Hurley wins reelection to Ridgely commissioner seat

RIDGELY — The classic battle between new voices and the incumbent’s steady hand was played out in the Ridgely Commissioner’s race on Monday. There were three people seeking one of the commissioners’ seats representing this town of 1,605. These included Lakia Harris-Pierce, Chad Leister and John Hurley.

John Hurley was elected to another term as a commissioner for the Town of Ridgely Monday.

Hurley won a three-way election against Lakia Harris-Pierce, Chad Leister with 69 votes. Leister had 53 and Harris-Pierce had 18.

Hurley joins Anthony Casey and Leonard John Buckle on the commission. He will serve a three year term.

Stephanie Berkey, the town clerk and treasurer said, “It was a good turnout. It was very nice to see this many turn out for the election. There were lots of younger voters.”

Hurley has serves as a Ridgely commissioner since 2012.

“I feel thankful,” he said. “In my 12 years in the town, we have gone from a deficit to a surplus. We have not raised taxes. It was a large turnout for the town. I know it was over 100 people who came out and voted.”

Looking forward, he said he is well aware that the tax base of a town of 1,605 is small, and he plans to work to maximize the town’s financial security and responsibility.

“There is only so much money in the pot to go around. I think we make very good use of our money. We have one of the lower water and sewer rates in the county. I hope to not raise taxes in the future,” Hurley said.

According to the Town of Ridgely website, “Ridgely is governed by three Commissioners who are elected to three-year terms. Terms are staggered, so one Commissioner is elected each year in April. Town elections are held on the 4th Monday of April. There are no term limits for Town Commissioners. Each Commissioner serves as President in the final year of their term.”

The commissioners meet on the first Monday of every month at 6 p.m. in the town hall.