Special to the Pioneer Times
HOULTON – Discussions were brief and congenial at the Aroostook County board of commissioners organizational meeting held Tuesday, Jan. 8 at the Houlton Superior Court building. Key items on the agenda included electing officers and representatives for Aroostook County and approving the appointment of a chaplain for the Aroostook County Sheriff’s Department.
The election process went smoothly, with commissioners voting unanimously on each item. The board elected commissioner Paul Adams of Houlton as chair of the board of county commissioners and commissioner Norman Fournier of Wallagrass as the chief local elected official for the Workforce Investment Act. The board also elected commissioner Paul Underwood of Presque Isle as the Maine County Commissioners Association representative and risk pool director, with Adams, Fournier, and county administrator Douglas Beaulieu as alternates. Lastly, the board elected Fournier and Underwood to the Northern Maine Development Commission executive committee.
Aroostook County Sheriff James Madore then presented his proposal to appoint Pastor Wayne Robertson, of the Houlton Wesleyan Church, as the Aroostook County Sheriff’s Chaplain.
“Often times in an organization such as ours, in law enforcement or corrections, people need to talk to somebody,” Madore explained.
The board unanimously approved the appointment of Pastor Robertson as the sheriff’s chaplain.
“I think it’s a great idea,” Beaulieu said, “We’re always looking to improve our operation, what we provide in terms of services, and this is definitely an enhancement.”
Robertson described the position as a “great opportunity” and explained that his role as chaplain would be “formed in motion.”
The next County Commissioners meeting will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 23 at 5:30 p.m. in Fort Kent.
