I have known Johnny Mautz as a friend and colleague for many years. During that time I found him to be a valuable asset to St. Michaels and our surrounding coastal communities, working tirelessly and with integrity on our behalf as an advocate and business leader. Johnny is a devoted family man, and he owns the Carpenter Street Saloon here in St. Michaels. He is known to us all as an admired leader of our business community.
Let’s take a brief look at some of the things he has done on our behalf. As both a member of the House of Delegates and a local business owner, Johnny was instrumental in helping us navigate the very tricky waters of doing business during Covid. He became a sounding board for all area small business owners, kept us all, including me, updated on the myriad of daily changes and new rules regarding covid that we had to navigate. I called him personally many times and he was always immensely helpful. During a time when our Public Health Officials and government regulators had little help to offer us, when their only guidance was to shutter our businesses, Johnny helped streamline the rules to keep businesses open by implementing sectioned seating, mask wearing and hand sanitizing. He did this as a business owner, not as a politician or political hack.
Let’s consider a few more of his career highlights that illustrate just how valuable an asset Johnny has been for us:
- ✓ He helped secure $1 million from the Maryland Capital Budget for the St. Michaels Community Center in 2021.
- ✓ He was able to intervene in a state highway repair project that would have reduced the already heavily congested Route 33 from two lanes to one. Johnny was able to get the work switched from day to night, preventing unimaginable traffic jams that would have paralyzed the rest of the county.
- ✓ He campaigned to ensure the safety of our local waters by helping to lobby to retain the U.S. Coast Guard Station in our neighboring Oxford, MD when it was scheduled to close.
- ✓ He has been a leader and key advocate for the Shore in Annapolis.
- ✓ He led the effort to ensure broadband deployment in rural areas through a task force that
acquired and allocated millions of dollars to be invested in rural broadband connections.
- ✓ He led the charge to protect Easton Utilities and all of the Rate Payers in Easton from increased electric costs connected to new renewable mandates.
Johnny Mautz has always been open, candid, and straightforward about his work and his votes during his tenure in State Government, but my enthusiastic support is not based on state or national politics, but on all he has done for us locally. He has represented us well in Annapolis and it is in all of our best interests, local businesses and residents alike, to make sure he continues to serve us to help us ensure our future here in St. Michaels. Now we have the chance to solidify our future by making sure Johnny Mautz gets to “Move Up” to the State Senate.
Let’S Make That Happen!
Michael T. Morgan
St. Michaels
Deirdre LaMotte says
Ask him relevant questions that will predict his voting in Annapolis:
Does he believe Biden is the duly elected President?
Does he believe every person should have reproductive freedom,
personal choice?
Does he believe that gun laws should reflect the inordinate mass
shootings in every community in the nation? Should Semi Automatic weapons be purchased at whim? Even for 18 year olds?
Does he believe we are in a Climate emergency now? If not, why not?
Does he believe in democracy?
Does he acknowledge the separation of church and state?
Does he support science?
Does he support teachers and schools teaching actual history and
literature, and does he support banning books? If so, why?
Lucy Garliauskas says
Agree w Deirdre 100%. Thoughtful, relevant response.
Michael Davis says
Thank you, Deirdre. The answers to these questions are far, far, more important than him being a family man or a good friend, or candid or that other fluff. Most of the worst people in history have been family men, or good friends and open, candid, etc. Talk about candid, Hitler publishd Mein Kamph.
I would add the question of does he support the Republican ticket headed by Cox, a group that supports authoritarianism, lies and racism. If he supports them, then he does not belong in elected office anywhere.
Barbara Denton says
Cox supports none of these things. Moore does. If you want a socialist for governor and a communist for lt. governor please vote for Moore/Miller. If you want to be free to make your own personal decisions and the decisions on how your child will be educated vote for Dan Cox.
Susan Kemp says
Excellent questions that require a response!
Mike Leonard says
Deirdre,
I’m curious if you have any questions at all of Mr Mautz that relate to specific issues and problems *unique* to the 37th District?
While I agree that many of these questions are important, they apply equally in every county and state in America.
Their answers will tell a voter very little about Mr Mautz’s ability to respond to and troubleshoot the actual, current problems his constituents are facing via the tools that are available to him as a member of the Maryland General Assembly.
I daresay that many who are voting in a state level election are less concerned than you about ideological purity tests, and more concerned about actually getting the help they need today.
Deirdre LaMotte says
There is nothing in my comments regarding “purity”. If he is a member of a Party that is subverting our democracy by supporting those who do, he has no right to serve our State, period.
If he does not believe in common sense gun laws because his Party is hostage to gun manufacturers, then he should not be elected. And if he believes women should be nothing but 2nd class citizens so that he is accepted in said Party, he should be defeated.
Mike Leonard says
Gotcha, so…then, does it matter at all to you what the voters in this district actually believe about these issues?
For instance, what if the majority of voters here were to happen to agree with his positions?
