Frank Davis

After living in Emmitsburg all of my life, I’ve been thinking that this might be a good time to bring a fresh perspective to the town office. Some major town projects have recently been completed, such as the "Main Street" project, with the East Main Street Bridge project soon to follow. With these projects coming to a close, I feel that planning for the future should be a priority. I want to prioritize what is needed in Emmitsburg, ahead of items of lesser importance. I understand that the appearance of the town is important; however sometimes there are issues that are more imperative that need to be addressed.

If elected some areas of concern that I would like to see addressed are as follows:

• Build a better working relationship between the town office and the citizens to solve problems. "No" should not always be the answer.
• Take an in-depth look at the town’s infrastructure, and develop a plan for improvement.
• Review fees that are being assessed to the citizens, and find ways to lessen the burden on them.
• Think "outside the box" to attract new businesses and jobs to Emmitsburg.
• Continue the partnership with Mt. St. Mary’s University to make this a great "College Town".

Currently, I live with my wife and daughter on Main Street. I retired as a Fire Chief in 2014 after working 38 years for the Federal Government. Since 2018, I have been serving on the Maryland State Licensing Commission for Frederick County. I have been a member of the Vigilant Hose Company for 42 years, currently serving as the department’s President. As Emmitsburg Town Commissioner, my goal would be to make a difference to improve the lives of everyone in the town, and to ensure that Emmitsburg will continue to be a great place to live for generations to come.

Glenn Blanchard

I am running for Town Commissioner to continue the good work of the board. I believe that the town is moving in the right direction, and I want to continue this work into the future. I like serving the citizens of Emmitsburg and taking on the challenges of this community. I bring to the board almost 14 years of elected service. This time on the board has given me experience on the different issues facing the town and its citizens. I feel that I have seen the town change over the last couple of decades and I have a pretty good idea on where we have been, and where we should be going. I think there is a value in continuity.

My top priority in running for office is to keep the town moving in a positive direction. This goes for both the citizens of this town as well as the businesses in town. To do this, I feel that we need to invest in our parks, infrastructure, and an expansion of both our business community as well as residential development. Another one of my goals as commissioner is to continue to have civil discussions at the meetings and to avoid division and distrust among its members.

I feel that I can achieve my goals as a commissioner by doing the same things that I have done in the past. One, working with the town staff and the mayor to get the correct information on projects and purchases. Two, have the ability to work with my fellow commissioners to get the job done. Find common ground. Division and conflict might make headlines, but the citizens and businesses of this community are not being served by that kind of behavior. Putting the Town of Emmitsburg above any personal interests is important.

Remembering who I work for has been a critical part of my service to this community. People should vote for me if they want someone who will continue to listen to them and help keep moving the town into the future. People should vote for me if they want civil discussion at meetings, and someone who is willing to compromise when necessary. I moved to Emmitsburg 28 years ago along with my wife. I have raised my two children in this town and have educated them in the local schools. I have roots in this town and I believe in Emmitsburg.

Elizabeth Buckman

I am running for reelection for commissioner because I want to be part of a community of which I am proud. I believe I have the experience, skills and energy to be on the frontline to ensure that Emmitsburg is governed not only well, but also governed with empathy for the needs and concerns of all is residents.

Empathy and pragmatism are my guiding principles that govern the way I carry out my responsibilities as Commissioner. Empathy, because of my active involvement with Emmitsburg Cares. Commissioners need to understand the concerns of even the least of these and be sensitive understand that all of us face life challenges. And our town government needs be sensitive to the needs and feelings of our neighbors and always treat them with the dignity, respect and understanding. Pragmatism because we in government must always be on the alert for the best solutions for the issues we face. We have always done it this way can never be the standard by which we are judged.

With three years of experience, I have learned the ways and means of our local government and working and collaborating with my fellow commissioners to strive for economic sustainability and our safety and quality of life.

In those years I have strengthened my understanding of the municipal needs of a small town but more so I have become open to the unique needs of the whole community.

As a school teacher, a founder of Emmitsburg Care, being an active in the Council of Churches, Seton Center Inc., and our community’s civic associations, I am regularly out in the community ready to listen to the concerns of our residents. I consider myself to be a 24/7 commissioner. When I am home or even at Jubilee I am approached by folks alerting me to problems they feel need attention, in need of a helping hand, or just wanting to know what their town government is up to.

I believe that being always assessable to our residents is a vital function that I perform. If anyone reading this article are among the very few people who does not already have my cell phone number you can always call or text me at 301-801-8711.

Being a commissioner is hard work, but it is rewarding that so many of our citizens feel comfortable to come to me with their concerns. Moreover, as the only woman and mother on the board I believe I have greater sensitivity to represent the views and concerns of women and children in Emmitsburg.

Emmitsburg is a small town but has similar problem as urban areas. We have roads and parks that need to be maintained, poverty, homeless, addictions, and health issues. Solutions are often beyond the capacity of our resources to solve. As I did during my first term I will continue to seek county, state and federal resources.

An important goal of mine is to help support Mount Saint Mary’s building of an urgent care center. I will continue working on this. Going forward, while Emmitsburg is a safe place to live and raise a family, I would be more comfortable if the police coverage was expanded from two deputies to three to provide coverage seven days a week.

People of Emmitsburg who know me know that I never give up. I will never give up being alert to the needs of my community. I will never give up on seeking more efficient and sound ways of governing. I will never give up seeking outside resources for our community. I will never give up on Emmitsburg Cares. I will never give up on promoting cooperation between our religious and civic institutions, and I will never give up on seeking way to help the people and businesses in Emmitsburg.

I love Emmitsburg. Daily I am honored to serve my community. You are my friends and my neighbors and I hope to continue pressing for our quality of life, safety, and well-being.