Erkkinen seeks another term as county commissioner 

To the Editor;

I am running to be re-elected to Piscataquis County Commissioner, District 3, which includes Barnard, Ebeemee, Elliotsville, Frenchtown, Greenville-Harfords Point, Katahdin Iron Works, Kineo, Lakeview Plantation, Lily Bay, Milo, Moosehead Jct., Shawtown, Spencer Bay, Williamsburg and all unorganized territories north to Aroostook County.

I grew up on Moosehead Lake in my younger years, learned the value of nature, wildlife and how to protect the environment. Those were good years getting around by boats …. as Labor Day came it was time to go back to school and oh how I still hate Labor Day! 

During my teens the new ski area opened. We really enjoyed the activities provided at the mountain. 

Piscataquis County really means a lot to me. I like the culture and the people. Since being your commissioner these last few years, I have been the Piscataquis representative to the Maine County Commissioners Association and we started the motion to cut back the spending and higher fees to member counties. I moved the motion to remove the position of executive director who was being paid $82,000 a year and replaced it with a part-time position to watch the Legislature. 

I am on the board of directors of the Eastern Maine Development Corporation. Our county needs more opportunities and the EMDC is leading the way in Maine. They are working with our own Piscataquis County Economic Development Council.

I am also the county rep. to the “Bring Back The Mountain” steering committee for the ski area. The county is an intervener in the state’s lawsuit against the owners …. it may be settled soon. 

I also recently served on the “Maine Courts Stakeholder Advisory Group”, representing the counties association in order to get the courts opened up. 

We will be having a “ribbon cutting” to welcome the Canadian & Pacific Railway back to Maine, the railroad will help our economy along with the lumber industry which is growing. Lumber mills have updated and improved efficiency so as to produce very little waste. 

We recently endorsed a new plan to open the steam plant. It will produce clean energy emitting very little or no carbon into the air. 

Things are happening that will bring more employment to the county. 

I will thank you for your vote on July 14. 

Always a pleasure to serve you. 

Wayne E. Erkkinen 

Harfords Point