Tue, 06/04/2024 - 16:15

Gordon Page and Knox County Sheriff Patrick W. Polky listen together after Page’s appointment as Knox County Interim Administrator in February 2024. (Photo by Chris Wolf)

The Maine Secretary of State's Bureau of Corporations and Elections has certified the appropriate number of signatures on a petition submitted by Gordon Page of Owls Head in his run for the Knox County Commission District 3 seat.

His name will be placed on the November ballot as an unenrolled independent candidate.

District 3 includes the municipalities of Camden, Hope, Isle au Haut, Matinicus Isle Plantation, North Haven, Owls Head, Rockport, Vinalhaven and the Unorganized Territories of Criehaven and Mussel Ridge Islands.

Page has been both a Democrat and a Republican through the years, but became unenrolled following his unsuccessful run for the Maine State Senate in 2020.

"As someone with broadly moderate views and a pragmatic approach to collaboration, I decided to become independent of either party, which reflects more accurately who I am", he said, in a news release.

Current District 3 Commissioner, Sharyn Pohlman of Rockport, announced earlier this year that she would not run for a third four-year term.

Marc Ratner, of Camden, announced earlier this year that he would be running for County Commissioner to likewise represent District 3. He is on the Democrat ticket.

Page has been serving since mid-February as the Interim County Administrator, following the departure of Andrew Hart, who resigned in January after 16 years. His temporary assignment is scheduled to end June 6 following the recent appointment of Lance Govang as the new full-time administrator. Page did not apply for the full time position, he noted.

Page said in his announcement that: “his practical, hands-on experience working as the senior appointed employee of Knox County for almost five months has been an education that has provided him with a unique understanding that most people don't possess of how County government works.”

He also serves as a volunteer member of the Knox County Charter Review subcommittee.

Since retiring from what he refers to as full-time, gainful career employment in 2020, Page was recruited and served as the interim president and CEO of the Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce on two separate occasions; the first time for five months and the second time for four months.

A former chair and board member of the chamber, he was recognized by that organization as the Community Person of the Year in 2019.

Immediately prior to his retirement, Page was te executive director of Rockland Main Street, Inc., the City's downtown revitalization program, focusing on community and economic development. During his professional career he has held executive level positions in the broadcast, hospitality and tourism, and transportation industries. Before that, he spent 18 years in the frozen seafood manufacturing industry.

In addition to his work as interim county administrator, his municipal experience includes five years on the Owls Head Select Board, and two years as chair. He served many years ago on that town's Planning Board and is a current member of the Owls Head Zoning Board of Appeals. When he was a resident of South Thomaston in the 1980's, he served on that town's fire department as a lieutenant and training officer.

He has been a resident of Knox County since 1982, where all three of his adult children grew up. He and his wife Janet have lived in Owls Head since 1991.