Mayor's husband not reappointed to board
SMITHSBURG - The Smithsburg Town Council on Tuesday refused to approve the reappointment of the mayor's husband to the town's Zoning Appeals Board, arguing his membership would pose a conflict of interest.
Homer Myers, husband of Smithsburg Mayor Mildred "Mickey" Myers, has served on the board since its creation, the mayor said. His current term expires in July, and he volunteered for another three-year term, she said.
Councilman Tom Chiarizia made a motion to confirm Myers' appointment, but no other councilmember present would second the motion.
Councilmembers Donnie Souders Jr., Dennis "Jack" Wenthe and Jerome Martin said they thought it would present a conflict of interest for the mayor's husband and a major property owner to serve on the appeals board.
Councilmember Shirley Aurand left the meeting early.
Martin said he thought Homer Myers could serve on another board, but not the appeals board.
Town Clerk/Treasurer Betsy Martin told the council she thought the decision was "a mistake" and said appeals board members recuse themselves in situations that might present a conflict of interest.