By Josh Davis, Associate Editor

(Jan. 11, 2018) Pocomoke City Councilwoman Esther Troast on Monday filed to run for re-election in District 5.

Troast, 64, is a Pocomoke native and is seeking a third term in office. She’s retired, but remains an avid photographer and prolific volunteer.

Serving in office, Troast said, is an extension of that volunteer spirit.

“I’ve always been involved in the community and always been a volunteer,” she said. “I volunteer for everything and I thought that if I’m a councilperson, I’d have a better say. And I find that’s true.

“I try to attend things, so I can learn. I’m constantly trying to educate myself on city government and I’m a team player,” she added. “I treat people with respect and in turn I feel like I get respect.”

Troast described herself as a peacemaker, hard worker and a positive person.

“I don’t let negativity become an issue in my life,” she said. “I live every day like it’s my last one and I think those vibes [rub off on others].”

She said working towards downtown revitalization and improving water quality were two of her proudest accomplishments in office.

“I love what we’ve done so far and I want to see through what we’ve started to do,” she said. “I think the council that we have now, even if you exclude me from the picture, is one of the best that we’ve ever had and I hope to be able to continue serving with them.”

Troast, as first vice president of the council, has filled in for Mayor Bruce Morrison since he was hospitalized in late November. She’s quick to say she has no plans to take over the position permanently.

“Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that I would ever have to fill in for him on anything,” she said. “I’m only keeping his seat warm and he’s going to be back. I know that in my mind — he’s our mayor and I have no aspirations to take his seat.

“I hope I’m making him proud,” she added. “I think that he’d be happy. We’ve been friends since we were teenagers.”

Troast announced her reelection bid at the end of the City Council meeting Monday night and said, regarding the mayor’s post, “I have no aspirations to continue sitting in this seat — I’m only keeping it warm until Bruce gets back. I’m all about running for my district and I hope I get the support of my constituents.”

District 4 Councilman Brian Hirshman on Monday announced he would not seek a second term, for personal reasons.

The filing deadline for Pocomoke City Council is Feb. 2 at 4:30 p.m. and the election is set for April 3.