CALAIS – Winola Burke, who is finishing her first four-year term as a Washington County commissioner, is stepping down from that position to challenge incumbent Anne Perry, D-Calais, for her District 31 House seat in the Legislature.

Burke, 54, originally from Pembroke, always has lived in Washington County. She is involved with the executive boards of the Sunrise County Economic Council and the Downeast Research, Conservation and Development Council, among other.

As commissioner of District 1, she has taken an interest in the various anti-drug efforts that have targeted the local problem.

“I realize I can’t make a lot of changes, if I’m elected,” Burke said. “But I can work hard and vote the way I think it should be done.”

Burke had never held elected office until four years ago. She won the commissioner seat that her husband, Byron Burke, had held the previous five years.

Down East businessman Kevin Shorey, a two-term state senator, is eyeing Burke’s seat in a run for Washington County commissioner. He announced his intentions on Friday.