MENU

Sections

More

June 22, 2025

Talbot Spy

Nonpartisan Education-based News for Talbot County Community

5 News Notes

Talbot Democratic Party Elects New Officers for 2020 – 2022 Terms

by

The Talbot County Democratic Central Committee (Talbot Democratic Party) is pleased to announce the unanimous election of officers for the 2020 – 2022 term:

Chair – Patrick Firth of Trappe has been a member of the Central Committee since in April 2018. His previous political and professional experiences include volunteering for both the 2008 & 2012 Obama campaigns, working on countless local, state & federal campaigns in both Maryland & Virginia, and interning for the Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) on the Senate Democratic Steering & Outreach Committee.

Vice-Chair – Naomi Hyman of Easton has over 30 years’ experience as an organizer in Democratic politics and was appointed to the Central Committee at the beginning of this year. She was a 2018 Democratic nominee for Talbot County Council and, since then, has been a key leader of the Talbot Democratic Party’s voter organizing subcommittee, Roots to Results.

Treasurer – Abe Kruger of Oxford will continue as Treasurer.  He has been a member of the Central Committee since his appointment in the Summer of 2018. Abe has been an active organizer since volunteering for the Obama campaign in 2012. Since then, Abe has been a key volunteer and leader for almost all local elections in Talbot County.

Secretary – Nancy Andrew of Easton was appointed to the Central Committee after her leading role in the Jesse Colvin campaign. Born and raised in Talbot County, Nancy is a member of the Rotary Club of Easton and an organizer with Better Angels, a citizen’s organization uniting red and blue Americans in a working alliance to depolarize America. Nancy brings twenty years of experience in nonprofit management, community organizing, and volunteer engagement to the Democratic Party.

“Thanks to the steadfast leadership of Chair Scott Kane, the Talbot Democratic Party is in a fantastic position to make significant gains over the next two election cycles,” said incoming chair Patrick Firth. “We should always remember that the successes of today, tomorrow, and of the future are only made possible due to the strong foundation laid down before us.”

Throughout Scott’s tenure, he strengthened Talbot’s ties with the State Party by drawing attention to the needs of rural communities like ours,oversaw the development of a robust local candidate recruitment and training program, and led us to electoral victories in Talbot and throughout the Mid-Shore region.

As the torch passes, we will focus on deepening our connections within our communities, educating our constituents on the key legislative issues impacting Talbot County, and elevating the level of debate in this County. The Talbot Dems will continue to serve the people of Talbot County and to fight for the principles of equality, justice, and opportunity for all.”

The Talbot County Democratic Central Committee is the governing body of the Democratic Party for Talbot County and represents Talbot County as its delegation to the Maryland State Democratic Central Committee. Your ten Central Committee members are elected to four-year terms in Maryland’s Democratic Primary. Our mission is to seek out, train, support, and elect Democratic candidates in Talbot County, State District 37, and U.S. Congressional District 1.

Your Talbot County Democratic Central Committee

Patrick Firth, Chair

Naomi Hyman, Vice Chair

Abe Kruger, Treasurer

Nancy Andrew, Secretary

Walter Chase

Gene Counihan

Wanda Green

Lesley Israel

Scott Kane

Judy Wixted

Don’t miss the latest! You can subscribe to The Talbot Spy‘s free Daily Intelligence Report here

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Oceana Environmental Speaker to Talk on Plastic/Single-Use Paper Bag Legislation

by

Join the Talbot County Democratic Forum for a very special Environmental Committee presentation by Jacob Ross, Field Director of Oceana presentation on how we can participate in the crucial issue of ocean clean up. It is set for 7:00 PM on Thursday, February 20 at Dem HQ, 26 S. Dover Street in Easton

2020 is the year for the Maryland State Legislature to pass landmark legislation that will reduce single-use plastic pollution at the source. Join Oceana and the Talbot County Democrats as we unveil 2020 state bills for reducing single-use plastic waste, including HB 209/SB 313, which bans plastic bags and places a price floor on other single-use bags and HB 13/SB 28, which prohibits the intentional release of certain balloons. In addition, we will discuss new science about the plastics crisis and the need for local government action to address it.

