Now that the June primary vote has happened and we’ve had our July 4 holiday, I thought it would be a good time to reach out and thank everyone for the votes.

What votes?

For “Marc Ratner” (that’s me) for Knox County Commissioner, District Three, on the Democratic primary ballot on June 11.

You might remember me in Camden as a previous select board member for six years.

Now, because of my interest in the position and the specific experience I would bring to the job, I’m running for the county District Three commissioner spot. District Three includes Camden, Rockport, Hope, Owls Head and a number of the local islands, including Vinalhaven and North Haven.

Most people are very aware of their local governing select boards but don’t know much about the Knox County government.

Basically county government oversees the county, all the unincorporated areas and specific areas such as the airport in Owls Head, the Emergency Management Agency, the Sheriff’s Department and the Knox County Communication Center/ Dispatch.

Besides my municipal experience with the Camden Select Board, I was a reserve Deputy with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department for 30-plus years. Although I did many different jobs with the department I spent 20-plus years as a special team’s member doing search and rescue work, where I was also certified as an EMT.

And I’m currently a founding board and active member of our local Coastal Mountain Search a Rescue Team.

Having spent those many years doing public service work I understand how important our public safety departments are -and as our local towns are making decisions about how to move forward with upgrading our EMS systems. I know that the county needs to assist in making sure all our citizens are properly cared for.

Let me explain it this way.    

Maine has the oldest population in these United States. Knox County has the oldest population in Maine.

Think about the day you might need to call 911 for help.

With our aging population, more often than not, that call will be for emergency medical response.

We need to make sure when you make that call you get the help you need, expect and deserve.

I understand that and have years of experience in that world.

That’s why I’m running for Knox County Commissioner, District Three.

Thanks again for the primary votes. I look forward to the general election in November so I can start working on your behalf, although I am already attending the monthly commissioner’s meetings and having conversations with the different stakeholders in our local governments.

I will be prepared on day one.

Marc Ratner lives in Camden