By Ally Lanasa, Staff Writer

Globe general manager first to file for top post, wants to maintain town’s integrity

(July 2, 2020) William “Bill” Todd, 35, is the first candidate to file for mayor in the Berlin 2020 election.

Todd filed on June 18 for the position that has been held by Mayor Gee Williams for 12 years.

“I want to be mayor of Berlin because I’ve lived here a long time,” Todd said. “I’ve got a tremendous interest in raising a family here, and I just have so much love for this town.”

William “Bill” Todd

Todd was born and raised in West Ocean City. He said he learned how to ride a bicycle in Berlin and annually came to town for events growing up.

“It’s probably been about 10 years since I’ve moved here, and I’ve been thinking about holding public office since I was a kid,” Todd said. “My great uncle was involved in politics, and I kind of wanted to follow his footsteps.”

Todd became the fourth candidate to file for the town’s Oct. 6 municipal election, with the other three seeking a seat on the Town Council. Jack Orris is running for District 2 councilmember and Jay Knerr and Tony Weeg both filed for the at-large being vacated by Councilman Thom Gulyas in September, when he relocates to another part of the county.

Currently, Todd is the general manager of The Globe. Prior to this position, he worked with Burley Oak Brewing Co. for about nine years. 

“[I’m] interested in making sure Berlin remains what it is now,” Todd said. “My whole thing is to keep the integrity [and] the beauty of Berlin while keeping an eye towards the future.”

Issues Todd plans to address in his campaign are public safety, the budget, the Heron Park project and open communication between residents and elected officials.

“I know that the town broadcasts their council meetings … but it seems as if it’s the bare minimum,” Todd said. “I think a lot of things that happen, people don’t find out about it until after the fact, and then they get really upset. I’d like to make sure that if there’s a big decision on the table, that everybody knows about it.”

He also wants to put more emphasis on arts and entertainment in the area.

For years, Todd has booked the bands for the Burley Oak Brewing Co.

“I’ve been very fortunate to work with people and have national acts come through. We’ve had some amazing acts come through the area,” Todd said. “Unfortunately, with the covid-19 –I had so many great things planned for Burley Oak over the summer—I had to cancel every single one of them.”

When The Globe reopens, it will feature live entertainment and occasionally national acts.

“Any kind of music you can think of,” Todd said. “We’re inclusive to everything. If it’s good, it’s good.”

Within the next few weeks, Todd will announce more details about his objectives for the town.

“I love it here. This is my place, so I want to make sure that it stays what it is,” Todd said. “The Berlin charm is something that you really can’t put your finger on. You really can’t. There’s something about this place that makes it so great. It has everything to do with the people here, and I want to make sure that I serve those people to the best of my ability.”

For more information about voting and the 2020 municipal election, visit berlinmd.gov.