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June 21, 2025

Talbot Spy

Nonpartisan Education-based News for Talbot County Community

5 News Notes News News Portal Lead

Finding Your Voice: The Refuge System’s Conservation Planning Process

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Cancellation Notice: This event will be rescheduled for a later date as the Cambridge Library has closed to address a maintenance issue and will remain closed until September 9th.

The League of Women Voters of the Mid-Shore is pleased to announce a public meeting with special guest-speaker Glenn A. Carowan, former manager of the Blackwater Refuge in Dorchester County (1989-2007) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Refuge Manager of the Year in 2006.  Mr. Carowan will be talking about the Refuge System’s Comprehensive Conservation Planning Process, a process designed to produce a comprehensive conservation plan (CCP) to guide the management of each U.S. Fish and Wildlife refuge over a 15 year period.  This talk is timely given that the Blackwater Refuge CCP is now approaching 15 years of age.  The talk will be on Sunday, Sept. 8 from 2-4 pm in the public meeting room at the Cambridge Branch of the Dorchester County Public Library.

The CCP is an important document which describes the goals, objectives, and strategies for improving refuge conditions—including the types of habitat the refuge will provide, partnership opportunities and management actions needed to achieve desired conditions.  Mr. Carowan says “The highlight of my career was the completion of Blackwater Refuge’s Comprehensive Conservation Plan…. I was extremely excited to afford the public the opportunity to have a voice in the future management of the refuge.  But it was not just the opportunity to voice opinions and recommendations… it was the opportunity to develop a shared vision; to blend different social, cultural, and economic backgrounds and ideas into one united effort to move the refuge progressively forward in the 21st century.”

Glenn A. Carowan, former manager of the Blackwater Refuge (1989-2007).

The National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 required all refuges to complete a Comprehensive Conservation Plan by 2012.  Blackwater Refuge was one of the first refuges in the Northeast Region to initiate planning; their process began in 2000 with over 20 public meetings.  The planning team explored, deliberated, and evaluated all aspects of the refuge’s management, from future land-protection, cropland and forest management, marsh management, prescribed fire, public use and interpretation, law enforcement, etc.  This collaborative process led to the identification of a host of issues.  Mr. Carowan stated “I know at the time that the public and stakeholders believed they had really made a difference that would not only benefit the community but also the many wildlife species the refuge was established to protect. For the first time since I came to Blackwater in 1989, I felt there was a real sense of community pride.”  Public consensus on the plan was reached on most issues by 2004, the draft CCP and environmental assessment was released in May of 2005, and the CCP was approved by the Director of Fish and Wildlife Service in September 2006.  The document represents years of work among Federal and State agencies, local and regional officials and communities, conservation organizations, and user groups.

The Blackwater Refuge CCP is now approaching 15 years of age, and undoubtedly needs to be updated to reflect the many changes to its activities, programs, and issues over the years.  Given that The National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act also requires every refuge to revise their CCP every 15 years as necessary, now is the time to be sure this process continues to work to reflect our local interests.  All individuals and organizations interested in the future of our natural resources, especially those under refuge management, are invited to hear how the comprehensive planning process works so your input can be optimized to reach your targeted goals.  This talk should be of special interest to Dorchester County residents as the County is now updating its comprehensive planning process.

The meeting is free and open to the public; light refreshments will be served.

The League of Women Voters is a non-partisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy.

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

LWV Candidate Forum for Maryland General Assembly October 25

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Candidates to the Maryland General Assembly from Districts 37 and 37B will be on stage at a League of Women Voters forum on Thursday, October 25, at the Senior Center on 400 Brookletts Avenue in Easton. The forum will begin at 6:30 and all five candidates will be there.

The election to both the House of Delegates and Senate is contested with a Democratic candidate running against the incumbent Republicans. The forum participants will be current Senator Adelaide Eckardt challenged by Holly Wright, and Dan O’Hare contesting incumbent Delegates Johnny Mautz and Chris Adams. In the House race, two are elected to the House of Delegates, but must be from different counties. All League of Women Voter forums are nonpartisan and educational in intent .

District 37 is one of Maryland’s 47 senate districts, each represented by a single seat. The district contains Dorchester County, part of Caroline County, part of Talbot County and part of Wicomico County.

There are also 47 House of Delegates districts, each represented by three delegates. While most serve at large, 37 has subdistricts 37A and 37B which divide up the three legislators.

The League of Women Voters of the Midshore, which likes to say it is working to make democracy work, plans election forums so that voters can make informed choices when they vote. “It’s a happy symbolism that we are doing this on the first day of early voting so that both the necessity to vote and to come to the voting booth prepared with knowledge of the candidates can be highlighted,” said Hilary Gibson, Voter Service chairman for the three-county League. She said the League has questions to ask the candidates on issues that particularly concern their members, but hopes a large audience will attend and submit questions of its own.

The forum begins at 6:30 and will feature both houses of the legislature in separate segments.

