(8/2) Marty Burns and Bob Lookingbill announced their plan to return to public office in the upcoming Town of Thurmont Election on Oct. 31. There will be two seats open for election as Commissioner Bill Buhrer's and Commissioner Wes Hamrick's terms come to an end.

Both potential candidates made the announcement during public comment at the August 1 town meeting.

Burns and Lookingbill have both served on the Board of Commissioners previously, in addition to other active roles in the Town of Thurmont Government. Lookingbill currently serves on the Board of Supervisors of Elections until September 2027 but will step down before the end of his term to be able to run for the Board of Commissioners this fall. "I don't like stopping midstream but in the same note, I do want to try to get elected to be able to help people on this board here again," Lookingbill said before thanking the current board for their service. He also served as town commissioner from 2007 to 2011 and has also served on Thurmont’s Board of Appeals and Police Commission.

Burns served as mayor and town commissioner for 22 years before stepping down in 2021. Since then, he has been active at town meetings, frequently expressing his opinion on discussions and votes. "I never imagined just two years ago that I would ever seek public office again," Burns said. "But I was asked by a number of residents to run, many of them are here tonight, so run I will."

He went on to describe his platform that includes "sweeping" change, going above and beyond in engaging citizens before decisions are made and demanding budget accountability in the Town Council.

According to the potential candidates, Lookingbill and Burns have already discussed their plan for change should they be elected to office, despite disagreeing on some issues. "If [Lookingbill and I are] fortunate enough to get elected, and we can work with [those currently on the Board], we can make these changes that I believe all the residents have been screaming for in the last few months," Burns said.

Residents showed their support through cheers but also voiced their support for Burns and Lookingbill during public comment. "I personally support change. I support change for the commissioners," Thurmont Resident Ashley Minso said, also noting that younger residents don't feel heard or seen by the current board.

Burns and Lookingbill must wait for the Thurmont Nominating Convention on Sept. 26 to be officially nominated to run for the upcoming election by town residents. If they are nominated during the Convention, Burns and Lookingbill can continue with their campaigning as official candidates.

It’s unclear whether or not Buhrer or Hamrick will seek reelection.