(8/16) Thurmont has gained its first chief
administrative officer and lost a town
commissioner. Commissioner Bill Blakeslee has
accepted the position effective Nov. 1.
“He has done more for this town than
anybody possibly realizes at his own peril and
expense,” said Mayor Martin Burns when he
announced the appointment at the town meeting
on Aug. 14.
The revision to the town charter, approved
earlier this year, called for the appointment
of a chief administrative officer, freeing up
Rick May to perform his duties as the town
clerk/treasurer. An earlier candidate withdrew
his interest for the position last month.
As chief administrative officer, Blakeslee
will be responsible for the day-to-day
operations of the town government. He will
also carry out the policies set by the board
of commissioners.
“I’m in a position where I think I can
still benefit the town,” Blakeslee said.
Other duties of the chief administrative
officer include:
• Attending meetings where he may participate
in the discussion but not vote.
• Keep the commissioners’ meeting minutes.
• Supervise the various town departments.
• Make an annual report to the commissioners
on the condition of municipal affairs and any
recommendations for changes.
• Act as the town zoning administrator.
• Act as the town human resources
administrator.
“I think I can offer the same willingness
to work hard and look at all the ways to make
this great town even greater,” Blakeslee said
following the meeting.
Besides his experience as town commissioner
and involvement in town activities, Blakeslee
brings 30 years of managerial experience to
the table.
The commissioners appointed Blakeslee after
an executive session at the beginning of the
Aug. 14 town meeting. The vote was 3-0 with
one abstention. Commissioner Glenn Muth
abstained from voting because he did not want
it seen as a move to make the candidate field
more favorable to him if he decides to run for
re-election.
“I think he (Blakeslee) can do more by
being here 100 percent of the time than he can
by being a part-time commissioner,” Burns
said.
Blakeslee will fulfill his term as
commissioner and take over the administrator
position when the two new commissioners are
sworn in on Nov. 1. He will also have to quick
his job of the past six years with a packaging
company.
“I’ve truly enjoyed my almost four years as
town commissioner,” Blakeslee said. “I’ve
given my heart and soul and 100 percent to the
job.”