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

The League of Women Voters Host Forum for Congressional District One Candidates

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On Sunday October 21 candidates for United States House of Representatives, (MD District 1),  Andy Harris (Republican), Jesse Colvin (Democrat), and Jenica Martin (Libertarian) will participate in what may be the only scheduled forum for this race. It will be held at the Talbot County Free Library at 100 W. Dover St., Easton, at 2:00 p.m.

Candidates will have an opportunity to introduce themselves and answer questions they have received in advance from the League of Women Voters. Audience members may submit questions to be answered by the candidates, and each candidate will also present closing remarks.

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization dedicated to promoting informed and active participation in government; it does not support or oppose any candidates for office or political parties.  In accordance with the League’s 501-c-3 status and Federal election laws, no demonstrations will be allowed in the event venue. No clothing or signs indicating support for or against a candidate will be permitted. Forums may not be recorded or filmed, unless with written agreement from the League of Women Voters.

For more information please contact: Nancy Smith at [email protected].

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

St. Michaels Commissioner Candidate Forum May 2

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The League of Women Voters of the Mid-Shore (LWVMS) is sponsoring a Town of St. Michaels Commissioner Candidate Forum on Wednesday, May 2, 2018, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Christ Church Parish Hall (Etherton Hall) at 103 Willow Street in St. Michaels.

Questions will be asked of the candidates by a moderator, who will also take questions from the audience via notecards. This event is free and open to the public. Voters in St. Michaels are encouraged to attend and learn more about of the Town Commissioner candidates and their positions on local issues.

The following candidates (all invited to the forum) are competing for two available seats: T. Coleman DuPont, Michael A. Gorman, William C. Harvey II, Jennifer C. Stevens, Christopher B. Thomas, & Jaime M. Windon. The election will take place May 7, 2018 from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the St. Michaels Town Office (300 Mill Street, St. Michaels).

Contact Hilary Gibson, Chair of Voter Services for LWVMS, with questions or concerns at 443-646-3338 or [email protected].

The League of Women Voters of the Mid-Shore is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Membership in the League is open to all citizens of voting age.

The League of Women Voters does not endorse candidates for this or any other election.

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

Redistricting Reform in Maryland: Gerry Be Gone!

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“Maryland is considered one of the more blatantly gerrymandered states. A federal judge wrote that the 3rd District, held by Democratic Rep. John Sarbanes, was ‘reminiscent of a broken-winged pterodactyl, lying prostrate across the center of the state.’ ”  Baltimore Sun, July 16, 2017

“Gerrymandering, in a word, is why American democracy is broken.”  The Washington Post, Feb 10, 2017

So just what is gerrymandering? How is it practiced in Maryland?  How does it affect you??? The League of Women Voters of the Mid-Shore is hosting a series of public information sessions on Redistricting Reform in Maryland to answer these questions and to learn more the issues, current proposals for reform from the Governor’s commission, and what the Tame The Gerrymander coalition is doing to push for reform.  This is part of a continuing series on Making Democracy Work.  Learn how you, too, can make a difference!

Join the discussion on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017 from 11-12:30 pm in Cambridge and Saturday, Dec. 9 from 11-12:30 pm in Easton; each session will be held in the community meeting room at the main library (303 Gay St in Cambridge and 100 W. Dover St in Easton).  Light refreshments will be served.

For more information, contact [email protected] or call 443-646-3338.

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

Public Information Sessions on Maryland Primary Election System

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The electoral landscape is changing in Maryland as voters registering as unaffiliated with a political party are on the rise.  And yet, those voters are locked out of voting in our state-funded primaries unless the principle political parties allow them to vote on their party’s ballot, an event that has happened only once, in 2000.  State law determines how nominations for elective office are conducted, so maybe it’s time for Marylanders to review their options and decide if their voting systems need to evolve with the times.

The public is invited to a series of public information sessions in Cambridge and Easton on the Maryland primary election system.  Hosted by the League of Women Voters of the Mid-Shore (LWVMS), these sessions are meant to raise public awareness of the issues involved and provide the opportunity to discuss their implications.  There will be two sessions: Thursday, Nov. 9, 2017 from 6-7:30 pm in Cambridge and Saturday, Nov. 18 from 1-2:30 pm in Easton, each session held in the community meeting room at the main library (303 Gay St in Cambridge and 100 W. Dover St in Easton).  Light refreshments will be served.

“One of the greatest things about American democracy is that we not only get to choose our leaders, we can propose changes to ensure that the selection process is fair” says Ralph Watkins, Vice President for Voters Service, League of Women Voters, Maryland and a resource person for these sessions. Democracy is a participatory process; help decide if the Maryland primary system is ripe for change and give your input on how best to change it.  For more information about these sessions or about the LWVMS, contact the League at 443-883-5412 or at [email protected].

