RUMFORD – With nearly a dozen years as an elected official under his belt, John Patrick wants to continue to serve the people of Oxford County.

That’s why he has thrown his hat into the ring for the position of Oxford County commissioner, representing District 2.

“I can make the tough decisions,” said the representative for House District 92 who will finish his fourth term at the end of the year.

He said he wants to look into the cost effectiveness of the Oxford County Regional Airport in Oxford, a topic he said has come up repeatedly during his door-to-door campaign. He also wants to research the patrol staffing in the Oxford County Sheriff’s Office.

With 27 towns without their own police departments, and numerous unorganized territories, and more than 2,000 square miles to patrol, he wonders whether the department is sufficiently staffed.

But he said he is also committed to holding the line on county taxes.

“I want to insure that county services are managed efficiently and effectively,” he said.

Related to the sheriff’s office is the Oxford County Regional Communications Center in Paris, Patrick said he wants to make sure all emergency services are treated equally.

Patrick believes his experience on the Labor Committee, Legal and Veterans Affairs Committee and Citizens Trade Policy Commission will be a big benefit in the service of Oxford County.

“I would be able to lobby on behalf of the citizens of Oxford County,” he said.

He favors passage of a referendum question seeking to site a casino in Western Maine.

“I like everything I hear that is being proposed. The benefits will far supersede any problems created,” he said, noting that some language on the ballot question, such as allowing 19-year-olds into the proposed casino and casino board members sitting on other boards that receive funds from the casino, should be changed.

“I want to continue my public service. I’m a positive person, and I always find more good than negative,” he said.