Allen Authenreath returns to Rising Sun service

RISING SUN — Former Rising Sun Commissioner James “Allen” Authenreath has returned to the town to serve on the Planning Commission, even though he remains a resident of Delaware.

Rising Sun has a clause in its regulations that allow for one member of the planning board to be an out of town resident. It was a position held for many years by Judith Fisher, a Pennsylvania resident with ties to the town.

“I contacted Allen,” said Mayor Travis Marion, who knew Authenreath might be interested.

Authenreath was interested and said Tuesday getting to the twice-monthly meetings would be no problem.

“I can come to the meetings on my way home from Baltimore,” Authenreath said of his full-time job with the State of Maryland.

He was a member of the town’s Planning Commission starting in 2007 and until he was appointed to Tom Mumey’s open seat when Mumey — in 2011 — was elevated to the mayor’s seat.

Authenreath won a seat on the board of commissioners in Oct. 2015 and was a member of the board until his move to Delaware in May 2020. At the time of his departure, Commissioner Dave Warnick appreciated Authenreath’s dedication to Rising Sun.

“He was a critical part of the successful completion of the water and sewer projects and a tireless advocate for the small business community in Rising Sun,” Warnick said. “He always had a measured and thoughtful response while being respectful of your thoughts and opinions. He could be swayed by a sound argument, qualities that are so painfully lacking in the current political climate of one-ups-man ship that we see in higher offices.”

“I just look forward to serving the town again,” Authenreath said, adding he also still visits Rising Sun to see friends and to shop.

Also at the town meeting, the mayor and commissioners passed Ordinance 2024-07, which clarifies the language for membership on town boards and commissions.

“This allows for one member of the Planning Commission to be a non resident,” Calvin Bonenberger, town administrator, said. The ordinance also spells out a list of experiences and pre-requisites, adding that town employees may not be on the board. “But it could be a non-resident with an interest in serving the town.”