Marshall elected chair for Penobscot County Commissioners

By Kasey Turman, Bangor Daily News Staff

Penobscot County Commissioner David Marshall was elected June 17 as the group’s chair, beginning July 1.

Marshall, 75, will replace Andre Cushing, who has been chair since 2024. Cushing resigned as chair during the meeting, saying he will not be able to devote as much time to the position in coming months due to meetings with other organizations he’s part of, including the Maine County Commissioners Association. Cushing will continue to be a commissioner.

Marshall and Cushing are both Republicans.

A previous Maine legislator and longtime lobbyist for the National Rifle Association, Marshall will lead the three-person commission during a time of financial struggle. A years-long budget gap created by surging costs for the Penobscot County Jail bled nearly $7 million from the county’s fund balance that must be replaced. 

Along with fellow commissioners Cushing and Dan Tremble, Marshall has been vocal about the county needing to be fiscally responsible and advocate for funding to build up the county’s reserves.

Marshall, who represents northern Penobscot County was elected by a 2-1 vote, with Tremble voting against. Tremble, a Democrat, said he was prepared to vote for Marshall before a video of the commissioner clashing with protesters in Millinocket was posted on social media.

The video shows Marshall pulling down one demonstrator’s sign while pointing his phone toward protesters holding signs against President Donald Trump. Protesters then gathered around Marshall and talked with him, the video shows, but it’s unclear what was said.

An East Millinocket police officer walks toward Marshall as the video ends.

A police report about the incident has been filed but not completed, according to the East Millinocket Police Department.

“I think if it was just David Marshall, citizen, no big deal. David Marshall, commissioner for that district, I would say that’s a little concerning. But I think that I’m not comfortable with the person that interacted with that group in that manner to be the chair of the commission,” Tremble said.

Marshall, who is running unopposed for reelection to the commission this fall, said he had no comment.

Tremble previously nominated Marshall for chair in January and voted against Cushing holding the position, saying the position should move from person to person.

“I’m sure moving forward we’ll be able to resolve any differences we have,” Cushing said.