Five candidates set to run in Milton election
Five candidates have filed to run in this year’s municipal election in Milton, which is set for Saturday, March 1.
This year’s election will feature races for the mayor’s seat and two town council seats. The winners will be seated at the council's April meeting.
The mayor’s race will feature a matchup between incumbent Mayor John Collier and Vice Mayor Lee Revis-Plank.
Collier is seeking his second term as mayor after previously serving two nonconsecutive terms on council, as well as serving as the town’s project coordinator.
Of running for another term, Collier said, "During my first term as mayor, we’ve achieved much, but many important issues still need attention within the Milton community. While I would love to take sole credit for our accomplishments, they have been the result of collaborative efforts, as all major decisions require the majority support of the mayor and town council.
“I am seeking re-election to continue advancing Milton’s progress. Some key priorities include addressing flooding and enhancing flood resilience, improving traffic conditions, expanding maintenance and rehabilitation programs for our streets and water infrastructure, exploring new recreational opportunities for residents, and preparing for the next comprehensive plan. These are just a few of the important tasks ahead as we shape Milton's future," he said.
Revis-Plank is in her second full term on council, after being re-elected this past year.
“I decided to run for mayor because I think it is important for voters to have a choice of candidates. I want to be clear that I am not running in opposition to Mr. Collier. I’m running to give voters a choice in whom they would like to see in town leadership,” she said.
Among the priorities Revis-Plank would like to work on are projects related to parking in the town center, moving to solar energy, planning for future growth and financial stability, and improving the town’s communication with voters.
On the council side, three candidates have filed to run for two seats. There will be at least one new council member after incumbent Councilman Larry Savage did not file to run for another term.
Incumbent Tom Arkinson filed in mid-December to run for a full term in office after being appointed in 2023 to serve the remaining two years on Councilwoman Annette Babich’s term after Babich resigned her seat.
Arkinson said he’s seeking re-election to continue the work he has been doing since he was appointed.
“I have realized how important so many of the council’s decisions are and the level of detail involved in arriving at those decisions. In my mind, the qualities that are needed to be a good councilperson are for someone to be prepared and well-informed on agenda items, to be a good listener and hear all sides of an issue, and recognize that they are there to serve the greater good of the Town of Milton, not just for today, but for the future of Milton as well.”
A 20-year resident of Milton, Arkinson has previously been vice president of the Milton Community Foundation, vice president of the original Milton Farmers Market and president of the Charles Court II Homeowners Association. He said his platform is to make sure that Milton is able to keep the level and quality of municipal services the town currently has, respect and protect the historic character of Milton, ensure future taxes are consistent with the cost of living and that future tax increases will be predictable and reasonable, assure that any costs to the town created by new development be borne by the developers, protect natural resources including the Broadkill River, and support and encourage collaboration with nonprofit organizations.
Also filing to run are Robert Gray and Alan Pongratz.
Gray is a retired attorney who moved to Milton five years ago because he said he was drawn to the small-town charm. He said he decided to run because he wants to address issues the town faces in response to rapid development and population growth. Gray has previously served as chairman of the Calvert County Board of Education and currently serves on the Milton Board of Adjustment and the ad hoc committee on affordable housing.
“The biggest issue facing Milton in the upcoming years is the review and redrafting of the town’s comprehensive plan,” he said. “That plan will direct how Milton will look 10 to 15 years from now. It’s important to me to review the existing plan and be part of the team that develops the new plan to support continuity but implement the changes required to address Milton’s current and projected challenges. The new plan must include provisions for implementing adequate infrastructure in response to development, and balancing commercial and residential development in a way that maintains Milton’s unique qualities. I believe the plan must be citizen-driven and reflect the goals of the residents, businesses and public entities. I would invite citizen input at all levels to help develop and make the plan an effective tool.”
Gray said one of his other priorities will be to help encourage a vibrant, sustainable commercial sector.
“The residents of Milton alone cannot bear the costs of maintaining Milton as we all would like it to be,” he said.
Pongratz has lived in Cannery Village for the past 13 years with his wife, Jennifer. He formerly served as the water and sewer commissioner for the Town of Greenwood for 10 years and is currently employed by Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control as an environmental control supervisor. Pongratz serves with the Cannery Village Homeowners Association and is on the board of Milton Historical Society.
“I have always enjoyed working in local government to have a voice involving topics relating to town and county issues,” he said. “I would like to be involved in decision-making for responsible development, to be sure our resources and infrastructure are not overwhelmed. As the Town of Milton continues to grow, it would be an honor to work with fellow council members representing constituents in forthcoming events.”
