AUBURN – Two Democrats vying for a seat on the three-member Androscoggin County Commission will face off in the June 8 primary election.

Normand Laplante of Sabattus is challenging incumbent Elmer F. Berry of Greene.

Commissioner Constance Cote of Auburn is running unopposed for re-election.

Commissioner Patience Johnson’s term is not up this year.

Elmer F. Berry

Education: Candidate did not answer.

Family: Married, four grown children.

Occupation: Owner of American Abatement and Sparta Vending Distributors.

Community service: Chairman of the County Commission; served in state Senate during the 1970s; was appointed by Gov. James Longley to rewrite juvenile justice code; served two four-year terms on the Auburn City Council and two terms on the Auburn School Committee; appointed by Gov. John Baldacci to the Commission on Incarceration and Sentencing.

Quote: “Androscoggin County is a leader in regionalization and I’m trying to bring Androscoggin County into the statewide regionalization movement.”

Berry added that the cost of education is placing a high burden on taxpayers. He said consolidation of school districts with one county superintendent could save tax dollars.

Normand Laplante

Education: Attended the University of Southern Maine, University of Connecticut and American International College.

Family: Married, two grown daughters.

Occupation: Real estate broker.

Community service: Former Sabattus police officer; served on the Sabattus School Committee for seven years; six years in the Maine Legislature, four years as House chairman of the Local and County Government Committee; served on Board of Directors of the Sexual Assault Crisis Center; member of the American Legion, Knights of Columbus, Franco American War Veterans; retired from the U.S. military with four years active duty and 24 years reserve service.

Quote: “I believe there are going to be a lot of changes that are going to change the way counties operate and I want to be on the ground floor with that.”

LaPlante added that he wants to work to bring about regionalization of services.