As noted in the Talbot Spy’s interview with Mayor Megan Cook and Ward 3 Councilmember David Montgomery last week, the Town of Easton’s Council members began a conversation about the need and importance of establishing formal guidelines for financial reporting and limits on campaign contributions for individuals and organizations within the municipality.
During the public comment period, some residents raised questions about the timing of the proposal, before the town election on May 6th, as well as concerns that this legislation might be redundant or in conflict with other state reporting laws. Other public comments suggested that the proposed change of local law would ensure transparency and follow other communities in Maryland that have elected to have ordinances despite the existence of state reporting requirements.
The Council agreed to hold a workshop on the proposal next month.
This video is approximately 13 minutes in length.
David Montgomery says
One point to clarify in the introduction to this video. There are NO state reporting requirements for municipal elections. That is why this ordinance is needed.
Kevin Arnold says
Frank Gunsallus is again, much like with many items affecting the town, over his head on this subject.
So, Montgomery and Cook propose campaign disclosure discussion and Frank goes, “oh, yeah…I’ve been doing this the whole time”, not knowing that state disclosures don’t mean jack in local elections. Then, when you actually read his state filing, it’s Friends of Frank Gunsallus donating to a guberbatorial campaign…in 2024. Nothing from Jan 8 2025 to present. Veey disingenuous.
Then, at the council meeting when the town wants to set up a workshop, the once gung-ho Gunsallus goes, “Whoa whoa whoa…we need to delay this because I reached out to the state” (who has no bearing on local ordinances). What a phony.
Then, when he gets denied of that, his handlers go up to the microphone and whine about how little Frankie is getting picked on because he’s being held accountable like everyone else. Think about that mentality sitting on our council for a full term.
This kid is a mouthpiece of a handful of people (and orgs) who don’t represent the town’s best interests, which is why he’s reluctant to be specific. If there ever were a buyer beware moment for a candidate, it’s with Frank Gunsallus.
Denis Del Pino says
Keep doing what you do, people need to know what’s real and who’s not. Your responses are on point and very informing especially to folks who have no understanding of how things work, I thank you.