James Rada, Jr.
Although three people were vying for two seats in the Emmitsburg town government, the incumbents maintained their seats.
One hundred eighteen votes were cast during the town election on September 26, 2017. Mayor Don Briggs, who was running unopposed, received ninety-eight votes. In the race for Commissioner Joseph Ritz, III’s, seat on the board of commissioners, Ritz received eighty-nine votes, and Jennifer Joy received twenty-nine votes.
The winners were sworn in for their new four-year terms during the October 2 town meeting.
Briggs thanked those who had voted and recapped some of the board’s accomplishments during the previous three years. These included the town square project, sidewalk extension and replacement, energy-saving measures, the acquisition of grants, and the construction of the wastewater treatment plant.
Briggs stated that the board was “doing things today that will benefit future generations.” He emphasized that the town needed to continue being aggressive on obtaining grants and that there would need to be enhanced marketing of the town, once all of the capital projects were completed.
“It’s been a pleasure working with this board, and we’re going to do great things together the next three years,” Briggs said.
Ritz thanked everyone who had voted and Joy for running. He said that she cares a lot about the community and has good ideas.
Board President Tim O’Donnell said that the low voter turnout could have indicated that either the residents weren’t engaged in local issues or that they were satisfied with the direction the town was going. He said he believed it was the latter. “Let’s pursue a positive vision of what our town can be,” he added.
(above) Commissioner Joseph Ritz, III, surrounded by his family, is sworn in as an Emmitsburg Commissioner.
Photos by James Rada, Jr.
(above) Mayor Don Briggs, surrounded by his family, is sworn in as Mayor of Emmitsburg.
