ROCKLAND – On January 9, during a Knox County Commissioners' meeting, Dedimus Justice Sheriff Patrick Polky swore into office two new county commissioners, Marc Ratner and Morgan Hynd, as well as the newly elected register of probate, Julie Allen.

A Dedimus Justice has only one duty and that is to administer the oath of office to persons elected or appointed to a civil office. The governor appoints a Dedimus Justice for a lifetime term.

The short ceremony was the only agenda item. There will be a regular commissioners' meeting Tuesday, January 14, at 2 p.m., in the commissioners' meeting room.

Former Commissioner Richard Parent, Jr., did not seek re-election after a 16-year stint in office, (four terms). He is now succeeded by Hynd.

Former Commissioner Sharyn Pohlman, of Rockport, did not seek re-election after eight years in office (two terms). She is succeeded by Ratner.

Commissioner Ed Glaser said there is no way to tell what the year will bring.

“We have jobs to do, which is taking care of the county’s business,” he said.

Glaser added that occasionally, something comes along that you didn’t count on.

“That’s really when the character of the people you’ve elected comes in,” he said. “I think we have some wonderful character coming in. It should be business as usual. We want to do what we do only better.”

Hynd, who resides in Warren, takes the seat for District 2, which includes Union, Warren, Appleton, Cushing, Friendship and Washington. Hynd said she ran unopposed and it came as no surprise when she got elected.

“I was on the school board for RSU 40 for five years,” she said, “I was the vice chair for three of those years and chaired committees, so I have a lot of experience working in a big organization and managing large budgets."

Hynd also has experience working with the Legislature in her professional role with the Bingham Program, which is a statewide health philanthropy.  

“It’s about challenging myself, but also looking to learn more about local government and how to better support our communities,” she said.

Hynd closed by saying she was looking forward to her new role.

Camden resident Marc Ratner represents District 3, which includes Camden, Criehaven, Hope, Isle au Haut, Matinicus Isle Plantation, Muscle Ridge Islands, North Haven, Owls Head, Rockport and Vinalhaven.

Ratner said he was excited about serving as a county commissioner.

“After six years on the Camden Select Board, I have prior experience with local government and I’m also a member of Coastal Mountain Search and Rescue,” he said. “I bring a lot of experience with law enforcement and EMS.”

Ratner said that is the direction where he wants to concentrate.

“Particularly that our EMS and fire services are available to anyone who needs them in a highly professional way,” he said.

Periodically, there has been talk of creating a county EMS system and when asked if he would support that, Ratner responded: “There was a statewide commissioners' meeting yesterday that I attended. Penobscot [County] talked about how they have instituted a county-wide system to help combine services and save money, so you’re not duplicating services.”

Ratner said it is hard to find volunteers and each town has its own mindset. If they would like to work together, he would like to help, Ratner said.

Carol Emery, Probate Judge for Knox County, said probate was fortunate to have Allen in office, noting she had served in the office for decades.

“She is a wonderful office manager, as well as knowing a lot of the probate law,” she said. “The county is fortunate to have her.”

New County Administrator Amber Christie, who has only been on the job for one week, was on hand for the ceremony. She lives in Camden and served in the county’s human resources department before being promoted to county administrator.  

Former Knox County Commissioner for District 3 Sharyn Pohlman was on hand for the ceremony.

She said that it had been an honor and a privilege to serve for eight years.

“I will continue to advocate for the county work and the island work, and all the towns and municipalities in the district that I served,” she said.