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June 8, 2023

Talbot Spy

Nonpartisan Education-based News for Talbot County Community

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Letter to Editor: David Montgomery for Ward 3

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I read a paid advertisement by Ron Engle this morning. I thought it was important to point out a few things about his claims and plans for Easton. For years we wrestled with Big Box development in Easton and Talbot County. After many court cases and battles with developers, the Town settled on a 65,000 Square foot cap on Big Box Stores Like Home Depot. Ron Engle, in his full page advertisement, mentions Easton’s Comprehensive Plan 8 times. He also stresses the importance of listening to the advice of the Planning Commission.

I would agree that the Comprehensive Plan is a crucial document and the body that is sworn to review developments and uphold the Comprehensive Plan is Easton’s Planning Commission. The Big Box size limitation was in the Comprehensive Plan and the Planning Commission voted 5 to 0 and recommended that the Easton Town Council turn down the Home Depot project because the size exceeded the 65,000 square footage cap.

Ron Engle unfortunately had no problem ignoring the advice of the Town Planning Commission and what was clearly written about Big Box Stores in the Towns Comprehensive Plan.

Now we are faced with huge potential developments on the Oxford Road including Poplar Hill and the Maryland Health Club development on the Easton Club. My conclusion is that if Ron Engle ignored the Planning Commission and Comprehensive Plan on the Big Box issue, (an obvious breach of the public’s will), what makes you think he will hold the developers feet to the fire on these other developments.  His refusal to have an opinion on either development should give one pause.  Easton has used up all of its Growth Allocation, given by the County, and it would be easy for him to turn down the Poplar Hill scheme for that reason alone.

David Montgomery has a better idea and I believe he will support the Town voters and the Towns Comprehensive Plan. He will also safeguard the Plan as it is re-written in the coming year. Please protect Easton’s future by casting your important Ward 3 vote for David Montgomery.

Dirck Bartlett
Easton

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Letter to Editor: Vote for Al Silverstein

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We are fortunate to have three personable candidates running to become mayor of Easton, but we may have trouble finding just one primary care physician. We could use more health care providers in Easton and on the Eastern Shore.

Having experienced similar challenges regarding the viability of a hospital and need to recruit medical personnel in North Platte, Nebraska, and having also served as president of the Chambers of Commerce of both North Platte and Talbot County, candidate Al Silverstein is uniquely qualified to complete the decade-long effort to build UM Shore Regional Medical Center.
The site was acquired in 2014. Governor Wes Moore has since passed on Governor Hogan’s plan to contribute $100 million to this effort; but a bill was recently passed allowing funds to be awarded, and $20 million is currently available.
As a fellow of the University of Maryland’s Academy of Excellence in Local Government who has served in state government and has strong connections in Annapolis, Al Silverstein is the candidate to complete this mission.
An integrated healthcare delivery system has in the meantime been developing in Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot counties. Facilities include freestanding medical pavilions, stand-alone emergency rooms, urgent care centers, and a Cancer Center and UM Shore Regional Health Diagnostic and Imaging in Easton.
Just parts of Easton’s Memorial Hospital were built in the early 1900s; but Cambridge Hospital, built in 1904, has been replaced by UM Shore Medical Center, a facility consisting of 22 emergency beds with short-stay options for outpatient surgeries. Those 142 beds at the new regional medical center are eagerly awaited.
With $3 million of ARPA Rescue Plan funds remaining, and as the citizens of Easton will benefit from this new regional hospital at its north border, Al has suggested that the town offer $1 million in good faith for the construction of the new hospital.
We will be glad to see medical professionals moving to the Eastern Shore, and neighboring communities will be relieved.
Carol Voyles
Easton

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Letter to Editor: David Montgomery for Ward 3

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I live in Ward 3 in Easton Club off Oxford Road and have so for over 22 years.  David Montgomery and Ron Engle are our Town Council candidates.   There are two large developments that have been proposed in Ward 3:  Maryland Health Club, LLC (“MHC”), a so-called health and wellness compound in the Easton Club; and, Poplar Hill a housing development of approximately 450 homes, apartments and townhouses with a three-field sports complex  across the road from Easton Club on Oxford Road. 

