POCOMOKE — With Tuesday’s filing deadline passing, Commissioner Merrill Lockfaw, who represents District 1, is unopposed for his second term.
A freshman commissioner, Lockfaw attributed his unopposed bid for re-election to the trust that he has developed in his district over the last four years.
“In talking with my constituents in this district, I think they all are very happy,” he said. “A lot of them expressed that I had done a good job and deserved to go back in to represent them.”
Lockfaw said that he endeavored during his first term to vote for his district instead of just his own opinion and to be available to any constituent who wanted to talk.
“I try to listen to the wishes of the people and vote accordingly to that. Any time that they call on me when they have problems or issues I’m available to them,” he said.
While Lockfaw could still have a write-in opponent, historically if no challenger has filed before the official deadline of Feb. 25 a re-election is likely. Having at least one veteran on the commission could be good for the county as all of Lockfaw’s other incumbents do face at least one challenger each and in District 4 three challengers. It sets up the potential for a near sweep of the commission since three commissioners, Judy Boggs, Louise Gulyas and Jim Purnell, have already announced intentions to retire.
“I think it’s a good thing when you at least have a few of the old commissioners coming back because they’re already up to speed on a lot of the business of the county that’s in process and taking place,” said Lockfaw. “And they can kind of help guide the others and get them up to speed as well.”
Even if the other incumbents win their seats back next November, Lockfaw is predicting a transitional period.
“The new commissioners coming onboard, there’s got to be a learning process and time of adjustment and should any of the other incumbents be beat out it’s definitely going to be a great turnover,” he said.
Lockfaw may be the only incumbent that’s uncontested this election but that won’t stop him from campaigning. He confirmed that he will be putting soles to the pavement during this election cycle and maintaining a presence not just in District 1 but across the county.
“I still plan on being out there and meeting the public. I still plan on getting signs out and attending various functions just as I normally would,” he said.