Windham Democrat Malory Shaughnessy of Park Road will run for Cumberland County Commissioner representing District 3 (Windham, Raymond, Casco, Naples and Sebago)
She seeks to replace Republican Alfred Austin of Harpswell who was nominated to the seat after former County Commissioner Gary Plummer of Windham left mid-term to join the state Legislature.
Malory is currently involved in county government as a volunteer in the creation of Cumberland County’s new ten-year strategic plan.
If elected, she hopes to further relations between town and county governments. Regionalizing resources could alleviate the budget pressures that both local municipalities and the county deal with, she says.
“I really think that we need to look at services on a regional and cooperative basis,” Shaughnessy said. “Ultimately, the bottom line is that towns could save some money by doing this.”
Many people don’t know what county government does, Shaughnessy says, or the number of services Cumberland County provides such as district courts, emergency management and health and human services programs.
A community outreach coordinator for Medical Care Development Inc., Shaughnessy began her political career doing legislative research for former U.S. Congressman Tom Andrews in the early 1990s. Her husband Michael Shaughnessy is a Windham town councilor.
Incumbent commissioner Austin welcomes Shaughnessy to the race.
“Competition’s good for everybody,” Austin says. “I think it brings out the best in people.”
After being appointed to the commission, Austin was surprised to find out how efficient county government is. He describes his time as commissioner so far as “an amazing experience” and looks forward to the future.
“I am excited about the new strategic plan,” Austin said. “From our last strategic plan, over 70 percent of the recommendations have been implemented. That bodes well for our county.”
Shaughnessy and Austin will head unopposed into the June primary and will compete for the District 3 commissioner seat in the general election this November.
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