07/10/2026
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Crowd Packs Commissioners’ Meeting in Support of Washington County Manager
From the Downeast Digest/Nice and Easy Internet Radio Newsroom:
(Machias) It was standing room only this afternoon (Thursday) as County employees, former co-workers, a former Commissioner, state legislators, family, and friends attended the Washington County Commissioners meeting in support of Washington County Manager, Renee Gray, whom two of the commissioners, David Burns and Billy Howard, last week voted to terminate without cause. Gray, who attended with her attorney, Jeff Davidson, was there in her capacity as manager, continuing to fill her remaining 20 days of contract. Following the regular meeting, Burns opened the meeting for public comment. Davidson stood, handed each commissioner a copy of a complaint, then read aloud the three page document alleging and providing specifics of illegal activity, threats, abuse, harassment, and multiple other grievances committed, particularly by Burns, against Gray, and giving them until July 10th to rescind her termination or face lawsuits. Burns, visibly shaken, then angrily insisted Gray immediately clean out her office and leave, saying the county would pay her for the remainder of her contract. Burns and Howard voted for the action; Commissioner Courtney Hammond, who continues to support Gray, voted against the action. The crowd responded with controlled but clear disdain, with many calling for Burns to resign. When Burns attempted to talk with Gray’s attorney, Davidson told him to go through his own legal counsel.
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l to r: County Commissioners David Burns, Billy Howard, Courtney Hammond
