A new face in Emmitsburg politics thinks he has the right stuff to make a difference in town.

Stan Mazaleski, 70, has lived in Emmitsburg for less than two years, but has lived in Frederick County for 30 years. He cites an extensive background in education and his work experience as the key reasons he should be entrusted with one of the seats on the town council up for election in May.

Mazaleski is the fifth person to sign up to run for two open slots, following Harold Craig, Bill O'Neil, Dianne Walbrecker and current town Commissioner Clifford Sweeney.

Among the important issues Mazaleski cites in the town are water safety, the deterioration and repair of the sewer system and the construction of a much-needed bypass, he told The Gazette in an interview Monday.

Mazaleski envisions a bypass for the town that will allow traffic from the west to cut southeast toward the Fire Academy and not have to go directly through town. His plan is to seek grants from the State of Maryland and the federal government to fund the project. Given his public health background, he also believes he will be an attribute in dealing with water and sewer concerns in the town.

Mazaleski has other goals as well, which include pushing for school vouchers and promoting reading, writing and arithmetic.

Right now Mazaleski is basically retired, but he drives a bus for the Frederick County Public Schools. Before that, however, he had a wide range of education and work experience.

His background includes a Ph.D. in preventative medicine and public health from the University of Texas, following a Bachelor of Science degree in education and biology from the University of Scranton (Pa.), and a master's degree in environmental science from the University of Oklahoma.

Mazaleski's work history includes the position of Director of the Chautauqua County Drug Education and Prevention Consortium in the New York public school system, a position as a research instructor of medicine at the Washington University Medical School, and a position as Laboratory Supervisor at the Veterans Administration Hospital in St. Louis, Mo.