Mr. Ross will share how Northern California’s plastic bag ban has successfully cut single-use paper and plastic bags by 80%! 2020 is also the year that Maryland can continue to be the leader in addressing the crisis of single-use plastics. The bills will be voted on soon, so the time to advocate for our health and environment is now!

We hope you will attend this important meeting and learn the details of how we can participate directly in this effort.

Don’t miss the latest! You can subscribe to The Talbot Spy‘s free Daily Intelligence Report here

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Senator Chris Van Hollen to Speak at Kennedy-King Unity Dinner

by

 

The Talbot County Democratic Forum’s 2019 Kennedy-King Unity Dinner will be held on October 20 at the Milestone Event Center. The event begins with a reception at 5:30 PM, followed by dinner and keynote speaker U. S. Senator Chris Van Hollen.

Talbot County Democratic Forum President Mickey Terrone said that the goals of Kennedy-King Untity Dinner are to provide a venue for dialogue and insight into current issues and encourage participation in our 2020 election. As chair of the 2018 Senatorial Campaign Committee, Senator Van Hollen quoted his friend, Congressman John Lewis: “The vote is precious. It is almost sacred. It is the most powerful nonviolent tool we have in a democratic society, and we’ve got to use it.”

Committed to finding common sense solutions to everyday problems, in 2015 Congressman Van Hollen released a comprehensive plan to address the problem of growing inequality and build an economy that works for everyone. His priorities included “creating more and better jobs, strengthening small businesses, and increasing educational and job training opportunities for individuals of all ages and in every community.”

Elected by a strong majority to replace retiring Senator Barbara Mikulski in 2016, Senator Van Hollen has co-sponsored bills addressing the cost of drugs, nuclear proliferation in Saudi Arabia, limits on Russian nuclear forces in relation to the expiration of the START treaty, and voter registration efforts. He is also encouraging a senate vote on the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019 passed in the House to address gun violence.

Senator Van Hollen firmly believes that our country must live up to its promise of equal rights and equal opportunity for all and remains committed to common sense solutions to the problems we are facing. Current events will be addressed, and before adjourning the Talbot County Democratic Central Committee will present its Democrat of the Year award and the Talbot County Democratic Women’s Club will present its Woman of the Year Award.

Cost is $50 per person. For more information and reservations, visit demforum.com

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Presentation on Talbot County Budget and Property Taxation Issues

by

The Talbot County Democratic Forum is hosting an important public presentation and discussion entitled “Straight Talk on the Talbot County Budget and Property Taxation,” on Wednesday, June 13th, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM, at Talbot Democratic Headquarters, located at 26 West Dover Street, Easton, MD 21601.

This will be an evening of conversation and questions about the interaction of the property tax, revenue cap, and educational spending in Talbot County. Featured speakers include Jennifer Williams, President, Talbot County Council; and, Kelly Griffith, Superintendent, Talbot County Public Schools.

This 7:00 – 9:00 PM educational program at Democratic Headquarters on Wednesday, June 13th, is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.

The Talbot County Democratic Forum is the official Democratic Club of Talbot County, created to promote democratic ideals, and help educate the public on important political, economic, and social issues of interest to our community.

For more information, contact Forum President Rick Schiming at: [email protected].

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Seven County Council Candidates to Address Talbot Democratic Forum June 1

by

The Talbot County Democratic Forum is hosting a Democratic County Council Candidates Presentation on Friday, June 1st. This “First Friday” event will start at 5:00 PM, with fabulous food, beverages, and music, at Democratic Headquarters, located at 26 West Dover Street, Easton, MD 21601. The Council candidates’ presentations will start at 5:45 PM.

There are seven Democratic candidates running for nomination to the five positions on the Talbot County Council. The candidates are Keasha Haythe, Naomi Hyman, Pete Lesher, Robin Page, Rose Potter, Maureen Scott-Taylor, and Dominic “Mickey” Terrone. Each candidate will make a brief presentation, to be followed by an audience question-and-answer period.

