This is my second term and fourth year serving on the Shepherdstown Town Council. I was previously a member of the Tree Commission and Planning Commission. I currently serve on the Public Works Committee, Water Board, Finance Committee, Grants Committee (Chair) and Recycling Committee (Chair).

I am currently running unopposed for Town Recorder in the municipal election and look forward to the task.

It has been a privilege to serve with the current members of the Town Council. I am proud of the work we have accomplished together – the Market House makeover, infrastructure improvements, public engagement and more. Thank you to Leah Rampy – we will miss your insight. That being said, I believe that all of the candidates running for Town Council are competent to serve and look forward to working with whomever is elected.

Regarding the race for mayor, I consider Jim Auxer and James Gatz both friends and colleagues. Mayor Auxer has served for many years, and I appreciate his recognition to wind down over the next few years. When he was first mayor, the town paid its employees from the parking meters. We now have a healthy reserve fund. We have state-of-the-art water and sewer plants. Our public services have improved greatly under his watch. But transition is needed for any successful endeavor to sustain itself.

James Gatz is capable to be mayor in time, but I have concerns that his lack of experience at this elected governmental level might prove challenging. I believe the best way to get this experience is to serve on the Town Council or the varying committees and commissions first. He has not done so.

With respect to the issues presently facing our community, I recognize and understand that the county is creeping in, and that uncontrolled development has its consequences. The town has been requesting a cooperative development partnership with the county since 2015. There has been little progress, due at least in part to issues with our county commission representative and her recent ouster. We need to engage further with the county. I believe the county is willing to require more notice from developers for outskirt development and reconsider the preferred growth area south of town, but we need to keep the pressure on. This must include strategic annexation to control the growth. Border property owners should consider inviting the town to annex them to expand our boundaries and provide further annexation possibilities. We must also realize, however, that development beyond our intended boundaries will prove difficult to control, as the county is clearly in an ambitious growth cycle.

I am concerned that incorrect information is circulating regarding some town initiatives. The condition of the sidewalks has been raised as an issue that is not being addressed. The Public Works Committee has been working on this issue for years, has met with a private safety and disability consultant and plans to survey the entire sidewalk system for defects. These defects will then be prioritized and fixed. The town website has also been criticized. However, at our last meeting, a new town website was launched. Thank you to Amy, our Town Clerk, for the new site development.

Can we improve? Absolutely. I invite anyone interested in helping serve, whether by joining a committee or assisting with specific initiatives, to reach out directly to me. The Mayor, Town Council and our staff cannot tackle all issues without such help. We have many talented people in town who could offer valuable assistance – by participating in committees, commissions or specific town initiatives.

You have my assurance that I will work with whatever team is elected. That being said, I strongly endorse Mayor Auxer for another term. With his continued experience, we can begin to transition to new leadership. Many can gain experience over the next two years, including Mr. Gatz. Thank you and good luck to all the candidates!

Chris Stroech, of Shepherdstown