EMMITSBURG, Md. – The board of commissioners reaffirmed
at their March 6 meeting that voters will be electing a fifth
commissioner for the first time in the town’s charter
history during the upcoming April 25 town election.
At
the Jan. 18 town meeting, the board voted to amend the town
charter to create a seat for a fifth commissioner. The decision
could have been challenged by a referendum petition had
one been filed with the required number of signatures by
Feb. 28. Since no petition was filed, the commissioners’
decision stands.
Voters
will also be electing an individual to fill the board seat
being vacated by Commissioner Arthur Elder, whose term is
ending. Elder recently told The Dispatch that he
had not decided whether to run for reelection.
Both
available seats are for terms expiring in October 2009.
Two candidates have formally filed: former commissioners
Joyce Rosensteel and Clifford Sweeney. Sweeney filed on
Feb. 13 and Rosensteel on Feb. 15.
Rosensteel
previously served as a town commissioner from 2002 to 2005;
and Sweeney served from 2001 to 2004.
Candidates
who file by March 27 will appear on the printed ballot.
To run as a write-in candidate, individuals must file with
the town by noon, April 18. Votes cast for any write-in
candidates who file too late, or do not file, will not be
counted.
Candidates
must file a financial disclosure form upon submitting an
application for candidacy, and an expense report, due sometime
in late March (contact Town Clerk Donna DesPres at 240-629-6300
for deadline information). Following the election, an election
expense report addendum is due by May 1.
The
town is still short two election judges and is asking that
volunteers contact town hall (240-629-6300) by March 20.
Three regular election judges and one alternate are needed.
The town has only received applications for two regular
judges.
Last
day for residents to register to vote with the Frederick
County Board of Elections is April 7. The election poll
on April 25 will be old town hall (now community deputy
office) at 22 East Main Street from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
