Richardson eyes bid to regain sheriff’s job

A former Penobscot County sheriff appears likely to launch another campaign against the man who succeeded him in office six years ago.

Timothy B. Richardson, who lost the 1984 primary election to a former deputy who has since returned to the department, said Tuesday that he had collected more than enough signatures for nomination.

But he said he hadn’t decided finally whether he would seek re-election against the Republican incumbent, Edward J. Reynolds. He said he started circulating nomination papers after hearing from people who urged him to seek his old job.

“In all probability, I think I’m going to run,” said Richardson, who has attended recent meetings of the Penobscot County Commissioners to bone up on current events.

Richardson, a Democrat, served as a deputy and chief deputy under Sheriff Otis LaBree, then won election to the office in 1980. Before he lost to Reynolds, he served two controversial terms that included allegations of unfair labor practices and a skirmish over his firing of three deputies accused of smoking marijuana. He lost both battles.

“I’ve grown a lot in six years,” said Richardson. “I was becoming very arrogant. Defeat is a humbling experience.”

In 1986 — the year sheriff’s terms were extended from two years to four — he sought unsuccessfully to regain the office.

His mistake during his two terms in office, he said, was patterning himself after LaBree instead of developing his own style.

“I guess that I’ve come into my own. I have my own style,” he said. Before, “Tim Richardson wasn’t smart enough. Tim Richardson hadn’t grown up.”

Since leaving office, Richardson has operated a restaurant in Hermon and a service station and towing business in Bangor. He said he had learned much from working in the private sector and had curbed the suspicion that he said many long-term law-enforcement officers typically feel toward civilians.

“(It’s been) good for me to see that not all people are bad out there,” he said.

Monday is the deadline for filing nomination papers with the Secretary of State in Augusta. Reynolds, a Republican, is the only candidate to have turned his in so far. He is finishing his second term as sheriff.