MACHIAS – The two candidates vying for the Republican nomination for House District 32 both said they agree on many issues, but their backgrounds and approaches are another story.

David Burns, 58, a former Maine State Police trooper from Whiting, and Tony Maker, 42, an elementary school principal from Machiasport, will square off in the June 10 primary.

The winner will take on Katherine Cassidy, a Democrat from Machias who is running unopposed. District 32 comprises the towns of Cutler, Eastport, Lubec, Machias, Machiasport, Roque Bluffs and Whiting, along with Trescott Township.

Burns, now a private investigator in Washington County, said his top priority if elected is economic development for one of Maine’s poorest counties.

“We have to have sustainable jobs down here,” he said. “Of course, if people want to leave Washington County, that’s OK, but they should have the option of working here.”

Maker, a longtime educator and the principal at Elm Street School, said: “For me, education is number one. Two-thirds of our state budget is going toward education, so it’s important to talk about who should be in charge of that.”

Burns and Maker did agree on the preservation of local control when it comes to Maine’s schools, something both said is being threatened by Gov. John Baldacci’s school consolidation plans.

Maker acknowledged the need for development in Washington County, particularly for harnessing natural resources such as blueberry fields and coastal fishing water.

Burns also conceded that education is extremely important, but he said it’s not the only issue facing Washington County.

Both are running for state office for the first time.

“It’s been quite an experience,” Maker said. “Right now, in the primary, I’ve just been reaching out to Republicans, but my message is really beyond that. I wanted to run to give back to these communities that have given so much to me.”

Burns said he has seen the good and bad aspects of Washington County in his years as a trooper.

“I feel that I’ve been well prepared to meet most of the issues, both positive and negative, and I think I have a lot to time to devote to the people of Washington County,” he said.

Ian Emery, R-Cutler, has held the House District 32 seat for the last four years, but he did not seek re-election.

To learn more about the House District 32 Republican candidates, visit their Web sites at www.tonymaker.com and www.dcburns.org.

erussell@bangordailynews.net

664-0524