Bel Air swears in two commissioners; Paula Eddings elected chair, Steve Chismar named vice chair

Paula Eddings and Gavin Hamley were sworn in as members of the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners at the town’s Nov. 17 meeting. Michelle Krasinski, clerk of the circuit court for Harford County, administered the oath that bound both officials to support the U.S. and state constitutions and to execute the office under the charter of the Town of Bel Air.

Following the oath, Commissioner Taylor nominated Eddings for a third term as chair; the nomination was seconded and approved by unanimous roll‑call vote. Commissioner Hanley nominated Steve Chismar for vice chair; that nomination was also seconded and approved unanimously.

Outgoing Commissioner Mary Chance was honored with a certificate of recognition noting her four years on the board and prior service in county administration. In remarks after the proclamation, Chance encouraged residents to volunteer for town boards and commissions and thanked staff for their work: “Service is the rent you pay for the space you occupy,” she said.

Eddings thanked voters and her colleagues after the vote: “I deeply appreciate the confidence you’ve placed in me, and I'll continue to do my very best to represent the town,” she said.

Next steps: the newly seated board began the evening’s agenda, including the appointment of a Cultural Arts Commission member and consideration of an amendment to the town’s finance policy.