Imagine a law requiring you to report to the government every time you—or a family member—stay in your own home. That’s not a far-fetched scenario. It’s part of a sweeping proposal that would dramatically expand local oversight of short-term rentals (STRs) in Talbot County.

Under the proposed legislation, homeowners would have to document and report personal stays or family visits—even when no rental is involved. That crosses a line, turning private life into a matter of government oversight. It’s an unnecessary intrusion into the lives of law-abiding property owners.

The proposed changes—drafted by the Talbot County Attorney at the request of Councilwoman Lynn Mielke—include a moratorium on STRs and layers of burdensome new requirements. These would force property owners to attend multiple hearings, resubmit paperwork for every renewal, and comply with strict rules that could make many legal STRs impossible to maintain.

What issue is this proposal trying to solve? Talbot County’s own data shows fewer than ten verified complaints about STRs in the past five years. There’s been no surge in licenses, no spike in disruptive behavior, and no breakdown in the current system. STRs are already regulated under a rigorous framework that is working.

Meanwhile, STRs contribute meaningfully to Talbot’s economy. According to the county finance office, in 2024 alone they generated over $6.4 million in gross revenue—supporting hundreds of local jobs in restaurants, retail, museums, cleaning services, landscaping, and more. These benefits ripple throughout the county, sustaining the vibrant tourism economy that so many residents and businesses rely on.

We all want safe, well-regulated communities. But this proposal goes far beyond what’s necessary or reasonable. It threatens the rights of property owners, imposes excessive regulations, and risks undermining a vital part of Talbot’s economy.

We urge our elected officials to reject this proposal and preserve a fair, balanced approach to short-term rentals—one that respects privacy, protects property rights, and supports our community.

Kevin Hartmann
Talbot Lodging Alliance

I never cease to be astonished at the audacity of some politicians, their certainty that voters are gullible chumps, too dumb or uncaring to understand and act on reality…AND that the pols can get away with anything.  The Talbot Integrity Project has experienced it in the past—you watched the Lakeside fight play out, right? 

Well, Frank Gunsallus’s brazen disregard for truth directly threatens the Town of Easton right now.  In a flier last week, Mr. Gunsallus had the chutzpah to falsely claim not just that he opposes irresponsible growth, but—wait for it—that HE IS THE ONLY CANDIDATE WHO WILL STOP IRRESPONSIBLE GROWTH!  Bullocks, as say the Brits.  

Tell’em what they want to hear, Truth be damned!  Affordable housing notwithstanding, Gunsallus and everyone else knows that Easton voters oppose excessive and unbridled development, the ungodly traffic it brings, ultimately the erosion of those charms that make Easton and Talbot County so special.  So Frank claims to be the Champion of that view.  Do not believe it for a nano-second.

TIP believes Mr. Gunsallus is backed (in spades, and with embarrassingly unprecedented money) by the same group of folks who at the County level supported—and continue to support—the Callahan/Steppe/Haythe faction that were the salvation of Lakeside.  For three years that group (one a Democrat) simply ignored documented facts–aka, the truth–and charged forward doing whatever was needed to assure that outlandish development went forward undisturbed.

The Spy last week published a letter endorsing Mr. Gunsallus written by Tom Mitchell (like me, not a townie), the Trappe businessman and restauranteur who has so vociferously supported Lakeside at every turn. Very revealing, as birds of a feather do indeed flock together.  (I will add that the politicians who have prominently endorsed Gunsallus—Johnny Mautz and Tom Hutchinson in particular—would never speak up regarding Lakeside, notwithstanding many entreaties, having had the facts explained, and that the issues involved State level skullduggery (e.g., Dept of Environment improprieties).

Contrast to all this to the fact that Don Abbatiello has an established, a multi-year record opposing the very “irresponsible growth” that Gunsallus headlined in his misleading flyer.  TIP urges that folks vote for Don Abbatiello for Easton Council President.