To be clear, I don’t know whether the majority of voters do or don’t, and I myself don’t agree with many of his positions, but….it seems a threat to democracy and human rights in and of itself that you don’t seem to demonstrate any concern for what voters here might believe — if that happens to conflict with what you believe to be “The Truth.”
DeirdreLaMotte says
So, you are fine with those who what to end democracy? I have no response except I never
want to hear anyone in the GOP call anyone
“unpatriotic” or”unAmerican”, ok?
Hungary seems quite tempting doesn’t it?
Holly Wright says
Recent Supreme Court decisions have empowered state legislatures to decide on abortion, gun safety and other issues. Which is why Johnny’s website saying he’s 100% pro life and 100% gun rights is a huge issue. It’s a new day. What he has done and may do for the district for many people is not the priority.
Mike Leonard says
Holly, I do agree that state legislatures’ roles in defining these important issues is significant and a potential cause for concern.
But the *Maryland* General Assembly, with its long-term Democrat supermajorities, is simply not at all likely to follow the agenda you fear any time soon — regardless of Mr Mautz’s beliefs or his votes on the floor.
That’s one of many reasons why I personally much prefer to vote in this state-level election based upon local issues that are specifically of concern to those who actually have skin in the game as far as the way things go here in the 37th district — and whether or not a candidate is truly likely to make meaningful headway on those things.
Holly Wright says
Mike, I think I get your logic. His undermining public confidence in our electoral process with the bill he introduced a month after January 6th and undermining confidence in Gov. Hogans public health measures during the pandemic might also be concerns. They certainly are to many people.
But beyond that, Johnny has only worked with Republican Larry Hogan’s administration and going forward you should assume that his effectiveness will be limited with a change in party control in Annapolis which is likely.
Bob Kopec says
Ms. LaMotte asks very good questions of Mr. Mautz.
I would like to see the responses from Mr. Mautz.
William Aiken says
How is his record on the environment? Has he voted to fund enforcement by DNR of expired “ghost” wastewater permits?
Who does he believe is President of the United States. It’s not a trick question?
Does he support a woman’s right to choose?
Michele La Rocca says
He has been my go to for every State level issue I have had and has favorably resolved every problem. Effective, engaging and productive.
Herman Jeff Harrison says
He has also been a staunch advocate for Talbot County watermen, and was instrumental in the dredging of Knapps Narrows recently helping many shoreline businesses in all of Talbot County. Johnny is our man and even though he has big shoes to fill hopefully replacing Mrs. Addie Eckardt, Talbot Watermen Assoc is behind him all the way.
Jeff Harrison
Francine De Sanctis says
Thank you Diedra. Those are exact questions to be posed to not just Mautz, but ALL Republican candidates in ALL STATES. Let them specifically answer the questions and not change the subject or try the diversionary tactics they are so skilled in. Are you FOR THE PEOPLE OR AGAINST THE MAJORITY? Of course, Harris wouldn’t even try to answer. WHY ARE THEY ELECTED?
Gerry Early says
In my past life I have had a number of business-type contacts with Del. Johnny Mautz and always found him to be a friendly and responsive public official.
My only suggestion is that in his campaign appearances before November 8 somebody in the audience always asks whether or not he believes that Joe Biden was honestly elected president in 2020.
The answer to that question would determine whether he or any other GOP candidate would ever get my vote.
Barbara Denton says
Joe Biden was not honestly elected. Mike Pence did not do his duty as vice-president and we have a senile president who so far has spent 39% of his term on vacation. We have worst inflation in 40 years. We have double gas prices and many families will struggle to pay their fuel bills this winter thanks to his energy policies which are not scientifically proven. Anyone who voted for this man should be ashamed.
Karen Hayes says
Mr. Morgan, did guidance of government regulators “shutter businesses” as you claimed, during COVID, or were businesses penalized (as was Carpenter Street Saloon, if I remember correctly) for NOT complying with mask mandates, to protect the safety of their employees? Did John Mautz, a member of the house of delegates, deny and refuse to comply with the mask mandate? That’s shameful! Did any business owners not question why there was COVID denial in the executive branch for so long? As a “sounding board” for area businesses, what John Mautz’s proposed SOLUTIONS to keep customers and employees safe, and keep businesses open? If COVID acceptance had been addressed sooner, businesses would not have been in the predicament of possibly having to “shutter”. Is John Mautz in denial of climate change? If so, how in good conscience can you say he’s working to protect the shore and the future of St. Michaels from rising tides? What are his feelings on Critical Race Theory? The terms, “dedicated family man” and “admired leader of the business community” mean nothing and are personal qualities. What is the true character of the man regarding REAL issues!
Jill Poe says
Here Here! Well said
Willard. T Engelskirchen says
Johnny Mautz has done a good job so far. However I have to agree that his positions on issues beyond support of local businesses are important. How about reproductive choice? What about keeping our schools open to books conservatives might want removed? How about the challenges of climate change?
Mr Mautz wants to represent.all of us. Even those who voted for the Democrat in 2020. Will he promise to support the winners in all elections?
