BRUNSWICK

Byron Watson, the Republican candidate for the Maine House in District 51, has dropped out of the race in order to run for the Brunswick School Board.

“My passion is at the school board level and at the local level,” said Watson.

Watson entered the District 51 race in July when Republican placeholder candidate Jeffrey Slocum dropped out. Watson filed his papers on June 25, the deadline for replacement candidates to get on the ballot in November. With Watson now out of the race, Maine Republicans have no recourse to place a candidate on the ballot in District 51, which covers Harpswell, West Bath and part of Brunswick.

Brunswick is divided among three Maine House districts, and last month Republicans were similarly unable to find a Republican to run in District 50. This means that of the three districts that represent parts of Brunswick in the Maine House, only one Republican candidate will be on the ballot — Mike Stevens in District 49.

Watson’s departure from the race leaves incumbent Democrat Rep. Joyce “Jay” McCreight unopposed on the November ballot.

“I look forward to a second term serving House District 51 in the Maine House of Representatives,” said McCreight about Wat- son’s withdrawal from the race. “I will continue to work diligently to represent the residents of Harpswell, West Bath and East Brunswick and consider it a tremendous honor to be elected to serve. Mr. Watson called me to tell me of his decision to drop out of the race and I thanked him for the courtesy. I wish him well in his endeavors.”

Watson will now focus his attentions on being elected to the Brunswick School Board in District 1, a position he held for a three-year term after being elected in 2007. Watson briefly served as chairman, but following a controversial email to then- House Speaker Hannah Pingree, Watson was removed from the position by his colleagues. Watson lost his reelection bid in 2010 to Rich Ellis, who also defeated him on the ballot in 2013.

Undeterred, Watson is once again seeking to serve on the school board, calling it his passion. Ellis has not taken out papers to run for re-election, and has used his Facebook page to encourage others in District 1 to run for the office instead. So far, Watson remains unopposed, although individuals have until Sept. 9 to file nomination papers to run.

Watson, who describes himself as a libertarian Republican, noted that he has good relationships with many in the legislative delegation for Brunswick and the school board, and hopes to work with them to achieve a number of policy goals.

“I want to lead a joint community task force to look into offering a ‘Dual Enrollment Program’ similar to what Union County, Florida, has in place, where our graduating seniors would have an opportunity to leave Brunswick High School with an associate’s degree,” said Watson in a press release.

Beyond the task force, Watson said he wants to be fiscally responsible in carrying out the board’s agenda.

“During my prior service on the school board, we were able to save $10 million building the Harriet Beecher Stowe school, and I want to be able to help move forward with building the new school, and to have our feet financially sound for the taxpayers of Brunswick. So I think this is a perfect time for me to jump back on board,” said Watson.

Down to one

• BRUNSWICK IS DIVIDED among three Maine House districts, and last month Republicans were similarly unable to find a Republican to run in District 50. This means that of the three districts that represent parts of Brunswick in the Maine House, only one Republican candidate will be on the ballot — Mike Stevens in District 49.