Town election set for Tuesday

Ingrid Mezo

Emmitsburg voters will go to the polls on Tuesday to elect two commissioners to the town’s board.

There are 1,349 registered voters in Emmitsburg, according to Stuart Harvey of the Frederick County Board of Elections.

Three candidates are vying for two open commission seats — Catherine Forrence, Joyce Rosensteel and Clifford Sweeney are all running in the election. All three have run for political office in Emmitsburg before.

Rosensteel served as a town commissioner from May 2002 to May 2005 and Sweeney served as a commissioner from May 1997 to May 2004. Forrence ran for commissioner in the April 2005 election, but was defeated.

One of the open seats on the board was created when Commissioner Art Elder opted not to run for a second term. The other open commissioner seat was created when town officials voted on Jan. 18 to add a fifth commissioner to the town’s board.

During the town meeting Monday, Mayor James Hoover and Commissioner Glenn Blanchard thanked Elder for his service on the board. While Hoover acknowledged that he and Elder had their differences while serving together, he pointed out how challenging holding elected office can be.

‘‘At least he came up and did this job,” Hoover said. ‘‘I do appreciate the service that he’s provided, and I think he should be commended for the service he’s done.”

The newly elected commissioners will serve until October 2009.

The election will be held from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., at the Resident Deputy Office, 22 E. Main St., Emmitsburg.