Previous Offices Held
Currently serving third consecutive four-year term as York County sheriff, first elected in 2014.
Top Three Priorities
It’s challenging for the sheriff’s office to provide police services to our towns that don’t have an organized police department with our current staffing level, which is dictated by the county budget. I’ll continue to work with county commissioners and the budget committee to bolster our patrol ranks, continue to work on strategies to recruit and retain corrections officers, and continue to focus on staff wellness to ensure our staff — our most precious resource — maintain a great work-life balance.
Why are you running?
I am seeking my fourth term because I enjoy the duties and responsibilities of the position. We’ve made great strides: became the first county to become accredited by the Maine Law Enforcement Accreditation Program, scored a perfect 100% on a Department of Corrections inspection, and reorganized the civil division so civil deputies are all sworn deputies and county employees. I’ve also been part of some major county projects like the Regional Training Center and the Regional Recovery Center. I want to see these projects through as a contributing member of the leadership team!
What is the biggest challenge facing your town/county? The biggest opportunity?
Staffing is our biggest challenge. York County is in commuting distance to New Hampshire and Massachusetts, where salaries are higher. Our county has great companies like Pratt & Whitney, General Dynamics and the federal government that are recruiting from the same talent pool, offering competitive salaries and benefits. There’s an opportunity to find innovative ways to provide intrinsic rewards for our employees. We have staff lunches and awards ceremonies and work hard to ensure all staff have a good work-life balance.
If you could change one thing about how the town/county functions, what would it be and why?
The state partially funds the county jails. All custodial facility costs rise with the cost of living, and the state facilities receive annual increases while county facilities don't. The state should increase its share of county jail funds to match the increase given to state facilities. Unfortunately, counties must fight for their fair share every year. Adding to the budgetary pressures on counties, the state issues mandates that counties must follow, often without accompanying funding.
Do you support more development – i.e. more housing construction and business building in your town/county? Why or why not?
During our recruitment efforts, we have spoken with candidates who expressed interest that would need to relocate to York County, and we have had several candidates withdraw from consideration after they researched the cost of living in the area. I would like to see more affordable housing.