By Josh Davis, Associate Editor

(Jan. 25, 2018) Pocomoke native Todd Nock, 27, this week announced his filing for City Council, District 4.

The seat is being vacated by Brian Hirshman, who announced earlier this month he would not run for reelection for personal reasons.

Nock studied business administration at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. As a child, he attended the Macedonia Baptist Church in Pocomoke and presently attends the First Baptist Church in Salisbury.

He said the controversial firing of former Police Chief Kelvin Sewell in 2015 was a factor in his candidacy.

“A couple years ago, Chief Kelvin Sewell was wrongfully terminated by the city of Pocomoke. That opened up the citizens’ eyes that things just weren’t going right at City Hall and it was time for us to get active and get involved in our local lawmaking procedures,” he said.

“Things are very unclear to us – the citizens still don’t know exactly what took place,” Nock added. “Honestly, I don’t believe we’ll ever find out.”

Also a factor, he said, was former District 4 Councilwoman Tracey Cottman’s abrupt withdrawal from the race that allowed Hirshman to be elected, unopposed, three years ago.

“Tracey Cottman was in the seat for a substantial period of time and she decided to drop out of the race, which left the seat vacant completely,” Nock said. “Brian Hirshman is not a native of Pocomoke and nobody really in the district knew who Brian Hirshman was.

“The Fourth District in Pocomoke is not a big district – it’s not as big as District 1. So, for us to not know you and for you to not know us, that raised concerns,” he added. “I felt like, honestly, the district needed someone to represent them that knew them. How can you be a voice for the people if you don’t know the people’s voice?”

If elected, Nock said he would work toward beautifying the town.

“Pocomoke is a beautiful town. We’re right there on the water, we’ve got awesome wildlife. I used to work as a park ranger on Assateague, so I like to say I’m one with nature,” Nock said. “Pocomoke has the ability to be beautiful.”

He said he would like to see vacant buildings like the former Salvation Army rehabbed and to see roadways improved.

“I just want to be a voice for the people. I want to be the peoples’ person. I want to be the peoples’ candidate and hope that people will see it my way on [Election Day],” Nock said. “I’m looking forward to getting in there and getting to work.”

Nock added he has not always seen eye to eye with officials at City Hall, but wants to move forward.

He is currently running unopposed.

The only other filing, as of press time, is incumbent Esther Troast in District 5. The deadline to file is Friday, Feb. 2 at 5 p.m. at City Hall on 101 Clarke Avenue.

The fee for filing is $25. A City Council member must be at least 21 years of age, a registered voter in the city and a resident of the district they wish to represent for at least one year immediately preceding their election.

The election will be held on Tuesday, April 3 at the Pocomoke Library on Market Street. Winning candidates will take office April 9 to serve a three-year term.

The voter registration deadline is March 2.