The Secretary of State’s Office has confirmed that Eddie Hastings has qualified for the November 2020 ballot as an independent candidate for Franklin County Sheriff. Hastings began his campaign by testing the waters, hoping to learn what running for office entails.
“What I have learned is people want change,” Hastings said.
Through positive feedback, financial contributions and the endless encouragement of many of his peers, Hastings came to realize that the time is now.
“People want new energy, new ideas, people want an outstanding police officer and they don’t want a politician,” Hastings said.
Hastings was born and raised in Franklin County and is a graduate of the Mt. Blue High School. He and his wife Mary chose to live in Chesterville, where his family has deep roots. They built their home on the Dutch Gap Road and have two children, Lily and Jackson. Hastings has an Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice and is currently enrolled at University of Maine in Augusta pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration.
“I have spent my entire life helping people by working in the public safety field, since being a teenager,” Hastings said.
Hastings has served in many different capacities, including junior firefighter, firefighter, EMT, Deputy Sheriff, Police Officer, Fire Chief, State Fire Investigator, Selectman and Patrol Supervisor. His current position is Sergeant in the Farmington Police Department.
“I have had the pleasure of working with people throughout Franklin County and been very proactive in law enforcement,” Hastings said.
“Most people who know me will agree, that in everything I do, I give it my all. I am unsatisfied with anything less than one’s best effort. I also strive to ensure that everyone is treated equally, regardless of who they are, where they work, how much money they have, or who they know. I have a reputation for doing my job to the best of my ability and holding everyone accountable equally. This includes myself.”
Hastings feels that law enforcement is at a crossroad in Franklin County. Trust in local leadership has never been more important. And he is excited to lead the Sheriff’s Office into the future.
“It’s an awesome responsibility,” he said. “It’s not about having my name on the door.”
“Being Sheriff should be about the citizens we serve in each and every neighborhood and town throughout the county. It should be about providing the citizens of Franklin County with a law enforcement agency they trust, are proud of, and have the desire to be involved with.”
“I want to provide all citizens with a law enforcement agency that is responsive to their needs. I have a genuine desire to improve the quality of life in Franklin County, not just act as an overseer.”
As an advocate of true community policing, Hastings has vowed to engage the Sheriff’s Office in addressing the underlying neighborhood conditions that cultivate crime and drug use. He believes that being open to new ideas, and joining forces with community partners are essential.
“The Sheriff’s Office needs a leader who has the vision, career longevity, organizational skills and track record in the community to do what is right,” Hastings said.
“In these difficult times, we need to unite with our communities and work to break down the social, political, economic barriers or cliques.”
Hastings also commits to bring his budgeting and negotiation skills, acquired through his experience in town government, to his new position as Sheriff.
“With a $4.1 million budget (Sheriff’s Department & Jail) there are likely cost savings and improvements to be made,” he noted. “I have very ambitious goals.”
Hastings encouraged voters to research his background and experience. His campaign maintains a website at www.hastingsforsheriff.com. He also hopes that voters will go beyond the campaign advertising in their search for information.
“I’m asking all of the citizens of Franklin County for their vote and their support in this very important election,” Hastings said.
I have had the pleasure of working with, and for Sergeant Hastings. He is a very determined professional with great intentions in mind. I have had the opportunity to see his knowledge, and professionalism in his day to day work. Sergeant Hastings is well known for putting in countless hours for anyone he can, anytime he can.
I have heard numerous people concerned about various issues within our communities and I strongly encourage you to reach out to him. Franklin County needs a new face, someone who is their “prime” career time; not at the end. Sergeant Hastings is entering this in hopes to see a positive change, socially, economically, and personally.
Lastly, I strongly encourage and challenge you to do your research, ask questions. Don’t go by “What you heard”. If you have a question, or a concern for Sergeant Hastings reach out to him. You never know what information you could obtain by a simple conversation.
Good luck Sergeant!
If you would like a campaign shirt, yard sign, or bumper sticker, please send us a message on Facebook or send an email to Edward.H.Hastings@gmail.com.
Thank you for your support,
Eddie
Thanks Ethan! That means a lot to me, especially coming from someone who has worked along beside me.
Ethan, I think you comment is absolutely uncalled for and very disrespectful of you to write insinuating sheriff Nichols is at the end of his career! I respect you support Eddie but no need to disrespect anyone else. As a citizen and police officer on farmington PD we expect better from you and Eddie’s campaign.
Eddie: Iam behind you.We need someone who knows what thay are doing . The turn over at the jail and deputy sheriff are hi and never should be. I worked with Eddie and his wife at times as a deputy. Go for it !!!!!!!
Good luck Eddie! I have heard something’s that you have planned for our wonderful community and can’t wait to see them hopefully in action! I will hopefully catch up with my brother to get a yard sign and T-shirt to show my support!
Melissa I don’t think i know you, but i expect better of you then to degrade a persons freedom a speech. Shame on you for acting like your gods gift to sensor daily bulldog comments. I truley respect both candidates id do anything for either, but i beleive your, “im offended” comment is no better then the antifa organizations outlook on police all together. Idk Ethan from a hole in the ground, but he has a heart, is a human and has an opinion, agree, or disagree, but figure out how to do life without being offended. And stop trying to sensor law enforcement’s words.
Travis, it seams to me that I am not allowed to voice my opinions but you and Ethan can. How is that fair? I never once disrespected Eddie or Ethan I just said I felt it was not called for basically saying Sheriff Nichols is “at the end of his career”. You may not know Ethan as you stated but I do, I know both Ethan and Eddie and have for a very long time. You have no right to say, i’m sensoring law enforcement words, those are his exact words how else would you take what he said???? His exact words…Franklin County needs a new face, someone who is their “prime” career time; not at the end. I’m not getting into a pissing match with you I’m sorry I didn’t realize you could decide it ok to attack me but I cant say anything about what was printed by someone else.
Perception is the only tool I have seen Nichols use. Time for new blood, with transparency and honesty.
Should he be the new sheriff?
One might question if it’s time for a change.
Maybe we’ll see a change in November.
Everyone should get out and vote.
Perhaps it will be record turnout.
Impossible to know at this point.
Good to see the Daily Bulldog covering important local topics!
Yeah, Eddie……..
She’s right. I’m on your side 100% as always, but Melissa has got you on this one. You need to read that again and pay better attention to what she has to say.
I mean Travis, not Eddie, obviously. Sorry.
I live in one of the towns in Franklin County that does not have a police department, and that is exactly the way we like it. Sheriff Nichols and his deputies have done and continue to do a fantastic job for our county and town. No offense to you personally Sergeant Hastings, but we do not want or need a “town police department” style carrying over to our county sheriff department. If this is something you really want then I’d suggest coming on board the Sheriffs department for at least 10 years and then running. Town/municipal police department attitudes and tactics not wanted or needed. Myself and my entire family will be supporting Sheriff Nichols.
Eddie, Rock on!! You got my vote. When do you have time for your family and to relax?
Concerned Citizen, you are correct.
Melissa, I’m not sure which “Melissa” you are lol. My only point behind that statement was, Eddie is in his 30, and I believe Scott is or is pushing 60. That’s quite a age difference. I have nothing personally against the Sheriff, I just have my reasons why I’d like to see change. Many people agree with me and many people don’t. My post was not at all insulting, however the power of interpretation of text does that at times. Again I have my reasons of voting for Eddie and will try to get as many people as I can to follow suit, again sorry.