BERLIN, Md.- The presidential election is still five weeks away but for people in the town of Berlin, there's an election before that.
America's "coolest small town" is heating up as election day is only a week away. Four people are challenging longtime incumbent William G. "Gee" Williams, III who is seeking re-election.
Williams says that he would like to be re-elected for one more term to "finish things that we started and to repair things that I think the next generation of leadership can take us forward At this time I don't feel there is anyone to hand the baton off to."
Jennifer Allen is one of the candidates challenging Williams. The former registered nurse hopes her position as an outside helps her in the election.
"I am not a part of the 'good 'ol boy network'. I'm not one of the 'cronies' in town... I really would like to do the job because I really think the people down here deserve more than what they have." Allen moved to Berlin in 2016.
Bill Todd is another challenger. He's a political newcomer but says if elected, he would keep a keen eye on the towns finances.
"I love this town. I've been here a long time," he says, "And I've got every want in the world to make sure that we progress in the right way and move forward in a smart fashion."
Todd says that he wants Berlin to focus more on arts and entertainment. He hopes to make the small town the "Austin, Texas, of Maryland".
Zack Tyndall, who has served on the town council for four years, tells WBOC that he believes "Berlin is not being managed efficiently or effectively. The people of Berlin need a mayor who is fiscally conservative..."
The final candidate is Ronald Birely, who WBOC was not able to contact.
Election Day in Berlin is next Tuesday, Oct. 6. Polling locations will be open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Voters in Districts 1 and 2 will vote at Buckingham Presbyterian Church at 20 S. Main St. Voters in Districts 3 and 4 will vote at the Berlin Police Department at 129 Decatur St.
