I never cease to be astonished at the audacity of some politicians, their certainty that voters are gullible chumps, too dumb or uncaring to understand and act on reality…AND that the pols can get away with anything. The Talbot Integrity Project has experienced it in the past—you watched the Lakeside fight play out, right?
Well, Frank Gunsallus’s brazen disregard for truth directly threatens the Town of Easton right now. In a flier last week, Mr. Gunsallus had the chutzpah to falsely claim not just that he opposes irresponsible growth, but—wait for it—that HE IS THE ONLY CANDIDATE WHO WILL STOP IRRESPONSIBLE GROWTH! Bullocks, as say the Brits.
Tell’em what they want to hear, Truth be damned! Affordable housing notwithstanding, Gunsallus and everyone else knows that Easton voters oppose excessive and unbridled development, the ungodly traffic it brings, ultimately the erosion of those charms that make Easton and Talbot County so special. So Frank claims to be the Champion of that view. Do not believe it for a nano-second.
TIP believes Mr. Gunsallus is backed (in spades, and with embarrassingly unprecedented money) by the same group of folks who at the County level supported—and continue to support—the Callahan/Steppe/Haythe faction that were the salvation of Lakeside. For three years that group (one a Democrat) simply ignored documented facts–aka, the truth–and charged forward doing whatever was needed to assure that outlandish development went forward undisturbed.
The Spy last week published a letter endorsing Mr. Gunsallus written by Tom Mitchell (like me, not a townie), the Trappe businessman and restauranteur who has so vociferously supported Lakeside at every turn. Very revealing, as birds of a feather do indeed flock together. (I will add that the politicians who have prominently endorsed Gunsallus—Johnny Mautz and Tom Hutchinson in particular—would never speak up regarding Lakeside, notwithstanding many entreaties, having had the facts explained, and that the issues involved State level skullduggery (e.g., Dept of Environment improprieties).
Contrast to all this to the fact that Don Abbatiello has an established, a multi-year record opposing the very “irresponsible growth” that Gunsallus headlined in his misleading flyer. TIP urges that folks vote for Don Abbatiello for Easton Council President.
Dan Watson
The Talbot Integrity Project
PS—Politics aside, in my experience Mr. Mitchell’s Mamma Maria bistro is terrific.
0 Responses
Fantastic letter! I hope many voters will read it and realize that they can’t believe everything a politician says in their literature.
Regarding the issue of transparency and campaign contributions many have asked about, Don Abbatiello has reported the names of his contributors, the amount of their contributions, and his campaign expenditures to the Town of Easton. This information available to the public at the Easton Town office.
Frank Gunsallus IV has reported contributors and contribution amounts to the State of Maryland. The link is below. In the Receiving Committee box, you must enter Gunsallus, Friends of. There are 3 pages of contributions, with the last entry listed as 12/18/2024. There are no postings of contributions made to his campaign since then and no information about how those contributions were spent.
https://campaignfinance.maryland.gov/Public/ViewReceipts?theme=vista
Don Abbatiello’s experience/record protecting Easton is exemplary. Don will be a great Town Council President and the Easton can return to civility – on many levels. It is now time for voters to due their part, and I appreciate all voters who take the time learn the facts and actively participate in the process. Here’s to democracy and a smooth election day everyone!
Thank goodness tomorrow is Election Day. The negativity is hard to keep up with, both sides. I am thankful that each of the candidates were interviewed and answered relevant questions. And I appreciated the Talbot Spy and the Avalon hosting the debate. All of my mailers just go into recycling. I agree most people want responsible growth and to do so in a way that protects the qualities and charm of Easton and Talbot County. Not sure how we got to 1027 new housing units passed with the county plan being capped at 1% per year. The Town of Easton’s population was 17,225 in 2023 so an additional 1027 by anyone’s math is above the 1% per year threshold. Let’s hope moving forward that all of our officials work together amicably to abide by the comprehensive plan.
Frank is a bit too shady and not forthcoming enough for me. Spins the “truth” in such a way that it is unrecognizable.
Great letter, Dan. You and TIP do good work.
Thank you Mr Watson for what I will take as a back door compliment for Momma Maria’s Bistro, selected as the best restaurant in Trappe for the last three years! Tom Mitchell