(9/28) At this year's Thurmont's Nominating Convention seven candidates were nominated to run for two open seats on the Town Council.  Mayor Kinnaird will run unopposed.

Thurmont’s election process begins with a nominating convention, where residents nominate candidates for the upcoming election. The Town Hall was packed with residents showing their support for candidates vying to throw their hat in the ring for election.

"It’s really exciting to have this large group running and taking part in town government," Commissioner Wayne Hooper said.

Seven candidates were nominated for the two commissioner seats currently held by Commissioners Martin Burns and Wayne Hooper. The commissioner candidates include Bill Blakeslee, Christopher Stouter, Sabrina Massett, Mickey Blank, Olen Gunn, Janice Guillory, as well as Hooper, incumbent.

Incumbent Commissioner Burns is not seeking reappointment, saying "Everyone knows when it’s time to step back and give someone else the opportunity."

Burns who was elected Mayor in 2001 and served 3 terms. In 2013 he was elected to the Town Council where he has been instrumental in town projects including the railroad bridge, downtown lights and paying off the new police department building. “We’ve done a lot together, it's never been all me,” he said.

"We’ve done a lot together, it's never been all me," he said.

Burns said he is most grateful to the residents for giving him the opportunity to serve the community and despite his argumentative nature, believing in his unwavering ethics.

"They gave me a pass, knowing in my heart of hearts, I have the best interest of the whole town," he said.

Current Mayor John Kinnaird was the only candidate for mayor and so will run unopposed in the election. This year will mark Kinnaird’s eighth year as mayor.

"I appreciate that I am given the opportunity and that the residents have invested their trust in my leadership to serve as Mayor of Thurmont," he said.

Kinnaird's goal has always been to bring "'civility and transparency to the town," and wishes to see that continue. Kinnaird aims to make building Thurmont Boulevard to ease traffic on Moser Road a top priority.   A key aspect of his position is "It’s about listening to people, he said.

All seven nominated candidates were given the chance to speak during the nomination convention.

Hooper has been a commissioner for 32 years and is currently the liaison to the Thurmont Skate Park Committee and the senior center liaison. "I never looked at the job as a personal thing, it's the five of us together to do the best thing for the peopl,." he said.

If re-elected, Hooper plans to follow up on federal government funding for a variety of projects and programs currently underway in the township, including the Parks and Recreation Department and infrastructure to various buildings, to "let citizens get what they need for quality of life."

Blakeslee has an extensive background in town business including previously serving as town commissioner, former chief administrative officer, as well as being on the Planning and Zoning Board and the Parks Commission.  When a drought struck Thurmont in the early 2000’s, Blakeslee was part of the water conservation committee. "I feel like I have the experience necessary to be an asset to the town."

Stouter has moved back to town after an absence and is excited for the opportunity to give back to Thurmont. I just like serving the community, I do a lot of the fundraisers in town….it would be an honor to serve you all," he said.

Blank is a 15-year resident running to bring a fresh face and new ideas to the council. "I think it’s time we do a little bit of change in Thurmont, look at things a little differently to try to change this town for the better," he said.

Massett has a background in human services and is running for her second attempt for a seat on the council. Massett’s passion for grassroots activism led her to serve on the planning and zoning commission as well as the town’s first recycling commission. Massett looks to maintain Thurmont’s small town feel while inspiring other women. "Services to the town and the community has always been in my DNA," she said.

Newcomer Olen Gunn has a background as a project manager and is running for council to maintain a small-town community inclusive for everyone. "I feel the time’s come that people need to step up and take care of our communities…I want to make sure we’re here to watch after everybody’s values," he said.

Guillory has a background working with those with intellectual disabilities and is curious to learn more about the community. As a resident of two years, she offers a fresh perspective to the town saying, "I’m interested in the town government, and I’d be willing to serve anyway I can, if I can and I would be happy to do it."

Thurmont commissioners meet every Tuesday and are paid $10,000 per year. The Mayor is paid $15,000 per year.

A candidate forum will be hosted by the Lions Club will be held Oct. 6 at 7 p.m.

The election will be held on Oct. 26th 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 Oct. 1, and absentee ballot applications will be available starting Oct. 8. Residents can contact the town office at 301-271-7313 for more information.