James Rada, Jr.
were sworn into office during the Emmitsburg town meeting on October 5, 2015. Both commissioners were unopposed and were re-elected in the September 29 town election.
The election saw a small turnout of just thirty-eight votes cast. This is less than two percent of the town’s registered voters.
“I know it was a little vote, but at least they came out to vote,” Sweeney said.
O’Donnell said that the low turnout could be looked at two ways. The negative way would be to say that people in Emmitsburg aren’t engaged in town politics. However, he chose to see it as the residents showing faith in the town’s leadership and not wanting a change.
O’Donnell has served on the board for six years, and Sweeney has served for seventeen years. They will each serve another three years.
As part of the election aftermath, Mayor Don Briggs submitted his suggestions for committee assignments and commission offices. Showing that he was content with the current leadership of the board, he recommended no changes and the commissioners unanimously approved.
O’Donnell will serve as board president. Sweeney will serve as board vice president and on the Planning and Zoning Commission. Glenn Blanchard will serve as the board treasurer. Jennifer Mellor will serve on the Parks and Recreation Committee. Joe Ritz will serve on the Citizen’s Advisory Committee.
