(10/4) Newly-elected Emmitsburg Mayor Donald N. Briggs assumed his new role as the municipality’s chief administrator after being sworn-in October 3 during the town council meeting by state Delegate Kathy Afzali (R, District 4A).

Briggs‘, owner of Briggs Associates, Inc., as well as a member and former president of the Emmitsburg Business and Professional Association (EBPA), defeated incumbent Mayor James E. Hoover in the town election, ending Hoover’s nine-year run as town mayor of Emmitsburg.

Mayor Briggs’s told the council following the swearing-in ceremony, "This is an honor and I am humbled."

To outgoing Mayor Hoover, Brigg’s stated that, regarding Hoover’s political future, "This is not a door closing. This is a door opening (to continue to serve)."

Briggs’ stated his objectives remain, as promulgate during his campaign, dealing with local crime, economic development, the creation of jobs, the establishment of more activities for youth and the elderly, and the beautification of the Town Square.

"My cadence (in pursuing the stated objectives) will be quick time," the new mayor said. "We must scrutinize everything. Everything must be put on the table."

Mayor Briggs said he is going to establish several new committees to contribute towards the management of the town, including a Police Committee, an Economic Development Committee, and a Neighborhood Action Committee.

"It’s time to definitely articulate what our town is," he stated. "We’re not anywhere, U.S.A. We’re Emmitsburg."

Outgoing Mayor Hoover said, after congratulating Briggs’ on his victory, "I enjoyed it (serving as mayor). It’s been a great time," describing his defeat in the town election as "bittersweet."

Hoover, who is also employed as a deputy director for the Maryland Transit Administration in Baltimore, stated that he planned to continue to serve the community, although, he said, "I’m not sure what I’m going to do (in that regard). I‘ll stay involved one way or another. I am very passionate toward the town."

In the meantime, the former mayor said he planned "to take a little break."

Also sworn in by Delegate Afzali was incumbent Councilman and council President Christopher V. Staiger, who ran unopposed in the election September 27 election.