Democrat

Katherine W. Cassidy

Age: 49

Hometown: Machias

Address: 12 Free St.

Education: BA political science, Wellesley College

Family: Married; two stepsons

Occupation: Law office assistant

Experience: Completed yearlong Leadership Maine program last May; more than 25 years as newspaper reporter, magazine editor and freelance writer, including travel to 43 countries; worked three years (2003-2006) as Washington County reporter for Bangor Daily News; reported on hundreds of meetings about local schools, health care, substance abuse, domestic violence, county commissioners, county budget, clamming and waterfronts, development, recreation, Washington County’s future; strongly support the Washington County Adult Drug Treatment Court.

Reason for running: It troubles me that drugs have taken over the souls of so many of our young people; that a college education has gotten out of reach for so many; that our small schools have been threatened by forces from Augusta. Women in Washington County die at earlier ages than their counterparts across the state. Unemployment and poverty are the highest in the state, incomes the lowest. For these reasons I will be a powerful voice in Augusta for the people of Washington County.”

Republican

David C. Burns

Age: 59

Hometown: Whiting

Address: 159 Dodge Road

Education: Associate of arts in criminal justice

Family: Married for 39 years; five children

Occupation: Retired from Maine State Police; former executive director, Rapid Response Trauma Network; private investigator

Experience: Twenty-four years with state police; seven years program director; 13 years private investigator; one year phone crisis worker; 25 years school board director-trustee; economic development, community health services, child abuse, substance abuse, domestic violence work; small-business operator; land owner-manager; lifelong hunter and fisherman

Reason for running: I am running … to address some of the issues facing our communities and state. Economic development, lower taxes for individuals and businesses and strengthening and supporting families are some of my major goals. Our schools must collaborate, share resources, technology, and programs, yet retain local control and governance. We must prepare our children for the jobs we create and bring to Washington County. We must address head-on the epidemic of substance abuse, domestic violence and child abuse in our communities.