BELFAST - If it were a boxing match, this year’s race for Waldo County Commissioner, District 1, would be worthy of a nickname like The Thrilla in Manilla.

For starters, Betty Johnson (D-Lincolnville) and Donald Berry (R-Belmont) have faced off more times than Ali and Frazier ever did. Johnson unsuccessfully challenged Berry for his seat in the state legislature twice (in 1998 and 2000). Ten years later, she got payback or sorts when she thwarted Berry’s bid for a second term as county commissioner. Johnson won by two votes. There was a recount and everything, and now Berry is trying to win back his seat. 

And yet, maybe you are still not excited.

In Maine, county government has always occupied a quiet corner of the political arena. Its functions account for a mere 10-percent of local property tax bills — as compared with roughly 30 and 60-percent for municipal and state government, respectively. But as Johnson and Berry explain, they are important ones. 

The Penobscot Bay Pilot teamed up with Belfast Community TV to produce the video here. Watch and find out more about the job of county commissioner and why Johnson and Berry want it, despite promise of little pay or notoriety — and in their fourth meeting, the risk of being compared to professional boxers. 

For all that, there must be something to it.

Ethan Andrews can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com