David Montgomery has openly and repeatedly stated that he is opposed to the poorly planned MHC development submitted for a PUD amendment application by the inexperienced and first-time developers as a project that is not in compliance with the Town of Easton Comprehensive Plan and where there is no evidence of financial viability.  He has also stated his opposition to the current plan of Poplar Hill on Oxford Road as being too large, in addition to being a threat to the property’s critical areas that lie on the Tred Avon River.  

Ron Engle, the incumbent who lives in the Easton Club, has not stated his voting position on either project; although as residents of the Easton Club we know that he has facilitated development of the former golf course property by MHC over the last seven years that they have owned the property.  In the recent Star Democrat Candidate Profile, when asked to comment on his specific plans to improve Ward 3, he never mentioned the proposed Easton Club development and, as to Poplar Hill, Mr. Engel stated his goal was to “install a traffic light at Route 322 and Tristen Drive whether Poplar Hill occurs or not.” Really, that’s it?  Two very important issues facing the residents of Ward 3 and Mr. Engle is touting a traffic light installation. 

We need to demand that our Town Council members look at the bigger picture and tackle the issue of the future growth of the Oxford corridor and its effects on the surrounding communities.    We need to know where the candidates stand on these issues. We know where David Montgomery stands.  Use this knowledge and vote on May 2nd. 

 

Pam Reynolds

Easton, MD

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Letter to Editor: Al Silverstein for Mayor

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Next month voters in the Town of Easton have an opportunity to elect a candidate for mayor with a plan for moving Easton forward that includes six specific and visionary priorities; one of which is building a culture of inclusion.
That candidate is Al Silverstein. Based on personal experience with Al, I know his commitment to a culture of inclusion is genuine and well thought out. As the leader of Talbot County Chamber of Commerce, there have been many times that Al has invited me to his office to offer assistance for an “emerging entrepreneur.”

After Cardinal Construction’s inception, Al was the first person who encouraged us to pursue state certifications such as Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and as a Small Business Enterprise (SBE). We did so. That advice allowed our firm to carve a niche in an under-served market.

Today, Cardinal Construction is the only black-owned commercial general contractor with MBE/SBE/DBE certifications on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, and is also licensed, insured, and bonded in both Maryland and Delaware. Consistent with Cardinal’s commitment to our community, for the past 2 years we led a team of fellow Easton Rotarians in resurrecting Operation Christmas Spirit following the passing of Lord Sheldon Scott, Sr.( “Scotty”).

Al has been a consistent volunteer every year. Earlier this year, the Easton Town Council recognized my role in this project. When I was notified of this honor, it was only right to request Al to read and present the Council proclamation to me. Al’s support for inclusion goes well beyond his wise counsel and support for us personally. Al is a board member of the Chesapeake Multicultural Resource Center; a local not for profit organization that focuses on empowering people from different cultures to become successful and engaged members of our community.

For us the choice for Easton mayor is an easy one. We are voting for Al Silverstein. We encourage our fellow citizens to do the same.

Lonnie Green
Easton

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Letter to Editor: Vote for Al Silverstein

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As a recipient of a life changing kidney transplant that required travel “across the Bridge”; Al Silverstein has a deep appreciation for the expressed need from countless Easton residents for more health care providers in Easton and the Eastern Shore. Al also brings a unique perspective on how to address that need, based on his hands-on experience as a Chamber of Commerce president in another small community with similar needs. While serving as the Chamber president in North Platte, Nebraska (pop. 23,000), Al was deeply involved in successful efforts to help ensure a local hospital remained viable, an effort that helped to recruit and retain medical professionals to that community. Al can and will use lessons learned from that experience to help secure a new state of the art regional hospital in Easton. Al knows a new hospital is an essential selling point in recruiting much needed medical professionals to come here AND to stay here.

Al also knows that a new hospital by itself is not enough. He knows quality of life issues are also a key to recruiting and retaining the medical professionals our citizens expect and deserve.

As a member of the Easton Town Council, Al has supported a range of initiatives to improve Easton’s already high quality of life. Those initiatives include purchase of open space in perpetuity, expanding the rail to trails network, and providing more affordable housing.

