(10/13) New Commissioners Russ Wench, Chris Regan and Bob Yoder were sworn in to the Town Council at October's meeting while Gary Baker and Mike McNiesh (who did not run for reelection) and Mary Ann Brodie-Ennis (who was defeated in her run) ended their terms. Burgess Chad Weddle kept his seat.
With a new resolution adopted this year, Wench and Ragen will serve four-year terms and Yoder, Commissioner Tom Gilbert and Commissioner Betsey Whitmore-Brannen will serve two-year terms with Weddle serving a four-year term as well. The resolution intentionally staggers the terms to limit Town Council turnover, eliminating the chance of an entirely new Council of newly elected Commissioners.
Going forward, terms for both Burgess and Council Members will increase from the current three years to four years, which means the town will have elections every other year.
During his campaign, Wench, who was a Commissioner in the past and on the Planning Commission has been vocally against allowing growth in Town. His focus on ‘no-growth' remains with his appointment. He was also elected to be the Vice President of Commissioners. Gilbert nominated Wench because he "Received the most votes in the election." Wench will also be the Planning and Zoning Commission liaison.
Chris Ragen stated his goals are, "to combat residential growth, focus on blighted properties in town, and to push for further transparency and public input in town matters." He also pushed for a higher standard of transparency. Ragan will serve as liaison to the Parks Commission as he has served on the Commission in the past.
Bob Yoder asked for better traffic safety, holding a ‘no growth’ viewpoint, care of abandoned facilities, and water cost concerns. He also pushed for a more consistent and informative budget.
The newly elected Commissioners praised Ennis for her passion and hard work on the Council and as Parks and Recreation liaison. "Everything you’ve done for the Town of Walkersville is incredible," said Ragen. "I’ve learned so much from you." Brannon also thanked Ennis for her advice to vote ‘what you want’ when she was a new Commissioner and thanked her for it.
Yoder thanked the outgoing Commissioners for their dedication, time and effort spent to keep Walkersville a small-town environment.
Weddle described the Council as ‘like a small family’. "Even though we don’t always see eye to eye, everybody up here is doing things for Walkersville," he said.
All three outgoing Commissioners were recognized with resolutions honoring their service to Walkersville.
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