Emmitsburg Gets New Commissioner

James Rada, Jr. Going into the 2016 Town of Emmitsburg election, it was known that there would be at least one new member of the town commission in October. Commissioner Jennifer Mellor chose not to run for re-election. Her seat and Commissioner Blanchard’s seat were open for the September 27 election. Blanchard, Liz Buckman, and Jennifer Joy were the candidates for the two seats. Incumbant, Glenn Blanchard, was top vote-getter with 127 votes. Buckman got 116 votes and Joy garnered 94 votes. “Thank you for having faith in me and voting for me,” Buckman said. Mayor Don Briggs swore in the new commissioners at the beginning of the October 3 town meeting. As part of the election of new commissioners, the mayor also makes recommendations for the reorganization of the board officers and the commissioner duties. They are: Tim O’Donnell—President of the Board; Cliff Sweeney—Vice President and Planning & Zoning Commission Liaison; Glenn Blanchard—Treasurer; Joe Ritz, III—Parks & Recreation Committee Liaison; Liz Buckman—Citizens Advisory Committee Liaison. The commissioners also formally approved the hiring of Cathy Willets as the new town manager. She was the town clerk and had been serving as the interim town manager since Dave Haller retired at the beginning of July. She was chosen from among the seventeen people who applied for the position. Briggs told the commissioners that Willets was “the only candidate with all of the knowledge, skills, and abilities for the position.” Willets expressed that she is very happy with her new position and enjoys the challenges that it brings.