Lynn Gilley Orne Lynn Gilley Orne

Lynn Gilley Orne of Southport has announced she is seeking the Republican nomination for the District 1 seat on the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners. She is seeking the seat currently held by Ken Honey of Boothbay, who announced last week he will not seek re-election due to health concerns. The District 1 seat represents the towns of Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor, Edgecomb, Southport, Westport Island and Wiscasset.

Orne, who currently serves the town of Southport as a selectman (for the past seven years), said the following about running for county commissioner, "For the past two-plus years I have been attending the County Commissioners meetings. I believe as a town official (selectman), I should have a better understanding of how our municipal money is spent on a county/state level. These past few years, by attending these meetings and getting involved on a county level, I have come to understand the workings of county government.

"I am thoroughly enjoying this learning process, and feel I can offer a lot to Lincoln County.

"I have come to know the department's managers, commissioners and employees of the county and would be honored to work with them. Over the past three years, I have worked closely with many of the fire departments throughout the county, assisting them with safety requirements, and look forward to assisting them with their growth in the future. Lincoln County is a very diverse county and is experiencing tremendous growth. I am eager to be a part of moving Lincoln County forward with many of the issues and changes that are present and forth-coming. I am enthusiastic, optimistic and believe I can be a dynamic addition to the Board of Commissioners.

"Politically, my approach is this; I am probably the least political person you will meet. I refuse to run a `campaign' based on financial funding received from any outside sources, be it personal, professional or private interest groups. I believe my decisions as a commissioner should be based on what is best for the citizens of the county, and should not be influenced by any person(s), organizations or businesses, that assisted in my campaign.

"I am an `average-blue collar worker,' interested in community service, and interested in making a difference, making Lincoln County a better place to live.

"I hope you will consider me for your Representative for County Commissioner for District 1."

Orne is a Maine native who moved to East Boothbay at the age of six. She has been a resident of Southport for 16 years.

She graduated from Boothbay Region High School, Class of 1977, and holds an associate's degree in medical science. She is a nationally certified medical assistant, Licensed Massage Therapist, and a Reike practitioner. Other training includes state and federal Emergency Management Training, NIMS training and OSHA training.

Orne has worked in health care in several capacities since 1985: At St. Andrews Hospital and for Dr. Clevenson; Employed by George M. Jones, M.D. for 12 years as his office nurse and practice manager; Managed all aspects of a medical practice, finances, stats, payroll, employee supervision, accounts payable/receivable; Performed clin-ical duties, assisted with procedures, patient education and triage; Inventory control, infection and quality control; Insurance coding and reimbursement: Implemented a Rural Health Care Status for federal and state funding for a rural health clinic.

Currently, Orne owns and manages two businesses -- a massage therapy practice (for the past 13 years) and Fire Service Compliancy Associates. She developed a manual for compliance purposes for fire departments and other municipal departments, as well as privately owned businesses/organizations, to assist them with their safety and OSHA compliancy requirements.

"I offer consulting, and coordinating services in this field as well. These services are offered in Lincoln County as well as numerous counties in Maine.

She is also employed with the Emergency Management agencies in Knox, Lincoln and Sagadahoc counties as a Special Needs Planning Coordinator to implement a Special Needs program. This program aids emergency personnel and municipal officials to identify and assist people with special needs in the event of an emergency/disaster. This program is funded through a Homeland Security grant, and will continue in Lincoln County in 2008.

Orne is also involved with the following groups and organizations:

• Lincoln County Budget Advisory Committee - Member

• President of the Boothbay Region Alumni Association

• Committee Member: Youth Promise/Healthy Maine Partners

• Committee Member: Midcoast Maine Long Term Disaster Recovery

• Committee Member: Local Partnership; Pandemic Influenza • Volunteer with Lincoln County Humane Society, American Red Cross, and Community Outreach Organization.