CUMBERLAND — Ray Morriss, incumbent mayor of Cumberland, and challenger Darrell Lee Powell were the top vote-getters in Tuesday’s primary election.
With all six precints reporting, Morriss garnered 1,004 votes, followed by Powell with 438, according to the Maryland State Board of Elections.
“We’re happy with the results, but we still need to be prepared for general in November,” Morriss said late Tuesday. “My only disappointment is the low voter turnout. I hope it shows they are content with things, but it is disappointing.”
The nonpartisan mayoral contest had four candidates, with William Taccino placing third with 184 votes and Dana Tinnen fourth with 168 votes.
The top two finishers in the voting move on to the Nov. 3 general election.
Powell is known from his former job as an on-air reporter for the former WHAG-TV in Hagerstown. Powell provided video reporting from across Western Maryland.
Morriss, a retired CSX Cumberland Terminal manager, was first elected mayor in 2018. With the mayor serving four years, Morriss is hoping to win a third term.
According to the city charter, there is no limit to the number of terms a mayor can serve.
By percentage, Morriss received 56%; Powell 24.4%; Taccino 10.3% and Tinnen 9.4%.
“I think I ran because there were a lot of things that we weren’t done with,” said Morriss.
According to Morriss, the rebuilding of the three damaged West Side bridges with their federal process require further work.
“Also I want to keep working on the Canal Place River Park,” said Morriss. “I think that is something I want to keep moving.
“Also, housing in the city. We’ve done some things but we need to do more. We are working on the old Allegany High School site and the former Memorial Hospital site. Those are the things that keep me motivated to want to do more for the city.”