AUGUSTA, Maine — Secretary of State Shenna Bellows issued a decision regarding a challenge to the nomination petitions filed by Kevin Nichols as a non-party candidate for Androscoggin County Sheriff.
The Secretary of State’s Office received the written challenge from Eric G. Samson alleging that Mr. Nichols has no recorded history of holding a supervisory position as required by Maine statute 30-A M.R.S. §371-B (3)(E). A hearing was held on Wednesday, June 3 with Deputy Secretary Julie Flynn of the Bureau of Corporations, Elections and Commissions serving as the Presiding Officer at the Hearing, and Assistant Attorney General Jon Bolton assisting as legal counsel.
The Secretary, upon review of the proceedings and evidence, determined that Samson met his burden to establish that Nichols lacks the required supervisory employment experience.
“Based on the proceedings and the evidence, I agree with the conclusion and recommendation submitted by the hearings officer that Mr. Nichols lacks the supervisory experience required by law to hold this position.”