Al has also developed and maintains strong working relations with key decision makers in Annapolis who oversee state approval of a new hospital and state funding for that new hospital. Al’s relationships are the result of his involvement as a “Fellow” in the University of Maryland’s Academy of Excellence in Local Governance; as president elect of the Eastern Shore Association of Municipalities; as a past president of the Maryland Chamber of Commerce Executives; as a past president of Eastern Shore Heritage; as a graduate of Shore Leadership, and as chair of the Maryland Alcohol and Tobacco Commission where he was appointed by the Governor, unanimously confirmed by the State Senate, and unanimously elected as commission chair by his fellow commissioners.

As a member of the Easton Town Council and as the former President/CEO of the Talbot County Chamber of Commerce, Al has done a lot for our community. As Mayor of Easton, he can and will do even more on helping to transform the vision of more health care options in Easton into reality.

Gloria Sauer
Easton

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Letter to Editor: Bob Willey for Mayor

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Town of Easton election day is May 2nd. I live about 500-feet outside the Town limit; therefore, I cannot vote in the election. Still, I’m very involved the well-being of the Town. So, here are some observations from 500-feet outside the Town.

Things are going well in Easton. Mayor Willey and the Town Council, led by President Megan Cook, work well together and have been making life better for all of us. From the expansion of rails to trails, the acquisition of 200 acres along Oxford Road, stream restorations, affordable housing (which we desperately need more of), to the retention and attraction of new business and the preservation of our beautiful downtown; this group of people work well together.

Even though our town is comparatively small to others, it is still complex in its management, budgetary and legislative matters. Size does not matter when it comes to manging a town. There are still difficult decisions to be made every day and plenty of opinions. Therefore, it is important to have leadership at the Mayoral and Council level that understand the complexities of municipal management.

We are fortunate to have three people running for Mayor. To me, this is the sign of healthy, vibrant community and leaders who care about our town.

Mayor Willey is running for re-election. Mayor Willey is a life-long resident and knows the Town and the people well. He has occupied the Mayors office for many years and has guided us to where we are today. His approach to management is hands-on and always looking at our future, while providing an important and insightful view into our past. In my experience, he is careful and deliberate. It is difficult to find a person more passionate about the town.

Megan Cook is an excellent Town Council President. Her ability to guide the Council, its legislative agenda and work with Mayor Willey is outstanding. Megan is the longest serving current councilmember. She has a broad view of our community and is closely involved in the social fabric and well-being of the town.

Councilmember Al Silverstein is always insightful and probing. He asks good questions and approaches Town matters with a level of due diligence and inquiry that is necessary for the Council’s oversight of budgetary and legislative matters. He is knowledgeable and well versed in Town matters.

We need all these people, and more like them. From 500 feet outside the Town limits, Easton looks pretty good to me. Things are going well in Easton because the configuration of elected officials is working to make life better for all of us.

Tony Kern Easton, Maryland

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Letter to Editor: Vote for David Montgomery

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Having lived in Talbot County for over 30 years, 3 in Easton, David cherishes the quality of life we all enjoy here.  He compares Easton’s small town ambience to the hectic pace and frustrating traffic in the DC area where it was necessary for him to live during his career. With a PhD in economy, David served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Energy and Assistant Director of the Congressional Budget Office for several years. In that capacity he often testified before Congress.  With this background he  will be very valuable when Easton works on its budget every spring. 

Not opposed to growth per se, he would like Easton to grow in a small carefully planned process, in sync with the Town’s new Comprehensive Plan.  He knows that the Poplar Hill and the Easton Club’s Maryland Health Club projects are not suitable for Easton.  David and his wife, Esther, both love of the small town of Easton and look forward to many years of enjoyment here.  We will cast our vote for him on May 2.

 Jane and Roger Bollman
Easton

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Letter to Editor: Vote for Ron Engle

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One thing we know about David Montgomery is that he is able to mobilize a handful of his supporters to write letters, no matter how reactionary his causes might be . He first appeared on the community radar screen as the leader of the effort to keep the Talbot Boys statue. Then he ran for County Council and promised to use its budget leverage to lean on the Board of Education’s “woke agenda for anti-racism and sexuality” and what he calls “current fads in sexuality”.

Most concerning for those of us who don’t think of women as chattel, he bragged that he was the only candidate for County Council to have a rating of 100 from Maryland Right to Life. One shudders to think what legislative commitments that would entail. A town ban on mifepristone? A budget line for the no choices pregnancy center? A don’t say gay ordinance?

