ABBOT – Local resident Charlie Runnels, a veteran law enforcement officer, announced today his write-in candidacy for Piscataquis County commissioner in District 1.

The district encompasses Guilford, Abbot, Monson, Shirley, Blanchard, Parkman, Elliotsville, Greenville, Beaver Cove, Wellington, and several unorganized territories.

Runnels sought the Republican nomination in the June primary election but narrowly lost to Eric Ward of Greenville. Runnels is seeking the seat to be vacated by Woodrouffe “Tony” Bartley of Greenville, who is retiring. There is no Democratic candidate for the position.

“The work of county commissioner, especially here in Piscataquis County, is too important to not let all of the voters in this district decide who will represent them,” Runnels said Thursday. “It is important that those unenrolled in a party or enrolled in a different party have an opportunity to choose from more than one candidate.”

County commissioners need to be wise stewards of the limited financial resources to keep taxes down, but they also need to be unafraid to think outside of the box – to provide better services at lower costs, Runnels said.

Having spent his career in law enforcement for both municipal and county governments in two states, Runnels said he is particularly interested in finding innovative ways to make county law enforcement more cost-effective and better integrated with municipal law enforcement.

“Only in America can any citizen have the right to hold elected office, even if not nominated by a major political party,” the Vietnam veteran said. “I intend to exercise that right to become our next Piscataquis County commissioner.”

Runnels will make his official announcement at 10 a.m. today at the Abbot town hall. The public is invited to attend and air their concerns or discuss issues.