Dan Watson
The Talbot Integrity Project

PS—Politics aside, in my experience Mr. Mitchell’s Mamma Maria bistro is terrific.

It is my pleasure and privilege to endorse Frank Gunsallus for the position of President of the Easton Town Council. He is the right person at the right time to continue the work he has started to address major issues facing this historic and beautiful Town.

Affordable housing, financial challenges caused by the State’s looming deficit, and planning and zoning projects (including cannabis regulations) will all benefit from his knowledge, energy, and commitment to excellence.

He is a passionate leader who cares deeply about Easton, is involved in various charitable works and local organizations, and believes wholeheartedly in the future of this town.

Tom Mitchell
Talbot County

What should we expect, if not demand, of the next President of the Easton Town Council? A proven consensus builder, an experienced leader, and a dedicated public servant and role model.

Don Abbatiello has demonstrated his consensus-building skills as interim Town Council President during the summer of 2023, as Ward 2 Councilman from 2019 to the present, as a member of the Affordable Housing Board since 2020, and as a member of the Library Board since 2023. In addition, he has consistently voted for measures favoring conservative growth, fiscal responsibility, civility, and citizen participation. He has the support of fellow Council members Curry, Davis and Montgomery and has been endorsed by the editorial board of The Star Democrat because of his leadership style.

Don Abbatiello has been an Easton Volunteer Fire Department volunteer for 16 years, at various times serving as President, Vice President, Trustee and Lieutenant. In 2024, he received the Department’s Firefighter of the Year Award.

In addition to being a volunteer firefighter, Don Abbatiello has been a dedicated public servant in his capacity as a public school teacher for 27 years. He is a National Board Certified Teacher and currently serves as his school’s representative to the Wicomico Board of Education. He is also an advisor to numerous student organizations.

While Don Abbatiello may not appear as flashy or post as many candidate signs around town as his opponent, it’s important for voters to compare the records of both Town Council President candidates before casting their ballots. It is equally important for voters to consider their contributions to our community — during the opponent’s roughly 1 ½-years’ tenure as Town Council President and Don Abbatiello’s as interim Council President, Ward 2 Councilman, Affordable Housing and Library Boards member, volunteer firefighter and teacher from 2009 to the present.

Finally, and unlike his opponent, who appears to be running based on political party affiliations, Don Abbatiello has chosen to run his non-partisan campaign based on his expansive record of public service.

Comparing the two, voting for Don Abbatiello is a slam dunk.

Clara Kelly
Easton

Looking to the future, I will vote for Don Abbatiello for Easton town council president. His commitment to Easton over the years has been significant. He has been a positive influence on Easton, serving on the town council for four years, serving as a volunteer fireman in various positions for 14 years, and serving on the affordable housing board as well. It is notable that when he was elected to be the interim town council president, the vote by his fellow council members was unanimous.  To me, that means his fellow council members trusted him to take the lead in a thoughtful, intelligent, respectful way.

Of course, there are many issues facing Easton, but perhaps the biggest is the growth we have experienced lately and the traffic that ensues. This is not an easy problem to solve. However, what must be addressed is how much growth will be allowed by the upcoming comprehensive plan. The incoming council, with Don at the head, will take a hard look at this and rein in growth wherever possible.  New legislation will probably be required, and Don would be the one likely to introduce it.

Please consider voting for Don Abbatiello on Tuesday, May 6th.

Jill Ferrier
Easton

If you, like me, were born and raised in a free democracy, you likely share my belief in due process, the rule of law, freedom of speech, and the right to manage your life in your own chosen way.

In light of the federal government‘s attack on everything that Harvard University has stood for and cherished for centuries, I urge you to read the attached letter from President Alan Garber to his community. He eloquently articulates the University‘s values and the gravity of the situation. I encourage you to express your gratitude and appreciation for President Garber‘s courageous actions here.

In a climate where speaking out can be dealt with harshly, I sign this letter, as he must have, with hesitation.

Connie Lauffer
Easton