Last night, the Talbot County Council rejected a proposal by Councilmember Dave Stepp to remove the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) statement from the County’s employee handbook and website. The Stepp resolution gained the vote of Council President Chuck Callahan but was voted down by members Keasha Haythe, Pete Lesher, and Lynn Mielke. Before the vote, each member took the opportunity to comment on the proposal.
Here are the highlights of those comments.
Gordon Hilldabrent says
Thank you for 3 Council members with common sense. Stepp you may want put your efforts into things that really matter like housing, seniors, water issues in the towns and bringing the county together. Also love watching you on video in your spy interview saying that diversity is the key to Talbot county.
Let the voters also see how disconnected you are from the issues in this county. All one has to do is watch the current budget negotiations on the county website. All anyone sees is Dave on his cell phone.
Rick Hughes says
We attended both Council meetings, and we’re very happy with the outcome. The three voting to kill this unnecessary, politically motivated, resolution are to be applauded for doing their homework and coming prepared with accurate information. I know there are some who will say (to spin this) that voices weren’t heard and that the public was not allowed to speak… but that isn’t true. Two weeks ago, at the first hearing for this Resolution, the matter was tabled and vote delayed in order for all those who wished to speak to do so at the end of the meeting. Following public comments, a motion was made to remove the Resolution from the table in order to proceed with a vote. Mr. Stepp objected and this led to the issue being postponed and coming forward again last night. Kudos to all three who voted correctly on this matter, and a special THANK YOU to Councilwoman Haythe for clearly, strongly and professionally standing her ground in the face of adversity and false comments that were directed straight at her; it was quite impressive. Talbot County is strong because of each and every resident.. we are a diverse community and we’re proud of it. Let’s not let the division being sowed in DC trickle down and infect Talbot County.
Mary Hunt-Miller says
Very well said Rick! I was present and quite proud of Councilmembers Lesher, Haythe, and Mielke who voted down the resolution to repeal DEI statements in the employee handbook. These representatives are to be applauded for their good sense and courage in the face of adversity. They showed genuine care for ALL the people of Talbot County and stood up for their principles!
Katherine Foster says
Bravo, Council!
Vickie Wilson says
Thank you Mrs Haythe, Mr .Lesher and Mrs Mielke for using your common sense. I appreciate each of you.
Tina Grace Jones says
Thank you Council Members Lesher, Mielke, and Haythe for once again demonstrating your commitment to serve all Talbot Countians.
Doug Holly says
It was interesting to hear Council President Chuck Callahan support the proposal by acknowledging President Lyndon Johnson signing the Equal Rights Amendment on July 2, 1964 as a key foundation that should not be elaborated on. And while signing the Equal Rights Amendment was a critical event that provided legal protection for human rights, even LBJ acknowledged that this was not enough.
The following year, he elaborated in a speech at Howard University on June 4, 1965: “You do not take a person who, for years, has been hobbled by chains and liberate him, bring him up to the starting line of a race and then say, “you are free to compete with all the others,” and still justly believe that you have been completely fair.”
We all benefit from helping our community be its best self, not just providing opportunities but also providing the support needed so everyone can achieve success.
William Keppen says
Since this came up, basically in Trump country, I am so proud of the Council’s vote on this matter. I wish it had been 5-0 against the motion to remove the statement. Proud American