Jonathon J Powers says
To Michael Morgan concerning his letter regarding Johnny Mautz: Thank you Mr. Morgan for helping to set the record straight concerning our dedicated House Delegate and almost certainly our next State Senator. While I lean a bit more liberal and Democratic than Mr. Mautz, I still support him in most all that he does for us on The Shore.
Sincerely,
Jon Powers
Saint Michaels
Brian Wroten says
You support Johnny Mautz trying to audit your vote in the 2020 Presidential election?
Brian Wroten says
You mean the guy that couldn’t (or wouldn’t) write a factually accurate article about the Hampton Inn project in St. Michaels is doing the same about thing for Johnny Mautz?? Unbelievable.
Carol Voyles says
Nice is nice, but the requirements of our Constitution and democracy are fundamental.
Tom Buckmaster says
So nice to see a letter that seems to reflect what a state senators job actually is! Listening and advocating for LOCAL priorities for COMMUNITY issues! I’ve seen all kinds of advice and criticism focused on NATIONAL issues….that’s NOT Johnny’s job for us.
It’s just plain uninformed to suggest he lean into Federal policy matters. Seems like some folks need a civics lesson.
Johnny is accessable. He’s thoughtful. And he’s an engaged advocate for us in Annapolis. We’re lucky to have him!
Tracey Johns says
When abortion laws hit the state levels, like now, it really matters. There’s your civic lesson for the day!
Barbara Denton says
Do you really think the progressive immoral Democrats in the State legislatures are going to abolish abortion. Stop beating that dead horse. The have already put infanticide in place. Abortion is now a state issue. The Feds are out of it as well they should be. The abortion laws are already at the state levels. Learn some civics before you make these kind of statements.
Deirdre LaMotte says
Nope. When one is a State Senator, one is representing the entire State with every vote given.
Not sure about you, but I would not want any elected person to compromise their integrity simply to satisfy Donald Trump and his acolyte Cox.
This is what we have here: the GOP members are forced to swing so right that their positions are not only undemocratic, but do not reflect the views of thinking people who care about our nation.
Nationally, the State level is where this damage started and it must be stopped.
Holly Wright says
As a result of recent Supreme Court decisions, state legislatures have been empowered to control not only abortion but also other major issues like elections and gun safety. So what used to be national issues will be decided in Annapolis. That’s why people care that Johnny’s website says he’s 100% Pro Life and 100% Gun Rights.
Deirdre LaMotte says
LOL. “pro-life”, pro-gun”. What an oxymoron. It is not “pro-life”, it is forced birth, a unique form of grotesque policies meant to exert power over women. The goal is to control people’s private lives, replacing personal choices with rigid dogma from their perverted version of Christianity.
Take an unjaundiced look around. “Freedom”, so often touted by the Right, is slowly being erased, and politicians are the one’s pulling the strings. Along with women/gay hating priests and pastors.
Give the forced birthers enough rope and they will strangle themselves. Can’t wait for the lawsuits!
Calvin Yowell says
Last week I read an article that indicated Johnny moving to the right and aligning with Harris on the far right. As we move into the fall if Johnny is against abortion and flexible voting, he will not get my vote.
CHARLOTTE SNEAD says
Well he will get mine! Maryland will never reject ablution rights and I believe that is the way it should be. I won’t vote based on one issue.
Deirdre LaMotte says
One issue? Personal rights that have been a Constitutional right for 50 years is one of the most significant of the 20, 21 century. Not only
is this not going away, but will be the downfall of the
new GOP. You know, the racist, cultist, misogynist
Party that is tripping over themselves to make
women nothing but uteruses. The dog has caught the car and is now wishing it had not.
Tracey Johns says
Here’s the thing – if your daughter, Mike, or my daughter has an ectopic pregnancy, or God forbid get pregnant through rape, or for whatever reason to have power over their bodies, then Johnny is 100% against their lives with his 100% pro-life stance.
I love Johnny and I’ve crossed the aisle to vote for him. But our values are different. And these national issues are now at the state level. He will not get my vote for this reason alone.
Please think of the women you love when you cast your vote. It’s a much more complicated issue than you can imagine.
Lesley Israel says
Thank you Johnny!
CHARLOTTE SNEAD says
Thank you for setting the record straight!
Susan Anne Olsen says
Mautz’s lack of concern for the climate crisis is alarming. He has demonstrated his lack of knowledge about the issue in his candidate forums. Mautz has achieved a score of zero (out of 100) by the League of Conservation Voters on energy. He has voted against every bill designed to mitigate the effects of climate change which we are now experiencing on the Eastern Shore.
While Mautz might be accessible to his friends, he has not been accessible to environmentalists. It has been extremely difficult to set up appointments to discuss environmental legislation with him.
The Sierra Club has endorsed Naomi Hyman for state senate. Hyman has a life-long passion for environmental issues and is far better equipped to handle our climate crisis.
Judy A Wixted says
None of this means anything compared to a woman’s freedom to biological self-determination. Johnny Mautz does not deserve your vote. Naomi Hyman will represent us on every level.