(10/1) Thurmont’s election is coming up fast as two seats for Commissioner are open for election this fall. Compared to other local elections, Thurmont’s election runs a bit differently. The Thurmont election process begins with a nominating convention, which was held on September 24 at 7 p.m.. The room was full of residents from town wishing to nominate candidates for the upcoming election.

A total of five candidates were nominated this year, all vying for two Commissioner seats currently held by Commissioners Bill Buehrer and Wes Hamrick. Bill Buehrer and Wes Hamrick were nominated for re-election this year and newcomers Elliot Jones, Sabrina Massett and Kenneth W. Oland were also nominated. To be eligible for Commissioner, a candidate must be a registered voter in Thurmont, and must have lived in the town for at least one year. Thurmont Commissioners serve four-year terms, meet every Tuesday, and are paid $5,500 per year.

All five nominated candidates were given the chance to speak during the nomination convention. Current Commissioner, Wes Hamrick will be running for his third term as Commissioner. “It has been six years that I have been a Commissioner… It would be my thrill and honor to continue serving this town for another four years. I thank you for the support you have given me thus far. Thurmont is a great town,” stated Hamrick. Commissioner Bill Buehrer is also running for his third term as Commissioner, having served Thurmont for eight years. Buehrer remarked, “I have been honored to serve this town for eight years [and] we do live in the number one municipality of Frederick County. I look forward to serving you [the community] again. I would appreciate you considering a vote on my behalf.”

Newcomer Sabrina Massett said in short, “We have a great town here. I look forward to working with Vickie Grinder and the Main Street Center. People come here for a reason – we have something unique here - our small town identity. I have a 30-year career with human services in Washington County, and it has taught me how to ask questions, and how to listen for the answer, the concerns, solutions and the vision. I look forward to the next five weeks of this campaign. It is an honor to be considered for this.”

Kenny Oland remarked, “I started my public service career at the young age of 21 and like Sabrina Massett I have been in public service almost my entire adult life. I look forward to the entire campaign period over the next few weeks, and I look forward to your support.”

The final newcomer, Elliot Jones, is the youngest candidate vying for the position. “I moved to Thurmont three years ago… and have not questioned my decision to move here once. The town cares about its community, cares about its history and its natural splendor. I bring forth a different perspective of life and I have some new ideas that may take us in a different direction. It’s time to see some new faces in these seats.”

Approved candidates face election on October 29 at the Guardian Hose Activities building. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. the last day to register to vote is October 1, and absentee ballot applications will be available starting on October 4. The Thurmont’s Lions Club will be hosting a candidate’s forum for a date yet to be announced in October.