(10/8) On October 1, Emmitsburg residents cast their votes and elected two new members to the town’s Board of Commissioners. Frank Davis and TJ Burns were sworn in to their new roles in front of a room full of residents during the October 7 town meeting.

Results of the election showed that Davis won the majority of the votes, with 278 votes cast in his favor. Burns received 170 votes, while Buckman received 140 votes and Blanchard received 117 votes. A total of 371 ballots were cast during this fall’s election.

Both Glenn Blanchard and Elizabeth Buckman were thanked for their time spent on the Board of Commissioners, serving the residents of town faithfully. Blanchard served as Commissioner for close to twelve years, serving various roles on the Board including Vice President, Treasurer and Planning Commission Liaison during his years of service. Buckman served as Commissioner and Citizen’s Advisory Committee Liaison for the past three years.

In her final remarks during the meeting, Buckman stated, "Today I woke feeling a great sense of relief…because we have gained two very innovative Commissioners with fresh perspectives and the energy for needed change as well as their own social networks to continue to strengthen our community. I thank you for stepping up to this role." Upon reflection Buckman shared some insights that she has garnered throughout her time spent serving as Commissioner. "Being a Commissioner is challenging, but listening is paramount to representing your constituents. The outcome of this election is evidence that the people of Emmitsburg are calling for a radical change. They are looking for you to champion them," remarked Buckman.

After Burns and Davis were sworn into office, Mayor Don Briggs offered his recommendations for reorganization of the Board. Briggs recommended Cliff Sweeney remain as President, Tim O’Donnell serve a dual role as Vice President and Treasurer, while Joe Ritz would switch to the Planning Commission Liaison. Newcomers Davis and Burns would serve as Liaisons to the Parks and Recreation Commission and Citizens Advisory Commission respectively.

Commissioner Ritz initially showed concern with the recommendations, noting that he could not recall a time when one Council member served as both the Vice President and Treasurer. As argued, the town’s Charter stated that the roles of President, Vice President and Treasurer are three separate positions. However, according to Town Manager Cathy Willets, the town’s code states differently. O’Donnell stated that the Vice President does not hold much power other than standing in for the President in his absence. He remarked that he would be more than willing to step down from one of the roles if the Board found it unfavorable. Willets ended by stating that she would not see any problems with one member serving a dual title.

Ritz also mentioned that Davis may be a better candidate for the position of Planning Commission Liaison, since he has served on that commission before. However, Ritz expressed that he would be more than willing to learn more about a new committee.

After further discussion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the Mayor’s original recommendation, with Sweeney as President, O’Donnell as Vice President/Treasurer, Ritz as Planning Commission Liaison, Davis as Parks and Recreation Liaison and Burns as Citizens Advisory Liaison.