Elections Glade Valley Government 

Chad Weddle Seeks Re-Election as Walkersville Burgess

 1.  Tell our readers about yourself (family, education, employment, community involvement, etc.):
I was raised by my grandparents and they instilled in me the importance of giving to one’s community. I have had the privilege of serving the Town of Walkersville as a Commissioner beginning in 1996, and was re-elected by the citizens 7 times, serving 8 terms as a commissioner. Then I was elected Burgess/Mayor in 2015. I also served on the Walkersville Centennial Committee in 1992 and the Walkersville Planning Commission from 1995- 1996.  In June of 2018, I was honored to be inducted into the Maryland Municipal League Hall of Fame.

I also have served the community of Walkersville as an active volunteer firefighter since age 16. I have received commendations for assisting with a water rescue in 2012, and was named Walkersville Volunteer Fire Company’s “Firefighter of the Year” in 2013. I have been awarded honorary life memberships in the Walkersville Volunteer Fire Company, Walkersville Volunteer Rescue Company and the New Midway Volunteer Fire Company for my work with those organizations.

I served as the Treasurer of Glade United Church of Christ, Inc. for 16 years and have served as Treasurer of the Walkersville High School Alumni Association for the last 14 years. I also am the Scholarship Chair for the Alumni Association. Previously I have served as President of Walkersville Volunteer Rescue Company Inc., President of the Walkersville High School Alumni Association Inc., and Consistory President of Glade United Church of Christ.

I also volunteer at the Frederick Soup Kitchen, the Frederick Rescue Mission, with Mothers Against Drunk Driving, and at Walkersville High School concessions (GO LIONS!).  In addition, I am a lay ministry school graduate and was a licensed minister at Jefferson UCC for over three years. I serve as pulpit supply for many churches throughout Frederick and Carroll Counties. I currently serve as the Walkersville Volunteer Fire Company’s Chaplain. I am married to Irene H. Weddle and enjoy spending time with my family.

I have been an active member of the Frederick County legal community for 24 years and has served as Chair of the Frederick County Criminal Defense Bar and the Frederick County Criminal Justice Coordinating Commission. In 2005, I was found “most fully qualified” to be appointed as a District Court Judge. As an attorney, I have taught Business Law, Wills & Estate Planning, Criminal Law, and Legal Research at Frederick Community College, Abbie Business Institute and Accutech Business School. I was previously employed as an attorney with the State of Maryland and was a partner with William H. Poffenbarger at Poffenbarger and Weddle from 2005-2015. Presently, I am an Assistant State’s Attorney with the Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office.

I hope that my service to the Town for the last 25 years and my current and past service at other volunteer organizations demonstrates my desire to help others and make this community a great place to live, work, and enjoy.

 

 2.  What prompted you to file as a candidate for the Town of Walkersville government?
Continuation of my service with the Town of Walkersville especially in light of at most one incumbent commissioner out of 5 spots. My twenty-two years of service and expertise and knowledge will help assist and guide the newly elected commissioners.
 3. What is your main priority if elected?
I promise to continue to keep Walkersville’s 16 cent tax rate as low as possible. With the 16 cent rate the Town of Walkersville provides a great park system, 5 Maryland State Troopers, weekly trash collection, and pays for all the other Town employees.  Compare our 16 cent rate with other Frederick County municipalities – Frederick City 73 cents, Brunswick 43 cents, Emmitsburg 36 cents, Thurmont 28 cents and Middletown 23 cents.
 4. What are the most important issues facing the Town of Walkersville, and how will you address those issues?
  • Overseeing the building of the new Water Treatment Plant
  • Overseeing the proposed Rock Creek School building
  • I will utilize the Frederick County Health Department to hold overdose response trainings, as I did in July, regarding the opioid crisis.
 5. How long have you lived in Walkersville?
48 years
 6. How can Walkersville’s Government support business development within Walkersville?
I would continue to work with the Frederick County Office of Economic Development and ROOT to assist existing businesses and help new businesses as I have in the past.
7. What are your plans to inform more residents of issues and events in Walkersville?
The Talk of the Town is included in each water bill, the Town website, the Town Facebook page and signs for events like Veteran’s program, Channel 99 and citizens with any questions should always contact Town Hall for assistance.
8. What are your thoughts on growth in Walkersville?
During my 22 years the only agriculture property rezoned to residential was the Sun Meadow development. The three developments building presently were approved before 1996 and should provide enough growth for the foreseeable future. I do not support rezoning of any other land for development.
9. The following topics will likely come before those elected in September. Please give your thoughts on these topics:
a. Proposed Revision to the Monocacy River Management Plan:
Defer to Frederick County and Monocacy Scenic River Citizens Advisory Board   since only two properties in Walkersville are along the Monocacy River.
b. Rock Creek School Relocation to Walkersville Middle School property:
Town needs to ensure all zoning criteria are imposed since this will add traffic to an already congested area.
c. Solar Farm on Biggs Ford Road:
I do not support the use of solar farms on agriculture land since Walkersville has some of the best soil for agriculture use.  I have always supported Agriculture in Walkersville via the Grange, 4H and Community Show.
d. Water Rates to pay for the new Water Treatment Plant:
The water fund operated by Walkersville is called a proprietary fund and that means the business must meet the costs thru the services it provides unlike the government fund which utilizes real estate taxes for revenue.   I do not anticipate any increase based on building the new plant.
GladeValley.net has asked every candidate for office in the Town of Walkersville’s September 10, 2018 Election the same set of questions. All responses will be shared along with any links to their campaign sites and/or social media provided.
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  1. […] of the Town of Walkersville re-elected Burgess Chad Weddle and Commissioner Mary Ann Brodie-Ennis in the Town’s triennial elections Monday, September […]

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