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

A Public Information Program on Running for Local Office

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Have you ever considered getting more involved in local government?  Maybe even considered running for local office?  Whether or not you have, right now is the time to prepare for next year’s elections.  In November 2018 Talbot citizens will vote for a whole slew of candidates to serve at the state and federal level. They will also vote to elect a wide range of Talbot County officials, ranging from County Council members, law and judiciary offices, political party committee members, to members of the Board of Education. That’s a lot of opportunity to get involved in local government!  To give locals a chance to think about the possibility of running for office in Talbot County, the League of Women Voters of the Mid-Shore (LWVMS) will host a public information program on Running for Local Office on Nov. 7, 2017 from 7-8:30pm in Easton.

The program, designed to encourage local citizens to consider running for local office, offers a panel of guests who have run for and served in local government.  Peter Carroll, former County Councilman; John Ford, President of the Easton Town Council; and Hilary Spence, former County Councilwoman will share their personal experiences and insights gained from their run for and time in office.  They will be joined by Jeri Cook, Director of the Talbot County Election Board, who will provide information on becoming a candidate for office.  There will be time for a question and answer period afterward.  Presented by  the Talbot County members of the LWVMS, “Running for Local Office” will take place in the large conference room at the Eastern Shore Conservation Center, 114 S. Washington St in Easton.  Light refreshments will be served.

The League hopes that listeners will be inspired  to have a new vision of how they may participate in local government, and a better understanding of the process of running for office.  For more information about the program or about the LWVMS, contact the League at 443-883-5412 or at [email protected].

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

League of Women Voters Mid-Shore Meeting on January 18

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On Wednesday, January 18, the League of Women Voters of the Mid-Shore (LWVMS) (Caroline, Talbot, and Dorchester Counties) is meeting at Talbot County Free Library in Easton, from 11:30-1:30, to discuss the future of the organization in 2017-18. Mary Whitehead, Margaret Young, Linda Makosky and Mary-Beth Goll will lead a round table discussion. In addition LWVMS Convener, Pat Comella and LWV of Maryland state officers will participate. Lunch will be provided and all interested persons are invited.

In a country with sharp divisions of political opinions, the League of Women Voters, a non-partisan group —exists to serve everyone. While probably best known for its Voters Guide and candidate forums, LWV Mid-Shore—open to men, too—is a grass roots organization with many interests at local, state and national levels. Its mission statement “…encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy”.

Where can someone concerned about important issues such as land use, education, mental health, rental housing, and water quality, study, discuss, and advocate? Answer: at a LWV Mid-Shore meeting. LWVMS has studied and taken action for these and other concerns. For questions or to reserve a place at the Jan. 18 meeting, please contact Margaret Young at 410-745-5396.

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

1st District Election Forum at Chesapeake College April 10

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The six candidates from both major parties seeking Maryland’s 1st District Congressional seat will take part in a forum at Chesapeake College in Wye Mills, at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 10.

The free and nonpartisan event will be conducted by Leagues of Women Voters serving Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot counties in advance of the primary election taking place April 14-21 and 26.  The public may submit written questions to the candidates as part of the program.

The 1st Congressional District includes all of Maryland’s Eastern Shore and parts of several other counties. It is represented by Andy Harris, a resident of Harford County. Representative Harris, now completing his third term, is being challenged by Republican opponents  Michael Smigiel , a former state delegate and Cecil resident; Sean Jackson, a commander of the State Police; and Jonathan Goff, a Harford resident who also challenged Harris in 2014.

Democrats vying for that party’s Congressional nomination are Jim Ireton and Joe Werner. Ireton, of Wicomico, is an educator who has served as a councilman and mayor of Salisbury. Werner is a lawyer and resident of Harford.

All candidates will respond within time limits to League questions given them in advance, then entertain queries from the audience.

 Primaries in Maryland are closed, which means that persons registered in a party will be selecting candidates only from among those in their party.

Signs will direct voters to the Cadbury Auditorium, in the Kent/Humanities building on the Chesapeake campus. 

 

For more information on the primary, which also will select nominees for president and a Maryland senator, see the League-sponsored website, vote411.org. Site data includes polling locations and early voting options based on the user’s address.

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

Election Forum Announced for Easton Town Council Race April 30

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Part of the League of Women Voters’ mission is to provide information to citizens regarding candidates running for government offices. In that spirit, the LEAGUE of Women Voters of the Mid-Shore will hold a forum on Thursday, April 30 at 6:00 pm at the Talbot County Free Library, Easton. All candidates for Mayor and Council Wards 1 and 3 are expected to participate.

The Easton election will be held on Tuesday, May 5 between 7:00 am and 8:00 pm at the Easton Fire House. There are two candidates running for the Office of Mayor: incumbent Robert C. Willey and former council member Mooneyene Jackson Amis.

There are two candidates for Ward 1 hoping to fill the seat that will be vacated by Kelley Malone. They are Phillip Carey Foster and Alan Silverstein.

The two candidates running for the Ward III, opening when Len Wendowski steps down, are Ron Engle and Duane Hilghman.

Town Council President John Ford, Ward II Council Member Pete Lescher and Ward IV Council Member Megan Cook are scheduled to remain on the Council until 2017.

All will be present to meet citizens, introduce themselves, and answer questions. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend.

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