In larger media markets where candidates receive independent scrutiny misrepresentations and significant omissions in their backgrounds as described by campaign literature are picked up and shared with citizens. Where that’s not the case, as with us here on the Mid Shore, it is up to individual citizens apparently to correct the record which is the occasion for this letter.
With local elected officials, I find it valuable to investigate real estate holdings and the interests that might imply to the performance of their duties. Intellius is an online service that will provide that information. When I looked up Frank Gunsallus I got more than I bargained for.
To double check that there was no error, I went on the state’s Maryland Case Search, the data base for the Maryland Judiciary, and found that when Frank was 26 he was arrested for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute on Dec. 2, 2014, he served 104 days pre-trial and was convicted. (https://casesearch.courts.state.md.us/casesearch) This is way beyond a youthful indiscretion.
Much has been written and very appropriately so lauding Frank Gunsallus work to help people in Ukraine. Apart from the crime itself, not disclosing this information to the public shows at the very least poor judgment. It deprives the public from questioning him about it and drawing their own conclusions after that as to how important it will be to their decision on September 12th.
Holly Wright
Easton
Richard Bates says
I have absolutely no reason to rescind my vote based on what has transpired in this particular event. While the charges mentioned may not be misdemeanor, they certainly do not go against the moral code of this state or country. The state of Maryland now sells both medical and recreational Marijuana to tax-paying citizens, and it uses the profits to aid in the upkeep of basic social structures. Frank Gunsallus is a geniune human being, and as we are all human, we are entitled to our share of mistakes. I see no reason for this to become anything beyond a fair statement of facts. Frank will still get my vote in on September 12th, and I implore you all to look beyond this matter as well.
Holly Wright says
This information is a matter of public record. Amazing to me is that this is his second campaign and he or his supporters on his behalf have not come forward with his criminal record without my letter to the editor. Now it will be up to the citizens of Easton to draw their own conclusions about his failure to disclose this information without being forced to and the facts of his record itself.
Richard Marks says
Having previously learned of Frank’s mistake, I thought about his lack of judgement and reflected on my own poor decisions during my youth. I also considered whether or not Frank should have disclosed this part of his past while also wondering if I made my disclosures would it have made any difference? Would folks be influenced or just judge me by my words and actions in the present? Not an easy question to answer, but I have decided that Franks’s indiscretion will not be a factor when casting my vote. There are other factors that will, however, affect my decision. One is considering why the author of this letter, Holly Wright, a known supporter of another candidate, has chosen to divulge this information and finding fault with our local media which do not practice “gotcha” journalism. Two is questioning how she first learned of it as I find her sleuth work to be questionable. Thirdly, speaking of a lack of judgement, I challenge the person who steered her in that direction to look in their mirror and see if casting this stone was worthy of their character.
Holly Wright says
I very much believe that this election is about critical leadership Easton needs in the future. Whether the community has a strong, savy champion will determine whether our community will continue to be vulnerable to mega developments, whether the physician shortage will be addressed and the future of the regional medical center. The weak leadership of our town in these areas has brought us to where we are today.
More importantly, Frank Gunsallus has suffered from very, very poor campaign advice which presumably would follow him into public office. Today people can count on an open heart from their communities to give many chances. Advisors that suggest secrecy rather than putting confidence in the good judgment of citizens does not bode well for a candidate or a public official. This style of back room politics where the community’s power brokers think they know best has brought us to where Easton is today. And people with a stake in the status quo will work hard to keep it that way.
Victimhood is not a good look in a candidate and those that are counseling that do him a disservice as a candidate and even more so as a human being. Secrecy keeps people weak especially when other people help you keep them. As a chaplain at the Detention Center for many years I have some perspective on this.
I believe the individuals needing the mirror are the advisors who give counsel to a candidate that will keep him weak. The abscence of strength in city hall has allowed others to influence the drift for their own interests and brought Easton to where it is today.
BTW A child of six who followed the mayor’s and now the council president’s race knows I am a very early and extremely strong supporter of potent leadership at city hall and Al Silverstein. Perhaps you think that because I am a woman, I need someone to steer me.
Harvey Davis says
I have known Frank Gunsallus for several years. I have seen him in action, tirelessly campaignimg very hard hitting the streets; in both of his recent runs for public office. I know he will take this positive energy while working hard for his constituents. I am truly sorry to see anyone stoop so low, as to pull the old political game of digging up something in one’s past, such as in this particular case!
Frank has never tried to hide any of his past to me nor any one of our mutual friends and associates. Let’s all play fairly and dismiss such nonsensical tactics as this. I have faith in the citizens of Easton that they will see this kind of disgraceful stunt for exactly what it is….Garbage!
