The Blue Hill Public Library is preparing to host a significant civic event for Hancock County residents, presenting a candidates’ forum featuring the two individuals vying for the role of Hancock County Sheriff. This public gathering is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 7 p.m., providing a key opportunity for the community to engage directly with the candidates, Corey Bagley and Dakota Dupuis. The forum aims to shed light on their qualifications, priorities, and vision for law enforcement across Hancock County.
During the forum, candidates Bagley and Dupuis will address a range of questions and topics specifically prepared by a distinguished panel of three local reporters and editors. This panel includes John Epstein, who represents The Rising Tide publication; Faith DeAmbrose, a reporter and editor contributing to both The Ellsworth American and the MDIslander; and Andy Webster, from Penobscot Bay Press. The involvement of these local journalists is intended to ensure a focused discussion on issues relevant to the communities within Hancock County.
The entire discussion will be facilitated by Amanda Woog, a prominent member of the Blue Hill Select Board. Her role will be to guide the proceedings, manage the flow of discussion, and ensure that both candidates have an equitable opportunity to present their views to the audience. The presence of a local select board member as facilitator underscores the community-centric nature of this event.
Corey Bagley, one of the candidates for Sheriff, brings a long and extensive background in local law enforcement to the discussion. He currently serves as a detective with the Ellsworth Police Department, a role that involves intricate investigative work within one of Hancock County’s key municipalities. His career in law enforcement within Hancock County spans a considerable period, exceeding three decades. This long tenure provides him with a comprehensive understanding of the county's specific public safety challenges and operational landscapes, gained through years of direct involvement in protecting and serving the local populace.
His fellow candidate, Dakota Dupuis, offers a different but equally relevant depth of experience. Dupuis is presently a lieutenant within the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office, the very department he seeks to lead. His current position places him in a direct leadership role within the county’s central law enforcement agency, providing firsthand insight into its daily operations, command structure, and the diverse responsibilities of the office. This experience is particularly pertinent for a candidate aspiring to the top leadership position within the department.
The forum at the Blue Hill Public Library is explicitly stated as being free and open to all members of the public. This open invitation emphasizes the event's role in fostering informed civic participation, allowing any interested resident to attend without charge and listen to the candidates' perspectives firsthand. The accessibility ensures that a broad cross-section of the community can participate in this important pre-election discussion.
For those who may have specific inquiries about the event, or require further details leading up to Oct. 21, contact information has been provided. Assistant Director Kayleigh Thomas is the designated point of contact at the Blue Hill Public Library. She can be reached via email at [email protected] or directly by telephone at 374-5515. These contact options are available to ensure that all interested parties can access the necessary information to attend or prepare for the forum.