Manchester Mayor Elmer C. Lippy Jr., a former Carroll County commissioner and a fixture in local politics for 15 years, said yesterday that he will not seek a third term as mayor, noting health concerns.

"It's time to hang it up and enjoy retirement without the headaches and responsibilities of public office," said Lippy, 78, referring to a $1,200-a-year job that means getting phone calls at all hours.

The mayor's seat and two Town Council positions are open for the May 18 election. No one has filed to run for mayor. Two candidates have filed for the council. The deadline to register is Monday.

Lippy has served split stints as mayor and one term as county commissioner since retiring in 1985 as a senior chemist with Lever Bros. in Baltimore. A Democrat, he served on the Town Council for two years before his election as mayor in 1987. He won his second four-year term in 1995, defeating his second cousin for the job.

Lippy was a county commissioner from 1990 to 1994. He lost his bid for a second term in 1994 and ran unsuccessfully for Orphan's Court judge last fall.

Before the November election, Lippy joked that his "super-maturity" would serve the public well. But Lippy said yesterday that he is taking medicine for high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

The only running he plans to do after his term expires, he said, is chasing after Mindy, his cocker spaniel, on their daily walks.

"Manchester is losing a fine gentleman who has done his best to keep divergent personalities working together for the good of the town," said David Warner, a retired Manchester town manager.

"I've known him forever, and we are close personal friends," said Warner. "Elmer has always had a genuine concern for Manchester and demonstrated a lot of patience over the years listening to people."

Lippy has governed with an affable sense of humor, often defusing complaints with a cheery telephone greeting: "Hello, this is Mayor Elmer. How can I help you?"

In his first mayoral term, Lippy oversaw an $11 million upgrade of Manchester's wastewater-treatment plant, mainly with federal grants.

He also has worked to develop alternative sources of drinking water for the growing area.

County Commissioner Julia Walsh Gouge, a former mayor of Hampstead who was first elected commissioner in 1990, the same year as Lippy, called him "very respected, a man who respects others."

This month, Gouge and Lippy stood side by side in Annapolis, lobbying Gov. Parris N. Glendening to reconsider removing financing for a Manchester bypass.

"We didn't always agree, but we didn't argue either," Gouge, a Republican, said of her political dealings with Lippy.

"I applaud him for all he has done for Manchester and Carroll County and hope that he and Mabel, his wife, enjoy some time together."

The Lippys have been married 54 years.

A. Geoffrey Rice and Howard Grundland have filed to run for the council seats held by incumbents Christopher B. D'Amario and James J. Singer. Neither councilman has filed for re-election, officials said.

The other council members, Joseph Jordan, Daniel Riley and Brooks Rugemer, were elected to the five-member board in 1997.

Candidates may file with the Board of Election Supervisors on or before Monday. Nominations also will be accepted at a meeting in the Town Office, 3208 York St., from 7: 30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Monday.

Candidates must have lived in Manchester for at least one year before the May 18 election and must be registered voters.

The deadline to register to vote is 4: 30 p.m. May 3. Town residents may also register to vote with the county Supervisor of Elections at 224 N. Center St. in Westminster before 5 p.m. April 19.

Manchester, which has a population of 3,250, has more than 1,500 registered voters.

Pub Date: 3/30/99