The Town Council meeting last night reflected the very best of the Easton community and a decidedly low moment of parliamentary discourse, all within the span of a few hours.
The spiritual high was the moving declaration of support for the people of Israel read by Mayor Megan Cook and a response from Rabbi Peter Hyman of Temple B’nai Israel. It was a moment that moved the entire assembly as the community continued to mourn the tragic loss of life after the Hamas terrorist attack on Jewish communities near the Gaza Strip on October 7th.
Unfortunately, that sense of unity quickly dissipated over what initially appeared to be a minor disagreement on when the Council would vote on a moratorium on approving recreational and medical cannabis operations in Easton.
Council President Frank Gunsallus favored tabling the moratorium vote until the next meeting in early November, when the Council would have more information from the town’s Planning and Zoning Commission, which is also studying the issue. Councilmember David Montgomery felt most of the Council was prepared to vote that evening, as per a previous agreement with council members.
In response, Gunsallus, citing powers he believed were bestowed by charter to the Easton council president, announced that he would use his authority alone to table the discussion. The result sparked outrage from Montgomery as fellow council members and the mayor seemed stunned by the rapid change of atmosphere.
Ultimately, the Council agreed to wait another two weeks before voting on the cannabis moratorium. It may take more than a few weeks for the Council to recover from this unnerving and extremely rare display of discourtesy in the town council chamber.
Holly Wright says
People may not be aware that the core of Frank Gunsallus’s supporters are from the hard political right. He ran as an independent to run to the right of traditional Republicans. He may think an arrogant Trump style cult of personality will work in Easton. Think again.
Alan Boisvert says
Agree about Franks rude Trumpee style, very arrogant and potentially poisonous to the Town of Easton. Shame on Gunsallus’s attitude and demeanor.
Pete Cerutti says
I think you need to give Frank some grace here. He is new and trying to do the right thing. Beating up on Frank was unprofessional. Try some mentorship instead of criticism. Will make Easton a more respectable town.
Holly Wright says
I have offered some heartfelt mentorship to him on Election Day as he is the same age as my daughter. But the extent to which this man is being publicly infantilized is a mystery to me.
Alan Boisvert says
Pete, I’d suggest you direct your comments to Frank and not Holly.
Len Foxwell says
Frank Gunsallus’ mask has slipped off. This is who and what he is.
Clara Kelly says
I did not vote for Mr. Gunsallus, but I want him to succeed for the benefit of all of us.
Easton is a member of the Maryland Municipal League. The league has a leadership certificate program which will help educate Mr. Gunsallus on a host of governance topics. OJT during his term of office will not be sufficient for him to gain the general knowledge — Basics of Risk Management, Conducting Effective Meetings, Consensus and Team Building, Ethics, Municipal Budgeting, Open Meetings, etc. (not just the the idiosyncrasies of the TOE) he needs going forward.
If Mr. Gunsallus is serious about fulfilling the promises he made as a candidate, he should be willing to put in the time necessary to gain the requisite skills.
Pam Reynolds says
Constructive and objective recommendation, Clara. Let’s hope that Mr. Gunsallus will consider this leadership certificate program. Better yet, maybe all council members should consider attending.
Bishop Joel Marcus Johnson says
I hereby offer a citizen’s resolution: That hereafter town council meetings shall be open by ticketed admission, the proceeds constituting a cabaret tax to benefit widows and orphans of town council members.
Barbara Denton says
Well, that is a sarcastic comment which adds nothing to the dialogue.
Mr. Gunsallus probably needs some training to gain the skills he needs to be an effective Council President. Rudeness and throwing your weight around is not the route to take. However, I seriously doubt he would ever want mentorship from Holly Wright.
Holly Wright says
My advice to Frank was and is not to let his supporters make him a victim and make excuses or he’ll never be able to take accountability and stand up for himself.
Travis Taylor says
Frank Gunsallus’s thank you for being a voice for the people under 65 ! Those old white heads love to bully
But push their agenda with no facts or eduction just an outdated old opinon.
Daniel Menefee says
Mr. Gunsallus
Read Article II of the Easton’s Town Charter. There’s nothing in it that gives the Council President veto power to table a vote.
Only the Mayor has veto power, read Article III, after the council votes and presents a bill to the mayor.
Better to work with your colleagues than brow beat them.