Maine, the state with the oldest population in the United States, is witnessing a corresponding trend among its local public servants. County commissioners, who oversee budgets and public safety, have an average age of 68, with many serving well into their 80s. This has raised questions about age representation in local government, especially as younger candidates emerge with ambitious visions.
The Age Profile of Maine's County Commissioners
According to data from The Maine Monitor, the median age of Maine's 58 county commissioners is 68. The largest cohort, 23 officials, are in their 70s, while only 16 are under 60. Just four counties have a commissioner under 40. Waldo County has the youngest commission, with Breanna Pinkham Bebb, 39, recently appointed after the death of longtime commissioner Betty Johnson, 86.
Lincoln County Commissioner William Blodgett, 89, is retiring at year's end. His likely successor, Walter Voskian, is 87. Voskian, a Democrat with a background in the CIA, believes his experience outweighs age concerns. "I don't think it's a matter of age, it's more a matter of experience," he said. If elected, he would not be the oldest commissioner; that title belongs to Oxford County's H. Sawin Millett, 88, who will serve until he turns 90.
Challenges for Younger Candidates
The part-time nature of the job, with daytime meetings and low pay (often a few thousand dollars annually), discourages younger adults with full-time jobs. Noel Madore, 35, a former Androscoggin County commissioner now running in Kennebec County, said the structure makes it difficult for people with day jobs to run. "When seat holders are predominantly retired ... young people don't see their peers there," he noted.
However, some younger commissioners are making their mark. Justin Chenette, 35, a York County commissioner, uses social media and has a personal website to engage constituents. He helped establish a county nonprofit to support a food pantry and fund projects like an emergency training center and addiction recovery center. But with federal funds drying up, he acknowledged "growing pains" in expanding county roles.
Marpheen Chann, 34, a Democrat running for a Cumberland County seat, envisions a housing authority and regional rail system. He said young people must "tether ourselves to something beyond the current crises" to create a better future.
Experienced Voices in Office
Older commissioners bring decades of experience. H. Sawin Millett, 88, said he chose county office to stay mentally active and serve locally. He acknowledged that turnover is healthy but emphasized the value of experience. Patsy Crockett, 85, the oldest commissioner in Kennebec County, said she enjoys the work and has no retirement plans. "Every bit of experience helps," she said, adding that health and ability matter more than age.
Walter Voskian echoed this sentiment, encouraging people of all ages to get involved in local government. The debate over age in public service continues, with some calling for term limits and more youthful representation. As Maine ages, its county commissions reflect the state's demographics, but a new generation is beginning to step forward.