Harvey Davis says
I have known Frank Gunsallus for several years. I have seen him in action, tirelessly campaignimg very hard hitting the streets; in both of his recent runs for public office. I know he will take this positive energy while working hard for his constituents. I am truly sorry to see anyone stoop so low, as to pull the old political game of digging up something in one’s past, such as in this particular case!
Frank has never tried to hide any of his past to me nor any one of our mutual friends and associates. Let’s all play fairly and dismiss such nonsensical tactics as this. I have faith in the citizens of Easton that they will see this kind of disgraceful stunt for exactly what it is….Garbage! I’m
G.L. Fronk says
For perspective, below is a link to an interview with Frank and the rest of the story…
https://eastongazette.com/2023/08/28/the-easton-gazette-frank-gunsallas-running-for-mayor/?fbclid=IwAR3hivyW0wL-zzotkzGbIh-lpKzHhkygdIcSl1txEjKu9m6KryCAmKbqnF4
Holly Wright says
The Easton Gazette piece is misleading and simply wrong. A week ago, I sent a letter to the Star Democrat on this subject and expected they would be contacting Frank Gunsallus for a response. Perhaps they would not have given my name, but would not have said the letter was anonymous. The misrepresentation of Frank’s situation as some kind of victimhood is a bad look for a candidate. Being surrounded by people and advisors encouraging such a perspective will weaken any individual trying to fight their own battles. The candidate suffers from very poor advisors.
Margaret Iovino says
I just came from my doctors office in Baltimore-,a big renowned hospital, and he recommended I use marijuana for my symptoms . He’s well known and highly thought of in his field. I was surprised, but this was the only solution he recommended, and strongly. So it’s weird to read this letter upon my return with such condemnatory language.
Destiny woodward says
Our mistakes do not determine who we are as a person. The average person, learns and grows from them. There is not a single entity on this planet who meets up to the standards of perfection. When someone has made mistakes, they can advocate for others and teach them the ways of life.
Mike Davis says
I do not know Mr. Gunsallus. I’ve never met him and it is likely I’ve never seen him. I have no idea at this point if I would vote for him.
But I would certainly not consider a marajuana bust at 26 years old to be a disqualification for anything.
Reed Fawell 3 says
I know nothing about Mr. Gunsallus beyond what I saw on the Spy Video. Watching it, two things leapt out a me: namely-
1. He was the only candidate who seemed to have a knowledgeable grasp of the complexities, ironies and trade-offs when trying to provide affordable and moderate priced housing that everyday folks can manage in a small upscale housing market such as Easton’s. So I was quite impressed since I know a bit about those difficulties as well given my professional experience. The fact of his knowledge at his young age amplified my favorable impression, especially as against his highly experienced competitors, who should have given the answer he did, but didn’t seemed to have learned it over their many years in office.
2. My second impression, however, was even more negative than the first was positive. As regards the covert free Electric Chargers paid for us who do not use them, Mr Gunsallus gave me the impression that he had not one wit of concern over that opaque maneuver and its unfair result. For him, it appeared that his biased view of the end (save the planet) justified the means of achieving it irrespective of the law and/or principle of honest open transparent government where users don’t get a free ride at other non user citizens expense without their knowledge or consent. So he lost my vote and confidence on that single exchange. That sort of attitude, and way of doing things, is for me the most critical problem of governance we need to fix around here. And not be allowed to continue.
These are my impressions only from the video.
Bob Wenneson says
It might serve the above writer’s interests to listen more carefully to Mr Gunsallus’s reply regarding the chargers. Rather than supporting their non-fee based presence as a ‘save the earth’ venture, Mr. Gunsallus clearly notes that they were installed 1-2 years ago as a Town pro-business experiment when EV chargers were less available, and now that For-Fee charging services have become widely available that it is time that that approach to be implemented.
Those chargers, recently and breathlessly disparaged by some citizens prone to tumbling uninformededly into knee-jerk culture wars, were put there as a means of encouraging outside visitors to come to Easton. To visit. To shop. To dine. There is very little to support the idea that local EV-owning residents were using them for their own greedy FREE! purposes at the expense of all the non-EV owning taxpayers. (most EV owners have much more convenient charging access at their homes).
The expense to the town to operate these chargers, $800/month, is minimal if they serve their intended purpose of encouraging out-of-town visitors/patrons. Yes, paid for by town taxpayers. Should we close our Town Visitor Center? Paid for by taxpayers — for the purpose of encouraging outside visitors. Should we dismantle our several areas of FREE! town parking areas which encourage downtown patronage? Paid for by town taxpayers by foregoing the revenue stream they would otherwise provide. Should we close our town parks? Paid for by town taxpayers. Or possibly make the parks available only to those who live in town and pay taxes here? It’s a shame the breathless indignation of a handful of loud voices was so quickly able to have the town government fail to take an insightful look into the issue and instead put 4 plastic bags over the chargers. Bags that should bear the label “Easton – Closed For Business”.