This 5:00 – 7:00 PM Democratic County Council Candidates event on Friday, June 1, is free and open to the public.

The Talbot County Democratic Forum is the official Democratic Club of Talbot County, created to promote democratic ideals, and help educate the public on important political, economic, and social issues of interest to our community.

For more information, contact Forum President Rick Schiming at: [email protected].

 

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Annual Meeting of Talbot County Democratic Forum

by

1st District Democratic Congressional Candidates Jesse Colvin, Allison Galbraith, Michael Pullen, and Steve Worton will speak at the annual meeting of the Talbot County Democratic Forum on Sunday, March 18 at Easton’s Avalon Theatre.

The social hour begins at 4 pm, accompanied by the Forum’s fabulous smorgasbord and Talbot County Democratic Women’s Club’s silent auction. Following a call to order from Forum President Rick Schiming at 5 pm and a brief business meeting, Talbot County Democratic Central Committee Chairman Scott Kane and the candidates will speak to our cause in the coming election.

Jesse Colvin, Allison Galbraith, Michael Pullen, Steve Worton

Marylander Jesse Colvin spent a semester in Egypt, lived in Syria, taught English to Iraqi students, and served four tours of duty as an Army Ranger in Afghanistan. He then became a consultant to business and government executives, and more recently, he has married and become an expectant father.

Allison Galbraith is a native Marylander, mom, and business owner specializing in federal contracting. Having dealt with the complexities of working with both veteran-owned small businesses and government agencies, she believes that a government of the people can and must work for the people.

Having served as Talbot County Attorney and worked with both Republican and Democratic county councils over the past 24 years, Michael Pullen is intimately aware of Eastern Shore issues. He founded the grassroots organization Talbot Rising, became a delegate to the 2016 Democratic National Convention, and left his position as County Attorney to run for Congress.

Candidate Steve Worton worked 33 years for the Department of Defense, managing over 3,000 people at 23 sites around the world. He retired from Aberdeen Proving Ground in 2014. Having dealt with Senate and House committees, he wants to bring his experience in promoting sound management to Washington.

This event, free and open to the public, also provides an opportunity to join or renew membership in the Talbot County Democratic Forum. For more information visit www.demforum.com or email [email protected].

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

The Truth About Fake News

by

Journalist David Henry to address our fake news concerns.

Fake news has always been around, but for the most part we could count on receiving accurate information. Objective journalism has been both an industry standard and a successful business model, but with the advent of cable news and the internet, things have changed. A timely forum, The Truth About Fake News, will be presented Thursday, June 15, at the Academy Art Museum in Easton. The program will begin at 7 pm.

What is fake news? Why do we have it, and how can we identify it? Award winning TV journalist David Henry has spent the past 30 years covering local news in Philadelphia, as well as international events such as our two gulf wars and the aftermath of 9/11. His Emmy Award winning investigative reporting included uncovering medical malpractice and political corruption in the city of Philadelphia.

He will define fake news, describe the factors contributing to it, and perhaps most importantly, help us identify fake news and suggest how we might return to a media marketplace that favors accountability. This presentation will be followed by a period of discussion, questions and answers.

This program is being presented by the Talbot County Democratic Forum and is free and open to the public. For more information, call Bonnie Morro, 410 690 3624.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Public Meeting on the Affordable Care Act

by

Michael Hash

Now that our president has advised “letting Obamacare collapse,” we might remind our representatives that they were elected to govern. There is clearly work to be done as long as we see other nations delivering better outcomes to more of their citizens at less cost.

The Talbot County Democratic Forum and FamilyCare of Easton, Aesthetics are sponsoring a program on why the act was created, what it has done, how it can be improved, and what changes to it might mean for people on the Eastern Shore.

The program will be Thursday, March 30, at 7 p.m. at the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy, 114 South Washington St. in Easton. It is free and open to the public.

