I just finished reading the purported “Issue Brief” prepared by a group of individuals that is scheduled for presentation to the Town Commissioner meeting tomorrow, November 8th, 2023.
I am somewhat awestruck as I digest these ‘comments’ as to their validity and accuracy regarding the selected “facts and figures” this group of individuals chooses to use- As a business owner and as a resident of Talbot County, I am saddened that a small group of individuals chose this vehicle as a way to attack their neighbors and local charitable institutions.
Are the religious organizations and food banks next? Have any of these individuals had overnight guests stay at their homes? Have any of these individuals eaten in our Fine Dining establishments? Have any of these individuals purchased anything in one of our Fine Stores? Have any of these individuals gotten a cup of Coffee in our Town? How about attending the fabulous Farmers’ Market? Or how about having a child or grandchild get their first sailing lesson at The Maritime Museum? I would suspect that the answer is yes many times over.
The point is very simple; without these services most people would not choose to live here. These are but a few of the things that make St Michaels a very special place to Live, Work, and Raise a Family.
We all pay taxes… It can be easily argued that Business Owners pay proportionately more Property Taxes, Business License Tax, Federal & State Income Tax, Payroll tax, Workman’s Compensation Tax, Water and Sewer User fees, Refuse collection fees, just to name a few- I will save those comments for another time.
If the Commissioners feel the need to study this issue in greater detail, I would me more than happy to volunteer my time to meet and have meaningful dialogue with actual facts and figures, not nuances and conjecture-
I would ask that this email correspondence be included as a matter of record on tomorrow evening’s discussion-
Bob Hockaday
St. Michaels