Anti-growth candidates prevail
 in Council election

(9/13) September's election showed the Council just what the residents of Walkersville really want: little to no growth! Out of the 4,745 registered voters, 509 came out to make their voice heard to vote in three new members to the Council and two reappointed members, all proponents of the "no-growth" philosophy.

The results include Burgess Chad Weddle running uncontested with 390 votes for reelection. Commissioners Russell Winch (382 votes), Chris Ragen (362 votes), and Bob Yoder (356 votes) will join current Commissioners Tom Gilbert (329 votes) and Betsey Whitmore Brannon (295 votes) on the Council. Mary Ann Brodie-Ennis was the only sitting commissioner to not be reelected (258 votes).

This election is unique in that it is the last time all five commissioner seats will be open at the same time, thanks to a resolution passed earlier this year to stagger the length of terms to limit the turnover within the Town Council.

Winch and Ragen, the top vote recipients, will serve for four years. Yoder, Gilbert and Brannon will serve two-year terms that will expire in 2026. Staggering the terms is expected to alleviate the stress that a full turnover of the Council and the Burgess could have on town staff. The next election will have the burgess and commissioners serve four-year terms, which means the town will have elections every other year going forward.

A common concern for the newly appointed commissioners is the battle for having a "no growth" Town. Regan, Yoder and Winch all proclaimed a "no growth" stance prior to being elected.

While also aiming to combat residential growth by representing the wishes of Walkersville residents, Regan stated his other goals include focusing on blighted properties in town and improving activities for the youth of Walkersville and the aged community. He aims to push for further transparency and public input in town matters by being open to hearing complaints, concerns and grievances of Walkersville residents.

Being a long time resident, Yoder’s goals mirrored the concerns of residents including holding a "no growth" viewpoint, the future rehabilitation of abandoned facilities, traffic safety and water cost concerns. He felt his experience with budget management would be a benefit to the Town by creating a more consistent and informative budget so residents would have a better understanding of how their taxpayers’ dollars are being used.

Wench, who has been an elected commissioner in the past, is an avid proponent of the "no-growth" philosophy and has vocally proclaimed his position on growth as a Planning Commission member. As a commissioner, he shares a passion to ensure that Walkersville remains a safe and welcoming place for everyone and will continue focus on a "no-growth" view for Walkersville.

Serving on the Town Council since 2018, Gilbert has been instrumental in many projects designed to improve the quality of life for seniors in Walkersville. One of these is the senior tax credit, allowing lower income seniors the opportunity to receive a 50% credit on high value properties. For the future he hopes to improve senior amenities in Town. He also plans to continue work on upholding Town Ordinances and listening to residents for suggested improvements as they arise.

The October meeting will include the swearing in of the new commissioners so they can begin their work on the Town Council.