Talbot County Council President Chuck Callahan joined Easton Mayor Willey to greet Governor Wes Moore shortly after noon at Rise Up Coffee on Dover Rd. Having spent a fair amount of time on the Eastern Shore during his campaign and just enjoyed lunch at Out of the Fire on Valentine’s Day, he promised we’d be seeing a lot more of him.
At the council meeting that evening we were reminded of other reasons to appreciate Talbot County. County Health Officer Maria Maguire, MD, reminded us that our life expectancy is 79.4 years here and 78.6 in the rest of Maryland. 30% of our population is over age 65, versus 16% in the rest of Maryland.
We do have more smoking, higher rates of alcoholism and more car accidents, but case rates are down for Covid, Avian Flu and Respiratory Syncytial Virus. Approximately 30% of our residents have received the flu vaccine; an RSV vaccine is on its way. And Covid and flu vaccines will remain free as long as current supplies last.
Council member Dave Stepp noted that there doesn’t seem to be much activity at the Covid Center on Marlboro. He wondered if the facility is needed any longer.
Dr. Maguire noted that the center is funded by federal funds. It is also in the process of scaling back; and absent any change in current trends, will very likely close at the end of this fiscal year in June.
Questioned also as to whether vaccination rates are down due to side effects, Dr. Maguire explained that while there can be side effects, risk/benefit calculations are clear. Vaccination protects us from far worse “effects” suffered absent the vaccine.
On to Economic Development and Tourism with Director Cassandra Vanhooser. $3.23 million will be invested in 14 regional and 5 county projects, and $1.75 million has been allocated to broadband in Talbot County. “Councilman Pete Lesher led this effort.”
“Broadband is so important to the economic future of Talbot County,” and “councilwoman Keasha Haythe can tell us about small business assistance.” We were also informed of toolkits, surveys, monthly reports, manufacturing dashboards; and, perhaps not surprisingly, international recognition for these efforts.
A business resource fair is currently being planned, and Talbot County Tourism is launching a Frederick Douglass website. “We’re hoping it will be ready today, on his birthday.” And “this Saturday at 3 PM there will be a flag-raising and ribbon cutting for the Frederick Douglass mural.”
Council member Keasha Haythe appreciated their efforts, and fellow council members echoed this sentiment.
Dave Stepp also offered congratulations for the filing of Certificates of Need, and he had one question. Concerning the partnership formed with Mid-Shore Community Foundation in 2021 to award $50 gift cards for receiving vaccines, “Are there any plans for that in the future?”
Director Vanhooser said there were no plans for that. They partnered with Mid-Shore as a conduit to businesses. “We wanted to help our businesses,” and “something perceived as overly political wouldn’t be done.”
Council member Stepp replied, “Those decisions are between families and their physicians.”
Recognizing first and foremost that a parent’s permission is required, and was required, President Callahan cleared the air. He thanked Cassandra and suggested, “We need to stand and give her an applause.”
Then on to a legislative matter, the introduction of an administrative resolution to repeal a resolution adopted on August 25, 2020. Attorney Patrick Thomas explained that this resolution had been passed in support of the governor’s executive order to wear a face covering which has since “been rescinded and is no longer enforced in the state.”
Dave Stepp suggested this was “just a matter of good legislative hygiene.”
Pete Lesher observed, “This was a feckless piece of legislation that ceded very little.” The administrative resolution was passed unanimously, and the air may be cleared?
Several board and committee appointments were approved. A Department of Corrections’ request to replace HVAC condenser coils offered Chuck Callahan an opportunity to praise the department’s rehabilitation efforts. And council member Keasha Haythe offered assistance.
Concerning the approval of fee increases for Hog Neck golf course, council member Lynn Mielke requested a comparison of rates. She also requested information regarding the difference in lifespan for artificial slate versus real slate for reroofing portions of the Talbot County Courthouse.
Pete Lesher was familiar with 10-year-old equipment to be replaced in the Talbot County Free Library. Every request was approved this evening, and our county manager smiled and said, “The best part of my job is to work with such incredible department heads.”
Dave Stepp’s closing statement included his observation that “the council’s been busy,” and “a lot of great things are happening.”
Pete Lesher will be on Capitol Hill for Museum Advocacy Day, but should be back for the next meeting.
Chuck Callahan thanked everyone for “a really great meeting.” Lots of information. And “the hard work is appreciated.”
Lynn Mielke wished everyone a “Happy Valentine’s Day” and suggested, “Let’s go eat chocolate.”
Keasha Haythe responded, “I’ll second that!”
The meeting adjourned These are just highlights. The meeting video is available at talbotcountymd.gov.
Carol Voyles is a graphic designer/illustrator who retired to the Eastern Shore and became interested in politics. She serves as communications chair for the Talbot County Democratic Forum and lives in Easton.
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