent Washington County no matter where I was first and the people I was serving,” he said.

Billy Howard, running for county commissioner, emphasizes collaboration over specific priorities.  "I have no set priorities. I’m only one vote.  I just want to be part of the program," he states, indicating a focus on teamwork and collective decision-making.

Howard identifies the labor shortage as the county's most urgent issue.  "It's not just the sheriffs; it's the ambulance people, it's everywhere across the county, it's the doctors, teachers, everything.  There's a major labor shortage in the county," he explains.

On infrastructure development, public safety, and education, Howard remains adaptable.  "I guess take it as we go.  I’m only one vote.  I don’t know what they’ve got pending at the moment," he admits, expressing his intention to assess and respond to issues as they arise.

When asked about county taxes, Howard acknowledges that they are perceived as high but feels limited in his ability to enact change.  "There’s nothing I can do to promote any changes to taxes, just try to keep control, I guess.  I think the towns and the county need to work a little closer together," he notes, suggesting improved collaboration as a potential solution.

Howard brings a wealth of experience to his candidacy.  "I was on the school board, the planning board, the council, the mayor.  I sat on the Washington County Council of Government, the budget committee for years…I just want to try something new," he says, highlighting his extensive background in public service.

David Burns, running unopposed in the Republican primary for Washington County Commissioner Board District 2, boasts a wealth of experience spanning town, county, and state governance.  A retired Maine State Trooper and former legislator, Burns has dedicated eight years to serving in both the House and Senate.  Since the 1990s, he has contributed his expertise to town and county budget committees, as well as the local planning board.

Reflecting on his diverse background, Burns emphasized, “My overall life experience, including public and private school boards, running non-profit programs, and raising our family in Washington County has given me a broad perspective of our county and our way of life here in Downeast Maine.”

Looking ahead to his role as County Commissioner, Burns outlined his priorities, focusing on overseeing approved capital projects and expressing concern over the diminishing State Police services in the county.

Addressing key issues such as infrastructure development, public safety, and education,  Burns noted a concern with the challenges faced by volunteer fire services and the inadequate EMT/ambulance coverage in many parts of Washington County.

He advocates for community engagement, stating, “I believe that one of the best ways to address these issues is to hear from leaders of each community within Washington County, their concerns and ideas for solutions to issues.  From there, the County Commissioners can assess how best the county can assist and support.”

When questioned about county taxes, Burns acknowledged the prevailing sentiment of high taxes and expressed a need for justification before forming judgments.  He remains open to potential changes to existing taxes, contingent upon a thorough examination of their necessity and efficacy.