Being asked by Dave Wheelan to consider writing a regular column for the Spy, I was immediately caught up in the idea of a series focusing on just on Talbot County. It’s the focal point of my interests, after all. It is an honor, and a bit intimidating, to be invited to contribute to our community dialogue, alongside the likes of Sikes, Freelander, Merrill, Montgomery, Kirkpatrick and others…so I’d better do my best.
I want to use this very first piece to lay out my intent, and the framework of what, over time, I hope the column can offer: not a random, disjointed jumble, but an opportunity for an integrated story, a constructive offering that informs folks, links issues, and connects the dots if/as/when needed. Hoping to write every week or two, there’s no need to be in a hurry.
For those who are familiar with LTEs I’ve authored in the Spy and occasional commentaries in the Star Democrat, (and my role in the former Bipartisan Coalition PAC—a campaign that is over), I am probably identified just with local political issues. It always seems to be about the County Council, or some issue they’re dealing with—like land use or sewers or something.
But I’d like to say up front that Talbot County is really all about the people. There are just over 37,000 citizens who live here—take us ALL to Camden Yards (good luck with getting everyone to go over the bridge!) and there’d be lots of empty seats in the upper deck.
But it is we 37,000 that are “Talbot, the Community:” it’s the Little League; the Avalon concerts; the hunting and fishing and sailing reports; support for our homeless shelters and Channel Marker; high school graduations, EMT successes; Talbot Mentors; 4-H Club events; Academy Art Museum exhibits; the Community Service Center and Casa; Oyster Festivals on the water; local garden clubs—these are what fill our lives with meaning—and many other excellent Spy articles and newspaper notices report often on these invaluable activities that give our community its vitality. Completely homogeneous? Of course not. But it’s a rich fabric with many colorful threads.
“Talbot County, the Place”— the 175,000 oddly configured acres (and 80% more if you count the water…which we must)—is merely the vessel where we’re blessed to find ourselves, where all the vitality of our families’ lives plays out. It’s a special place, that by good fortune and the efforts of those who came before, is saved still. “Talbot County, the Place” is what I will mostly be writing about—not because it’s the more important than “community”—it’s not–but it’s what I can offer.
With the benefit of many decades in the commercial real estate business in Maryland, watching the interplay of development, local regulation, and politics— I’d like to help sustain Talbot’s character for the long term, believing that its literally unique character is the one thing that differentiates Talbot from everywhere else. And that’s also the vision of our citizen-driven Comprehensive Plan. I am an optimist; we cannot just protect Talbot, we can even make it a better place yet. And at age 74, I believe deeply that it’s the long term that really counts, especially when talking about an entire County in its own arc of history.
So, let’s Focus on Talbot!
Dan Watson is the former chair of Bipartisan Coalition For New Council Leadership and has lived in Talbot County for the last twenty-five years.
Margot McConnel says
Looking forward to some interesting and insightful articles Dan
Mike McConnel says
I think Dan’s decision to commit himself to this is wonderful and a gift to our County. I know of no other person whose heartfelt interest in our civic future is more sincere or more energetic! So I’d like to be one of the first to thank-you sincerely, Dan! After I learned that the Bipartisan Coalition had hung up its spurs for the time being, I did have some concerns about your activity but no longer! I wish you success and know that all of us will continue to be indebted to you for your contributions to our community and to responsive local government.
Sincerely, Mike McConnel
Stephany Barrett says
I am so very happy that Dan Watson will be writing a regular column for the Spy. What a spectacular person for that job. He is an absolutely invaluable source. He cares about what happens in Talbot County and voices it in a very well researched fashion. Accolades to you Dan. You will make me a regular Spy reader. Thank you for all of your contributions. I wish you all the best.
Bonnie Morro says
Kudos to you Dan for taking on this assignment. I look forward to your articles filled with well researched facts presented with a hearty dose of love and caring for the place we call home.