File:Mayor Karin Tome Post May 4, 2016.jpg

Brunswick Government:

Brunswick mayor will have opponent in August election By Patti Borda Mullins Frederick News Post

BRUNSWICK — Brunswick’s municipal election in August will feature a mayoral race. Councilman Jeff Snoots has filed to run for mayor, challenging incumbent Karin Tome. Tome, who was first elected to the council in 2008, is finishing her first four-year term as mayor. Of the city’s six council members, three have terms that expire in August — Ellis Burruss, Walt Stull and Angel White. White has filed to run again. All seats are at large. The terms of councilmen Carroll Jones, Harry Lashley and Snoots expire in August 2018. If Snoots loses the mayoral race, he will remain on the council, where he is serving his second term. If he wins Aug. 2, the city will fill his unexpired term with a special election. Both mayoral candidates said downtown’s economic development is a high priority. Snoots said too little has been done so far. “We talk about stuff, but I don’t think we move fast enough,” he said. Tome cited the city’s recent decision to buy two buildings on Potomac Street as proof of the city’s commitment to revitalizing the business sector. Smoketown Brewing Station’s opening this spring in the former fire station on Potomac Street demonstrates the city’s economic viability, she said. “I want to see us moving in a direction that is a positive direction,” Tome said. “I want to keep that momentum going.” Snoots wants to see some changes and better customer service. “Communication’s an issue,” he said. Snoots recommended that the economic development program called Main Street be “reorganized.” “I want us to sit down and really look at Main Street. ... Let’s see where we’re falling down,” he said. Candidates have until July 1 to file for the Aug. 2 election. To qualify, candidates must present a petition with signatures of at least 20 registered voters.