REMEMBER TO VOTE – TUESDAY, MAY 11, 2010
LOCATION: Council Chambers at Town Hall
7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Candidates for the office of Mayor and Council were asked to give some background information about themselves and family.
MAYOR
Mildred “Mickey” Myers
Our town is facing an enormous challenge due to the current economy. This past year we have experienced large reductions in revenues from highway user funds, police aid, tax set off and changes in property tax assessments.
During my past administrations, our yearly financial audits have always shown that we are in excellent financial shape with a budget surplus to help us through these tough times.
I made my decision to run for Mayor again as I am committed to using my long time experience as the Town’s chief financial officer to manage the taxpayer’s dollars and the promise of still providing the necessary service for our citizens.
I am also committed to working with the Council for solutions to help keep our tax rates, water & sewer rates and all other costs to our citizens affordable. I have submitted to Council a budget for 2010-2011 outlining areas to reach this outcome.
I serve you, the citizens, on a full time basis always available to address all citizens concerns. I stand on my record of accomplishments to include park acquisition/development, new library, improved water/sewer infrastructure, including new water storage tank, creating an ongoing program of street/sidewalk improvements and upgrading all service departments to include the technology needed to keep up with the rapid growth we have experienced.
CANDIDATES FOR COUNCIL
Troy Jernigan
I grew up in Leitersburg and attended Smithsburg area schools. My wife and I moved back to Smithsburg in 1988. I am a father of three, one son who graduated from Smithsburg High School and now attends college in North Carolina, one son who is a sophomore at Smithsburg High School, and a daughter who is in seventh grade at Smithsburg Middle School.
I am the owner of Jernigan’s Environmental Services, Inc. and DRL Properties, LLC. I have been a small businessman and property owner in Smithsburg for 22 years.
As a former Zone Governor for the Ruritans, and youth lacrosse coach, I have developed leadership skills that I feel will be helpful in working with the Smithsburg Town Council. I consider a direct, common sense approach by the Council the best way to meet the needs of the residents of Smithsburg.
I would like to see the Town Council work on controlling the costs associated with running the town, and making Smithsburg more business-friendly. I am committed to developing better relationships between Council members and residents by listening to the needs of residents and responding with real solutions rather than political answers.
Tammy Sue Drury
I was born in Martinsburg, West Virginia and have lived in Washington County for 52 years. I worked at the Washington County Hospital in environmental services, and Robinwood Surgery Center in the O.R. housekeeping department for 17 years. I have been married for 37 years to the father of my son and daughter who have given me four beautiful grandchildren.
My reason for considering the position for council is to help continue the good things about Smithsburg. I have made my home in Smithsburg as I like the small town atmosphere but still have all the needed services.
I would listen to the issues, gather information and make my decisions based on the interest of the citizens.
Tyler R. Lushbaugh
I have been a Smithsburg resident for 3 years and I enjoy the small town atmosphere that Smithsburg has to offer me and my fiancée, Jocelyn. I am 23 years old and I work in the field of engineering for a major corporation. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, fishing, motorcycling, and working with my hands in my garden and around my house. Since purchasing my home, I’ve been extensively refurbishing it to restore it to its splendor that it once held. My commitment to restoring my home is a small testimony of my desire to improve my neighborhood and I would like to extend that commitment to the entire town of Smithsburg.
If elected to the council, I will bring some fresh ideas and perspectives to the town’s government. Being a fairly new resident, I will have no agenda other than bringing the issues that trouble our citizens to the forefront and work to efficiently resolving them. I believe that the town needs a well-managed growth plan that includes downtown revitalization and a commitment to economic development for our local businesses. I feel that in these tough economic times and with our revenues on the decline, we as a council need to make the right decisions for our town as it relates to our budget and long term stability.
In addition to my desire to serve the people of Smithsburg, my fiancée, Jocelyn, is a member of Smithsburg’s Parks Commission and shares the same drive to beautify our town and promote community strength through common interests.
Lisa Linthicum
No biography submitted in time for publication. |
