Gatz

SHEPHERDSTOWN — Two candidates are set to compete in this year’s Municipal Election for the position of mayor in the Corporation of Shepherdstown.

The winner of the two-year term will be decided by voters during the Municipal Election in Town Hall on June 4.

For incumbent Jim Auxer, who has served for 20 years as mayor of Shepherdstown, being reelected would allow him to ensure the completion of various projects that are currently in the works.

“During the next two years, the $250,000 renovation of the Market House, that will become the visitor’s center, will be completed,” Auxer said. “Additionally, construction on the bike path to Morgan’s Grove Park will begin and be completed by the end of the term. I’ve been working to secure funding for this project for the better part of a decade and I’m pleased to announce that we have secured 100 percent of the funds to begin construction.

“Another task [I plan to complete, if reelected,] is to monitor and plan to evaluate the continued growth that is surrounding Shepherdstown. We should strive to maintain a buffer,” Auxer said, before noting another project he’d also like to see through, which will be completed with funds received through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. “[I would like] to finish the $3 million water plant improvement project, as well as the $500,000 wastewater plant upgrade. The water and wastewater plants were partially funded by ARPA monies. Starting in April of this year, the $2.3 million water improvement project will begin. It will improve water quality and flow to Mill Street and provide needed fire protection to Mecklenburg Heights.”

Auxer

The Shepherd University alumnus lives with his wife of 37 years, Dawn, in their home on New Street. The couple moved to the home in 1998, following his retirement after almost 50 years of employment as a counselor with Pennsylvania’s correctional system and, prior to that, some years as an elementary school teacher and high school track-and-field and football coach. Along with his duties as mayor, Auxer currently serves as a member of the Shepherd University Board of Directors and Jefferson County Criminal Justice Board.

“We should continue to develop our Waterfront Park and, of course, we will continue to support our fire department and maintain our strong, symbiotic relationship with Shepherd University,” Auxer said. “I am optimistic these projects and initiatives can and will be completed in two years.”

His competition for the seat of mayor is James Gatz, who comes to the table with experience working for the U.S. Conference of Mayors and serving for three decades in leadership positions within the federal government. Gatz, who has lived in Shepherdstown for almost a decade, is a founding board member of Shepherdstown Shares and Shepherdstown Votes. Additionally, he has served for several years as Shepherdstown’s representative to the Jefferson County Development Authority’s board of directors.

“I am running for mayor of Shepherdstown because I love our town and want to help make sure it stays special. If elected, I will bring a vision, expertise in public administration and energetic management, so that Town Hall will work smarter and more openly in providing core services and in addressing new issues,” Gatz said. “One of the most urgent issues facing our town right now is the significant growth underway in Jefferson County that could have lasting negative impacts on this town and our residents. Town leaders need to be fully engaged in addressing this issue. I also see the need to increase town support for our businesses, the arts and civic clubs and community groups that make this town so special.

“It would be an honor to serve as mayor,” Gatz said. “I’m eager to meet and talk with residents to hear their ideas and suggestions for how we can work together for the future of our wonderful town.”