Two New Commissioners in Upper Marlboro
Board Has Now Expanded from Three to Five Members
Two new Board of Commissioners were elected to office and will now hold a commissioner seat for the Town of Upper Marlboro. Karen Lott and Thomas J. Hanchett also received sufficient votes. Current Commissioners Janice Duckett, Sarah Franklin and Linda Pennoyer (Mayor) were all re-elected to the Board.
For the first time in its 326-year history, the Town of Upper Marlboro will now have five members on its governing Board of Commissioners, John Hoatson, Upper Marlboro Town Clerk announced Nov. 2.
Lott, a seven year resident of Upper Marlboro wants to invest in youth and community initiatives, infrastructure maintenance and upgrades to the town. She has a strong interest in revitalizing the downtown corridor to attract more businesses. As a Commercial Property Manager, Lott’s expertise in budgeting, contracts and planning is said to help facilitate future negotiations for the town.
Revitalization was a popular campaign topic. Hanchett as well has plans to create revitalization projects, including making the streets pedestrian-friendly. Another priority he added was to increase public safety.
The results of the elections were as follows:
Candidate Janice Duckett 82
Candidate Sarah Franklin 78
Candidate Karen Lott 78
Candidate Linda Pennoyer 68
Candidate Thomas J. Hanchett 66
Candidate Bryan Bontrager 29
Candidate Jeremy Gunnoe 04 (write-in candidate)
In August, the three-member Board of Commissioners unanimously passed a resolution that increased the composition of the Town's elected body from three to five members, consisting of four Commissioners and one President/Mayor. Hoatson said the five commissioners will be officially sworn in on Monday, Dec. 13, 2021 at 7:30 p.m.
