Hagerstown mayoral race draws write-in candidate

HAGERSTOWN, Md. ( DC News Now ) — In western Maryland, the race for mayor is welcoming a new candidate.

Small business owner Mark Wilks is collecting signatures to challenge Bill McIntyre, the owner of a commercial heating and air conditioning company in the city.

Wilks said he is running “to bring solutions to city hall.”

“Having one candidate is not an election,” Wilks said. “It’s a selection. What I offer the city is solutions.”

McIntrye noted that the “field got a little more crowded.”

“But I welcome the competition,” he said. “It’s great for democracy. It’s not about the names on the ballot. It’s about who has the vision and experience to lead this city forward.”

McIntyre was supposed to face Bill Shutte in the general election but Shutte withdrew earlier this month citing demands at his business, an IT provider.

Incumbent Mayor Tekesha Martinez did not seek another term.

The election will be held on Nov. 5.

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