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No Changes Following Emmitsburg Election

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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.

Ritz Wins Emmitsburg Commissioner Seat

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James Rada, Jr.

emmt election 2A new face was added to the Emmitsburg Board of Commissioners on Monday, October 6, 2014, when Joseph Ritz, III, was sworn in.

The Emmitsburg Town election was held on Tuesday, September 30, 2014, and residents were voting for a commissioner and mayor. Ritz ran against former town commissioner Patrick Joy and won 118-44.

Mayor Donald Briggs ran unopposed for his seat. Briggs was joined by family, as Frederick County Circuit Court Clerk Sandra Dalton swore him into office.

Board President Tim O’Donnell told Ritz that he had “a great responsibility, but you are the right person to bear that responsibility.”

After Mayor Briggs swore Ritz into his office, he took the seat of Commissioner Chris Staiger, who chose not to run for re-election.

Staiger’s parting words were short and to the point, “It’s a wrap. Thank you.”

O’Donnell thanked him for his service to the town at a job that could be “wonderful, tiring, brutal, great, fun.” He also commended Staiger for his ability “to solve problems with common sense.”

Ritz thanked the residents who voted for him and for turning out for the election. Voter turnout for the election was roughly ten percent of the town’s 1,726 registered voters.

Briggs talked about the economic investment of more than thirty-two million dollars that he sees coming to the community, and outlined the various projects that were going to start or be completed in the near future. He painted a bright future for the town.

“It all starts with dreams,” he said. “Let’s live them.”

Under the new Board of Commissioners, O’Donnell will serve as president. Cliff Sweeney will serve as vice president and planning and zoning liaison. Glenn Blanchard will serve as treasurer. Jennifer Mellor will serve as the parks and recreation liaison. Ritz will serve on the Citizens Advisory Committee.

Ritz’s father already serves on the committee, but he said that he will step down to avoid any potential conflict of interest.

Briggs said that he had another committee in mind that Joseph Ritz, Jr., could serve on as a member.