"In my longtime position with the school system, I learned a lot about the school system and the county commissioners and the balance that needs to exist between the two," he said. "Our children, I think, are our greatest asset, and all of us want an outstanding educational system."
McKinley said he has lived in Washington County most of his life and felt he was representative of many of the county's citizens.
"I keep up to speed on most of the issues of the day, have a strong feeling for our county, and would like to serve," he said.
In addition to ongoing priorities such as education and bringing good jobs to the county, McKinley said one current issue that caught his attention was the debate over a possible northeast bypass that would connect Interstates 70 and 81. He said he needed to study the issue more before taking a position on it, but thought that with the new hospital opening near Robinwood Drive, "there does seem to be a need for some new avenues of transportation."
This election will be McKinley's first run for public office, but his community involvement over the years included serving on the Washington County Gaming Commission, the United Way of Washington County executive board and the Lions Club.
He has coached baseball, soccer and football at South Hagerstown High School, worked with the Mercersburg (Pa.) Little League, volunteered with Boy Scouts of America and taught Sunday school at Williamsport United Methodist Church.
McKinley attends St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Williamsport. He is married and has three adult children and three grandchildren.
The deadline for candidates to file is in July.
A primary, if needed, would be in September. The general election is in November.
All five county commissioner seats are up for grabs this year.
The commissioners are paid $30,000 a year and the commissioners president is paid $33,000 a year.
Just the facts
Name: Bill McKinley
Date of birth: Aug. 1, 1944
Address: 16701 Mt. Williams Circle, Williamsport
Education: Bachelor of Science degree from Middle Tennessee State University, 1967; master's degree in administration and supervision from Western Maryland College, 1983
Occupation: Retired from a career in education, including eight years as a Washington County Public Schools administrator
Party affiliation: Republican
Political experience: First run for office
