Cook Backs Removal of ‘Talbot Boys’ Statue

This video is about two minutes long.

Easton Council President Megan Cook personally believes the statue to rebel soldiers should be removed from the courthouse grounds.

Cook said she attended two recent rallies protesting the Talbot County Council’s 3-2 vote to keep the “Talbot Boys” statue outside the courthouse.

“And I personally believe it needs to be removed as the courthouse is a place where all residents expect justice and equality,” she said.

Cook noted the town council previously had issued a welcoming statement that the town believes “a more diverse community is a stronger, more vibrant community and is committed to treating all of its residents in a fair and just manner.”

“And I hope that the actions of the county council do not cast a heavy shadow on the amazing town and community we have here in Easton,” she said.

Easton Mayor Robert Willey said there had been some confusion about the town’s role concerning the statue.

The statue is on county property on the courthouse green. The town’s involvement would only occur if the county council votes to remove or modify the statue, he said. At that point, the town’s historic district commission would consider the county’s decision.

Willey also noted that the county would be responsible for issuing assembly permits, if required, for rallies on the courthouse grounds since it is county, not town, property.