Myers running unopposed in May election

April 05, 2006|by TIFFANY ARNOLD

SMITHSBURG - Smithsburg Mayor Mildred "Mickey" Myers will run unopposed in the town's general election this spring, town officials announced Tuesday.

Myers and three other candidates in the town's May election were announced during the town's monthly council meeting.

Incumbent Councilman Ralph Regan and two newcomers, Dennis "Jack" Wenthe and Thomas Chiarizia, will run in the spring election, vying for two open council seats.

Councilman William Mills said in January that he was not running in the spring election because he has purchased a home in Pennsylvania. Mills was appointed to the council in 2004.

The deadline to apply for candidacy was April 3. The general election is May 9.

"Even though there aren't that many people signed up, we hope to have a good turnout for the general election," Myers said.

Town officials said growth likely will be the key issue during the coming election. Smithsburg is one of the fastest-growing areas in Washington County.

Smithsburg's population grew 21 percent from 2001 to 2004, according to U.S. Census data. Washington County's population grew by 5 percent during that time.

Smithsburg's schools are feeling the strain of growth. Smithsburg High School is overcapacity, according to figures from Washington County Public Schools.

In February, the town revised its growth ordinance, referred to as the Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance (APFO), to mirror Washington County's APFO.

The APFO would ensure that the town's schools, roads and other public services are able to adequately sustain growth. In return, the town will receive a portion of the county's excise tax.

Councilman Jerome Martin was the only council member to oppose revising the town's APFO. Martin said the county APFO wouldn't do enough to curb overcrowding of the schools.

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