Chris Patterson
Thurmont resident John Ashbury has filed a request with the chairman of the
Thurmont Ethics Commission to conduct an investigation into the overdue utility
bills of town Commissioner Wayne Hooper.
Town attorney N. Lynn Board of Board and Borden of Frederick investigated
the handling of the overdue bills, which Hooper paid off in June.
Board's investigation said Hooper did not use any influence as a
commissioner to keep his electricity from being disconnected. Other residents
who owed money to the town did have their utilities disconnected during the
same time.
Ashbury said he asked for the investigation because the town's attorney has
a conflict of interest; her position could be at risk if she did not return
results the town was looking for.
Mayor Martin Burns said Wednesday he had received a resignation request for
one member of the Ethics Commission and the town would begin advertising soon
for a new member.