His campaign for County Council shows his willingness to use the levers of government to meddle in pursuit of his extreme social agenda. His campaign is now focused on popular development issues. Fortunately the weight of political opinion will be for managed development without his election.
Let Montgomery serve on the Planning Commission where his indifference to the concerns of the African American community and creating a respectful and welcoming environment for all communities within Easton is not on the agenda.

Unlike many of his letter writers, I live in Ward 3 and support incumbent Ron Engle for reelection.

Holly Wright
Easton

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Letter to the Editor: I Support Cook and Curry

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The Talbot Spy

I’d like to express some sincere thoughts concerning the up-coming Mayoral and Town Council elections. I may live in rural PA these days, but my heart and love for the community remain in Easton. That is what prompts this message (as well as the very helpful Talbot Spy interviews and Avalon’s MCTV coverage).

Just last Saturday, the East-End Neighborhood Association held its annual Clean-up and Beautification Day, and the improvements in general in our part of town, and the new signs of major rehabilitation underway, were very apparent. This attention to our needs has been a long time coming, but it says we’re finally on the map! 

This brings up several issues for me: revitalization and thoughtful in-fill for the downtown center and older neighborhoods of Easton are vital to assure our town’s unique identity. Most of the attention and effort of late seems to be on coping with development pressures of housing projects on the outskirts. Vast farm and forest areas become market-priced islands of housing not related to our historical core. Yet we’ll certainly be obliged to provide full services to all of their residents! (I’m not sure Easton can handle more.) I sense that the Town has been in reactionary mode, mostly over-powered rather than standing up for what we want/need. And the need for affordable (workforce) housing must be a priority for the sake of Easton’s health. These are important problems and issues for Easton right now!

I happen to have many years of acquaintance and friendship with two ladies whom I believe have sincere understanding of my concerns: Megan Cook became my Ward 4 Council person may years ago, and has always been attuned to the very unique East-End/The Hill neighborhood … she mentioned it several times during the Avalon broadcast. (I also knew of her distinctive community problem-solving activities prior to her taking office.) Then, stepping up to be Council President has given her the opportunity to exercise and show her skills: purposeful listening, managing confrontational discussions in meetings, planning for growth/budgeting/policing (and even Covid management!) issues. 

My acquaintance with Maureen Curry goes back before the 300th Town Anniversary in 2010 – Yes! I was part of that community spaghetti dinner on long tables set up right on N. Harrison in the street! Her vast work experience gives me confidence that there is nothing new for her … she’s seen and handled it all!

I firmly believe this is the most dynamic (female!) duo possible to take on the problems and questions facing Easton now and pending in our future. They both have long-term, sincere, heart-felt care and concern for our town. They both recognize the importance of the “sense of place” dynamic and how fragile that can be. They appreciate the wealth of valuable volunteerism that is a strong tradition here, and how quickly that can dissipate if community pride falters.

I strongly urge everyone in Easton to VOTE, and if you share my views (and optimism!), vote for Megan … and for Maureen too if you live in Ward 1. (Then find some opportunity to volunteer to a worthy cause.)

Carolyn Jaffe
Delta, PA

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Letter to Editor: We Support David Montgomery for Ward 3

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We are not residents of Easton but since we  live in Talbot County, we can see that the growth issues in Easton also affect the entire county. We encourage those of you who live in Ward 3 to vote for David Montgomery who is running to represent Ward 3 on the Easton Town Council. He is a strong believer in managed growth which is good for Easton and the county.

 What does this mean? Stopping all residential and commercial growth?  Not at all.  He believes the pace of growth should be a lot slower than what is on the drawing board now. Two huge proposals, both along the Oxford Road, will change what is now a pleasant drive through a scenic part of the county  to frustrating traffic congestion, especially where it intersects with the By Pass.  Neither project is appropriate in the small town of Easton and will bring unnecessary bottleneck traffic that will impact the entire county.

   David looks forward to working with the Town Planning Commission paying close attention to Easton’s Comprehensive Plan under review very soon.  David is intelligent, reliable and committed to the Town of Easton.  

The May 2 election is very important in the Town’s future.  If you live in Ward 3, please consider a vote for David.

Nicholas and Marcia Fidis
Talbot County

 

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