The featured speaker will be Michael Hash, who served as director of the Office of Health Reform at the Department of Health and Human Services from 2011 to 2014. Before that, he was deputy director of the White House Office for Health Reform. He has a long history of involvement with health care policy at the highest levels in Washington and has taught at Johns Hopkins and Georgetown.

“Before passage of the Affordable Care Act,” Hash said recently, “people with preexisting health conditions were denied coverage, denied benefits, or charged exorbitant rates. The uninsured rate in the U.S. stood at 16 percent. Today that rate is below 9 percent and more than 22 million Americans, who were previously uninsured, now have health insurance.”

He said that the ACA, also known as Obamacare, has also improved the quality and outcomes of care. “Hospital re-admission rates and infection rates have significantly declined and electronic medical records have made patient records more accessible,” he said. “But more progress needs to be made. In some places consumers don’t have an adequate choice of health plans, premiums may be unaffordable, and the cost of prescription drugs is out of reach.”
He said that a constructive, bipartisan effort is needed to strengthen the ACA or else the progress that has been made and the health and well being of millions of Americans are at risk.

Susan Delean-Botkin, a nurse-practitioner in Talbot County, will discuss what the ACA has meant for individuals in the Mid-Shore.

The program will end with a question-and-answer session.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Income Inequality: Causes, Consequences, and Cures

by

Forum addressing income inequality to be presented in Easton.

With the highest level of income inequality among Maryland’s 23 counties, Talbot County is a good place to address this issue. Maryland does have the highest median household income in the nation, though, and a lower than average level of income inequality.

The shift toward income equality and strong growth that we experienced following WWII has been steadily reversed since 1979, though. Our nation’s current level of income inequality is both our highest since the Great Depression and the highest among industrialized nations. A majority now believes our next generation will be worse off than our last.

Richard Schiming, Ph.D., former professor of economics at Minnesota State University, Mankato and co-author of the textbook, Principles of Economics, will describe the causes, consequences, and cures of these economic shifts. His presentation will be followed by a panel discussion including members of our community.

Sponsored by the Talbot County Democratic Forum, this presentation is free and open to the public. Join us on Thursday, October 13, 7pm, at 26 W. Dover St., Easton.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Chris Van Hollen to Open Talbot Democratic Headquarters

by

chris_van_hollen_gty_629_956x519Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Chris Van Hollen will be in Easton on Friday, July 22, for the grand opening of the Talbot County Democratic Headquarters, 26 W. Dover St.

The grand opening party, from 4 to 6 p.m., is sponsored by the Talbot County Democratic Forum, the Democratic Women’s Club of Talbot County, and the Talbot County Democratic Central Committee. Refreshments will be served and the public is invited to come and meet Congressman Van Hollen.

Van Hollen, who has represented Maryland’s Eighth Congressional District since 2003, is the Democratic nominee to take the seat held by retiring Senator Barbara Mikulski. Van Hollen has said he wants to follow in the footsteps of Mikulski, who is seen as a strong supporter of watermen, the seafood industry and Maryland farmers.

“In this era of divisive politics and partisan obstruction, I believe the most important job of a U.S. Senator is to make sure the government works for our families, not special interests,” Van Hollen said. “That means fighting to grow the economy, invest in education and job training, and protect families from the extreme Tea Party agenda. It also means helping our veterans get the services they need and helping Maryland seniors with their Social Security.”

IMG_3674Speaking of his campaign, Van Hollen added, “This summer, I will continue talking with families across Maryland about what is important to them — whether you’re from the Eastern Shore or Western Maryland, Baltimore or the Washington suburbs.”

The Talbot County Democratic Headquarters, a joint project led by the Talbot County Democratic Central Committee with support from the Democratic Forum and the Democratic Women’s Club, is a regional focal point during campaign season.   “We Democrats are very proud of the new headquarters,” said Rick Lynch, president of the Democratic Forum. “This year we have the room to host large crowds to hear our message and meet our candidates.”

Democrats are expecting just such a crowd at 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 28, for a party to watch Hillary Clinton’s televised acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention. Should the convention schedule change to put the speech on another day, the date of the party will change to coincide with the speech.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.