(9/28) After more than 20 years on the Thurmont Town Council, including serving as mayor, Commissioner Marty Burns is not seeking reelection this season.

"Everyone knows when it’s time to step back and give someone else the opportunity," Burns said at the Thurmont Nominating Convention Sept. 28.

A notable problem is election officials can lose their drive and passion for the people as the years go on, said Burns.

Burns nominated Bill Blakeslee at the convention to fill one of the two seats up for reelection in Oct. The other is held by current Commissioner Wayne Hooper, incumbent, seeking reelection.

Burns cited Blakeslee town experience as a town commissioner, former chief administrative officer, as well as being on the Planning and Zoning Board and the Parks Commission. Although they disagree on matters including at one point attempting to have Burns recalled as mayor, it was never personal.

Burns said he has been proud to serve the community and he was extremely grateful that the people saw his argumentative nature and fiery temper and "They gave me a pass, knowing in my heart of hearts, I have the best interest of the whole town."

Burns served as Mayor before acquiring a seat as a commissioner, noting it's usually the other way around.

Burns initially came on the ballot "as a nobody," and won the people’s hearts and minds by old - fashioned campaign canvassing door to door to 1,200 homes..

Burns was elected mayor in 2001, served as a commissioner for over twenty years and was instrumental in township projects including the railroad bridge, downtown lights, utilizing grant funding, and paying off the new police department building.

Burns said he has also done what he could to make local government more accessible to the community, including writing monthly columns for newspapers and broadcasting many town meetings. "We’ve done a lot together, it's never been all me." 

Burns, a staunch supporter of the Gateway to the Cure, marveled at the community’s continuous dedication to the Patty Hurwitz Fund, noting at the Sept. 28 kick off, of the donations collected, "$100,000 out of 2.3 million is Thurmont's, that is absolutely unbelievable to me that 6,500 residents can put their heads together and make that significant of a dent..

Burns reflected on his time on the council with gratitude.  "It’s the best job I have ever had and it's rewarding if you do it like you're supposed to do."