York County has entered a new era of proactive, transparent, and compassionate regional governance. The County Commission has redefined its role by prioritizing the safety, health, and dignity of every resident—proving county government is not only relevant, but essential.
 
The Commission has just opened the region’s First Responders Training Center so local police and fire departments can train with state-of-the-art facilities here in York County. We have also modernized operations: every deputy now wears a body camera, and every patrol cruiser carries a lifesaving defibrillator—critical investments in accountability and public safety.
 
When a regional food pantry faced closure, we stepped in within a month to take over operations, protecting access to food for more than 3,000 vulnerable neighbors. No one in York County should go hungry. We are applying the same urgency to the housing crisis by working with the York County Homeless Response Hub on housing placement, eviction diversion to keep families housed, and a Housing First partnership prioritizing permanent, managed housing for chronically unhoused residents without restrictive preconditions.
 
Later this year, we will open a dedicated Substance Use Recovery Center to support a path toward stability for those struggling with addiction. Our regional dredge and dune replenishment efforts are protecting our coastline from future storm damage and erosion.
 
We are also strengthening accountability through unprecedented transparency—launching a modern county website and publishing comprehensive annual reports so residents can easily access initiatives, data, and contacts.
 
York County is no longer the “lost level of government”—we are leading with urgency, innovation, and heart.

​York County Commissioner Justin Chenette has announced he will seek a second four-year term in the 2026 election for District 3, which includes the communities of Saco, Old Orchard Beach, Hollis, and Buxton.
 
Chenette is the first millennial and first openly LGBTQ+ individual ever elected to the commission and was selected by his fellow commissioners to serve a term as vice chair.
 
“Since taking office, county government has become more relevant, visible, impactful, and accountable to the public,” says Chenette. “County government is no longer the lost level of government it had been. I’m proud of the leadership we’ve been able to provide on issues around food insecurity, coastal erosion, public safety, substance use recovery, and transparency.”
 
Chenette cites efforts to save the York County Food Pantry, operationalize a county-run dredge program, construct the first responders training center, fund body cameras for deputies, outfit patrol cruisers with lifesaving defibrillators, create a new county website, and pass the first-ever pride proclamations as key accomplishments.
 
In the past year, Chenette has been recognized for his public leadership, being awarded Maine County Commissioner of the Month by the Spirit of America Foundation, the Distinguished Alumni Award by the University of Maine at Augusta, and the 40 Under 40 award by Mainebiz. 
 
The Primary Election is set for June 9th and the General Election is set for November 3rd.