Over the years, we on the Shore have worked hard to bring this region out of its slave holding history. Yet, recently, I received a contentious e-mail that had been circulated within Talbot County promoting a Republican fundraiser and support for the re-election campaign of the Republican candidate for Easton Town Council President. While the goal of the message was to fundraise, sadly, the appeal’s undertone suggests denying minorities the opportunity to take part in the American dream of owning a home.
The messaging suggests that electing the Republican candidate would prevent increases in “section-8 housing” and “inclusive zoning,” which would cause “property values to plummet”—first in the town of Easton and then in Talbot County.
In the past, these were the same justifications for including covenants in deeds that forbade transferring a property to a “colored person” or a Jewish person. This race-baiting and fear-mongering sentiment in the email is right out of a playbook from the Jim Crow South. The Fair Housing Act of 1968 made these strategies illegal.
Inclusive zoning aims to provide affordable housing to a variety of community members. Easton’s inclusive housing program, supported by Easton Mayor Megan Cook, is designed to provide affordable homes for our teachers, first responders, hospital workers, and others who are priced out of housing in Easton and Talbot County. I doubt having these folks as neighbors will drive down home values.
Messaging that encourages the support of a particular candidate for Easton Town President to avoid inclusive housing divides our community along racial lines, and should not be tolerated by anyone, regardless of political affiliation.
Richard O’Brien
Talbot County
Darrell Parsons says
Thank you for raising this.
Louise Perry says
Mr. O’Brien – Would you share a copy of this email, please? I find it shocking. It needs to be made public.
Rich Hargrove says
BRAVO!!
Michael Davis says
There is nothing new about people trying to divide our community to win elections. The Moms for Liberty, a radical hate group, endorsed candidates in the last election for school board. Also, many in Easton got snail mail fliers from a group in Delaware spreading lies about our school system.
The election for President of our Town Council is supposed to be nonpartisan. At least in theory. Given the email that Mr. O’Brien has seen from Republicans, they are using lies and scare tactics to undermine Mr. Abbatiello.
The best answer to this is to vote. Between Mr. Abbatiello and Mr. Gunsallus. there is a clear choice. Vote for reasonable problem solving, openness, and civility, or vote for a man Republicans support to foster division of our community along racial lines
Donna Callejon says
Having just bought a home in Royal Oak, I am learning about the entrenched biases in TC. Thank you for writing this, and I agree.
Rick Hughes says
Hear, hear! Well said.
FRANCIES MUTH says
Thank you for your letter! No matter one’s political affiliation, it seems there are those who are all for equity and inclusion as long as it’s not in their back yard! Posts and comments on the Next Door App regarding “affordable housing” were shocking and disheartening! Why do I suspect that the author(s) of that email you receivedl hail from the same community? I know a boatload of Republicans who would not be in support of the email you received and a boatload of Democrats who are all for inclusivity… except in their back yard!
James O Siegman says
Easton has had very little affordable housing built since the mid 1990’s when the neighborhood behind Applebees was completed. Today, Doverbrook is being rebuilt That is a zero sum operation….old section 8 housing knocked down and replaced. There are some areas that are full. I would suggest that we need some section 8 housing but we also need just plain affordable housing for those that do not qualify for section 8…due to a slightly higher income range….such as the teachers, first responders and hospital staff you mentioned. We have PLENTY of high end housing but the availability/inventory of low, middle income housing is so low that the price has kept that demographic out of our community. And, per your comment, this impacts people of color disproportionately to white people. If we are to distance ourselves from that original American sin of slavery…and Jim Crow, and Red Lining…then it is in the interests of our town to work to bring a broader cross section of Americans to our town.
Mary D says
I was so impressed that R.O’Brien said out loud what, prob MOST of Easton’s citizens, also believe but wont say, regardless of party.
History if full of violence and hate. I think it’s very odd that some folks choose to live as folks did in the 10th century…so boring.
Eric Ploeg says
“Inclusive zoning aims to provide affordable housing to a variety of community members. Easton’s inclusive housing program, supported by Easton Mayor Megan Cook, is designed to provide affordable homes for our teachers, first responders, hospital workers, and others who are priced out of housing in Easton and Talbot County. I doubt having these folks as neighbors will drive down home values.” This has nothing to do with dividing “Easton among racial lines”. Another race baiting article.
In reality, our teachers, first responders, etc. are already diverse and not low income people. Don’t be fooled since many of them live comfortably throughout our middle class communities. Easton does already provide them tax incentives. These are not the people among the “variety of community members” in need of affordable housing. Mr O’Brien is either uninformed or out of touch with realit. And it’s not racial. It’s about housing for our newly arrived residents.
For those concerned, Easton is already sponsoring subsidized housing for residents in our community. At least 3 new affordable housing complexes are being completed this year for our residents. Additionally, Habitat for Humanity in Easton continues their admirable mission by providing affordable housing as well to those willing to commit.
So what’s being touted as Easton’s “inclusive housing program” isn’t about race, its about providing subsidized housing for newly arrived immigrants including undocumented immigrants. Many taxpayers aren’t in favor of funding housing for new arrivals.
If Easton can afford subsidizing housing for new arrivals, they should first consider a property tax allowance for primary resident senior citizens in our community. Maryland taxes and costs of living have well outpaced social Security for years. Easton seniors of all races are burdened by Talbot County taxes AND Easton town taxes, despite not receiving twice the benefits.
Tom Gerni says
Richard and all, zoning ordinances, as well as all other local government functions are inclusive of the public discussion of all proposals as they come before the respective boards, legislative or regulatory bodies. You are correct in demonstration of concern, but the subjective “undertone” that anyone is denied taking part in “the American dream” is unfortunate itself in that it creates a sense of disparity along racial lines, an intentionally divisive act of this or that person, interest group, or business. The zoning regulations and decisions and the public meetings advertised in advance, are an excellent forum for advancing these concerns, but bringing racial elements, assuming “teacher, first responders, hospital workers” are priced out of the market is doing less to bring balance to the issue. Property values are driven by markets, location, and comparable properties in the neighborhood. The Fair Housing Act prohibits not selling to is persons on account of race, but does NOT restrict zoning ordinances to include or exclude classes or professions. A lending institution likewise cannot discriminate regarding race or profession. They simply do a financial analysis of the assets and reliability of the buyer. The law does not guarantee outcomes, but opportunity. The rest is dollars and “sense”
Carol Mincey says
I’m for your reality and TRUTH 100%.
This IS America all of our cities, towns and villages SHOULD REFLECT THAT!
Pamela Krandle says
We firmly believe in diversity and encourage fair housing practices for Easton.