AUGUSTA – In light of the blatant refusal from Kennebec County Democratic Party Committee members to provide more than one candidate for Sheriff, Governor Paul R. LePage has selected another candidate for the post.
On Thursday, February 18, 2016 Governor LePage announced Major Kenneth Mason to serve as the new Sheriff.
Earlier this month, the Democratic Committee decided to withhold other names from the nomination process. The Committee submitted interim Sheriff Ryan Reardon’s name in October 2015.
Last month, Attorney General Janel Mills wrote a letter to Kennebec County Democratic Committee Chair Rita Moran requesting the committee’s intentions regarding the pending nomination process. Mills wrote, “While the intent of the statute is not entirely clear, the use of the words “choose” and “recommendations” seem to imply that if the Committee submits recommendations, the names of more than on qualified individual should be submitted.”
“Repeatedly, I have asked for at least two names as required by the law, but Democrats continue to play silly games and I have had enough,” said Governor Paul LePage. “I am selecting Major Kenneth Mason for this appointment. He has more than 30 years of experience in law enforcement and I have the utmost confidence he will continue to be an exemplary public servant.”
Born and raised in the Augusta area, Major Mason currently serves as the Chief Deputy for the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office where he was appointed in 2005.
Prior to joining the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Major Mason served as a patrol officer with the Augusta Police Department beginning in 1987. While employed with Augusta Police Department, he was a field training officer instructing and training new hires on patrol functions. Major Mason became a certified D.A.R.E. instructor after completing a two week training course at Colby College in Waterville, and taught D.A.R.E. in all of the elementary schools in Augusta. In 2003, he became a certified Motor Cycle Police Officer and conducted patrol duties on two wheels.
Major Mason is also a United States Marine having served 5 years active duty after he graduated Hall-Dale High School.
