(4/20) Former councilman Michael Bailey got his wish—Betsey Brannen won the four-way race to succeed him on the town council. Brannen received 147 votes to second place David Toohey, who received 82. Bob Yoder received 60 votes, and Chris Ragen 35.
Voter turnout was 327, far short of the 572 that turned out for the February special election that returned Michael McNiesh to the council.
In his endorsement of Brannen, Bailey, whose seat has been vacant since January 12 following his move to North Carolina, said: "I first voted for Betsy in the 2018 commissioner election for many reasons. Betsy will bring a unique perspective to the commissioner role. Being born and raised in the town gives her a foothold into understanding the historical context for issues the town faces.
"Pair this with a desire to innovate and modernize means that she can successfully navigate issues and propose meaningful solutions. She has also demonstrated herself to be intentional, realistic, innovative, and a collaborator. All things needed on the board."
Brannen has been a resident of Walkersville since 2015 following her husband’s retirement from the military. Brannen said she ran for town council because: "the past few months have made me question the trajectory of the town. Walkersville is welcoming and open. Our elected officials owe each other and town residents complete honesty and transparency.
"I know it may seem like a lot to ask these days," Brannen said, "that our government bodies be open and honest with the people and try to do what is in the people's best interest, but I really do believe that. That's the type of Commissioner I'll be. Maybe I sound too old fashioned or idealistic, but as a Town Commissioner, I promise to put Walkersville first and always keep the best interest of the residents in mind."
Brannen said it was important to attract new business and that the town needs to address the ‘blight’ issue, where business are not presenting the best store front image.
Brannen said she was not supportive of any additional residential development of land adjacent to Walkersville. Further, while she did not directly address the ‘elephant in the room,’ i.e., FoodPro’s potential annexation request, Brannen said she "is for keeping the agriculture buffer around the town."
As a Town Commissioner, she would endorse holding office hours for town residents to stop by and chat or ask questions. "That will go a long way to establishing stabling trust with the residents."
Brannen said the most important issue that needs to be addressed is public safety: "People moved here because it’ safe. Up until recently, it was hard to find people who lock their cars at night, even their homes. But it’s getting to the point that it is now a necessity. More police does not deter crime; instead, giving people, especially youths something to do, deters crime." She recommended creating more safe opportunities for younger residents to socialize, such as lights for basketball courts and longer library hours. She is open to future consideration of the town eventually establishing it own police force.
Brannen will finish Bailey’s term, which will expire Sept. 13, 2024.
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