The voters of Easton made a clear statement on May 6: character, truth, and civility matter.
As Chair of TalbotDems, I do not typically engage in nonpartisan municipal races. But there are moments when silence becomes complicity, and this election was one of those moments.
In the Easton Town Council President race, Don Abbatiello’s victory is a rebuke of disturbing tactics. What should have been a thoughtful campaign about Easton’s future devolved into a smear operation. Residents’ mailboxes were flooded with campaign mailers riddled with distortions, personal attacks, and fabricated attributions.
This wasn’t a fluke. It’s part of a broader pattern, including in the last mayoral race and in Talbot’s last Board of Education election, where similar mis- and disinformation tactics were deployed. Let’s be clear: This is not how we build trust in our institutions or inspire faith in local government.
We must recognize what this climate costs us. Running for office is hard. It takes courage, vulnerability, and a willingness to serve. When elections are defined by deceit and personal destruction, we risk deterring good people from stepping forward. Toxic tactics don’t just harm their intended targets—they corrode our civic culture and discourage participation at every level. Do we want to be a community where fewer of our neighbors are willing to put their name on the ballot?
That’s why Don Abbatiello’s candidacy—and his win—matter so deeply. He chose a different path. He ran a campaign grounded in service, not slander. He listened, engaged, and refused to stoop to the politics of fear. His leadership style reflects the best of Easton: respectful, thoughtful, inclusive, and committed to all residents, not just those aligned with one political view.
In electing Don, the people of Easton showed that they value honesty over artifice and unity over division. They showed that even when misinformation floods, truth still has the power to rise above it.
Let’s take heart in this result and the historic turnout for this election. It shows that voters are paying attention. It reminds us that integrity still wins. And it proves that voting matters.
By Phil Jackson
Talbot County Democratic Central Committe
Tom Kicklighter says
Outstanding message.
Discourse, values and morality matter.
Keith Alan Watts says
Thoughtful LTE. Articulate. Well reasoned. An exemplar of the civility we not only need, but what Talbot County expects — and deserves — from all its public servants.
“Public Servants”. Those who serve the public — not themselves . . . . With humility, dignity and respect.
Susie Hayward says
When elections devolve into single-issue debates fueled by distorted facts, unsubstantiated opinions, and false accusations, the focus shifts away from comprehensive policy discussions and candidate qualifications. This is particularly concerning when essential matters need to be discussed, such as the revised Comprehensive Plan and pressing housing needs that go way beyond a single issue (Inclusionary Zoning).
This type of electoral environment undermines the principles of informed decision-making and can lead to outcomes that do not serve the community’s best interests. It creates voter cynicism, increased community polarization, and poor governance when elections are not based on a thorough understanding of issues and candidates (fortunately, not in this case).
Michael Davis says
The local Republicans officially endorsed Frank Gansallus. In the endorsement letter, they referenced the Republican Platform which is a very divisive document. But one did not need to go there to see the divisiveness that Frank’s supporters endorsed. New residents vs. old residents; and White people vs “those” people who will lower your property values.
Don’s huge victory was not only a vote for civility and good management. But it also sent a loud message that Easton is a welcoming community for all people.
Steven Cades says
I’ll certainly join with others in thanking Phil Jackson for his letter (above). It surely expresses the values that all citizens ought to seek as they perform their obligation as citizens: to vote thoughtfully to select their leaders and representatives.
But a question remains here in Easton and Talbot County: who, exactly, are the groups and individuals who are producing the ugly mailers that Mr. Jackson describes? Who funded the extraordinary number of very large roadside signs, far beyond Easton’s borders for one of this week’s candidates? We have come to expect shadowy groups attempting to affect state and national elections. But it should not be happening in this small community. My question is not rhetorical. I want to know who is willing to spend so much money in local elections, and what their motives are.
Hal De Bona says
I agree, and truly hope the “dark money” that we witness in national elections has not found its way to small towns such as Easton. We have Citizens United to thank for this mess.
Michael Pullen says
Easton voters can rightly take no small measure of civic pride in their performance at the polls and the clear, strong message they delivered.
Easton has a proud history of good government and engaged citizens. Voters showed up and demonstrated their commitment to that tradition and proved, overwhelmingly, that Easton remains a great place to live, work, raise a family and contribute to the community.
Glenn Baker says
” I do not typically engage in nonpartisan municipal races” but here are my six paragraphs of thought on this matter.
Do we understand why the other 4,000 citizens did not vote?