(7/29) Two seats on the Emmitsburg Town Board of Commissioners will be up for election on October 1. The two seats that will become vacant are those presently occupied by Commissioners Glenn Blanchard and Elizabeth Buckman. Both positions up for election are three-year terms, with a compensation of $4,000 annually. Candidates wishing to be listed on the printed election ballot must file before August 30 at 4 p.m., and those interested in becoming write-in candidates must file prior to September 24 at noon.

Current Commissioners, Glenn Blanchard and Elizabeth Buckman have both filed their paperwork to run for the three-year term as Emmitsburg Town Commissioner. Newcomer Frank Davis will also be running for the position.

Blanchard was initially elected to the Board of Commissioners in 2005. Blanchard has served the Town of Emmitsburg for fourteen years and will be running for his sixth term as a member of the Board. Blanchard was a supporter and liaison for the town’s community garden and has also been serving as the Council’s liaison for the Planning Commission. After serving as Treasurer of the Board for several years, Blanchard has just completed his first year as the appointed Vice President.

Buckman was elected to her seat on the board three years ago, winning against Jennifer Joy. During her time as Commissioner, Buckman has served as the liaison the town’s Citizen’s Advisory Committee and was a spearhead for Emmitsburg Cares. Buckman looks forward to the upcoming election and hopes the result will bring forth a change to the town council.

Frank Davis, President of the Vigilant Hose Company noted several concerns for the future of Emmitsburg. "While it is important to have regulations and ordinances, there comes a point when we over regulate and establish unnecessary fees. These need to be reviewed. Additionally, a lot of effort has been put forth over the last several years to beautify our town; the same effort is needed to upgrade our infrastructure. We also need to become a business friendly town. We need to help our businesses succeed not discourage customers from visiting downtown," stated Davis.

As of the issuance of this edition, no other candidates have filed to run for the seats. Individuals interested in running for one of the open commissioner’s seats can do so by filing their candidacy papers, available at the town office. As always, all candidates will be provided free space in this paper to introduce themselves, and their goals, to Emmitsburg voters.