Reed Fawell 3 says
Sorry, Those chargers should have been public and accounted for in the budget, and his answer I found quite dismissive. I have right to my opinion and to express it. Stop your name calling.
Sid Campen says
The man did his time and is doing great work for the community, I suggest you get out of the past snd focus on the present!
Doug Eskridge says
Ive known Frank Gunsalus and family for many years yes he made a mistake
and has not tried to hide this. He paid society for this it does not take away from what he’s done in Ukraine and the Rotary he would make a great President we need young enthusiasm don’t let last minute remarks change your vote for Frank Gunsalus .
Karen Reed says
Wow, here we go! More dirty politics. Kind of like people removing his campaign signs from private property. Guess some people can’t play fair and have to smear someone’s good name over something that happened how long ago? He was a kid! We all make mistakes!
https://eastongazette.com/2023/08/28/the-easton-gazette-frank-gunsallas-running-for-mayor/?fbclid=IwAR3NmNGxKz1F816h4xRu53ZzMGLVjW9pLjIiCj9kJSkcaP1KIIJvXIQI0Fc_aem_AWXKwOCdUcuuQ7oM82OVMLLeTEDKaziO1FWs-rrHRCWsHrFM2bm_Xf8TRCBIIqqWAyU
Thank you Easton Gazette for clearing the air and giving Frank and his father the opportunity to explain and bringing light to what other people running for a leadership role in our community are really about.
Noah matten says
Ms. Wright,
I do not know you, at some point I would hope to make your acquaintance as this is a less than ideal forum for civil debate. I have met Frank, actually during his bid for the Ward 1 council seat. He was up front at that juncture and disclosed to me his past; I did not need to ask or seek it out. I also did not feel self important enough to assume the position as the town crier. Inversely I encouraged Frank to make a bid for the open town council president seat; I did this because I saw him as someone who chose to do the hard thing and be honest, allowing people to make a determination of his leadership skills through his actions. We live in a country that was built on the principles of affording second chances. By your own admission you believe Frank has made strides and has used his second chance to become a fruitful member of our community and heed the call of his civic duty.
Kenya Townsend says
Well because you Ms Wright nor myself can not be Jesus or as perfect as he. I will stand behind Mr Gunsallus with everything he plans to do for our community. I pray your closet is empty as well.
Harvey J Davis says
I have known Frank Gunsallus for several years. I have seen him in action, campaigning very hard in both of his runs for public office. I know how hard he will work for his constituents. I am really sorry to see anyone stoop so low, as to pull the old political game of digging up something in one’s past, such as in this particular case!
Frank has never tried to hide his psst to me nor anyone else as far as I know. Let’s all play fairly and dismiss such nonsensical tactics as this. I have faith in the citizens of Easton that they will call this kind of disgraceful stunt exactly what it deserves, garbage ! Young , smart, dedicated and strong leadership is needed. Vote for Frank Gunsallus!
Jeff Podraza says
Frank Gunsallus is the only candidate for town office that has knocked on my door. In fact, Frank is the only candidate for any political office that has ever knocked on my door. He was polite, articulated his positions well, and actually took the time to listen. Over the past few months, I have seen Frank walking around town more than a postal carrier. It is clear that he is not afraid to get engaged and work hard. If steps taken towards achieving a goal are the most important measure, Frank has taken a whole lot of steps (both literally and figuratively). I have “drawn my own conclusion”…and probably not the one that Ms. Wright is hoping for by sending in a letter to the editor that can only be described as a hit piece (especially given the timing of the submission in relation to the candidate town hall).
Jake Mullen says
It seems pretty obvious that making a show of trotting out each of one’s already public mistakes for the inspection of the voting public would be poor campaign management. It also seems obvious to me that claiming doing otherwise constitutes dishonesty smacks of the basest political subterfuge, especially given the length of time that Mr. Gunsallus has already made himself a public figure (as well as the traction that may have been worrying his opponents more recently).
I’ve known Frank for many years now, including in a professional setting, and he’s been open about his past from the very beginning. It is this voter’s opinion that it takes a great deal of rational, sound judgment to pull oneself back up from those mistakes, and indeed to rise above what anyone may have expected from a squeaky-clean 26yo with no skeletons in their closet. (Not that I believe any of those exist.)
I do wonder what Ms. Wright meant by indicting local media in her heading, because it sounded an awful lot as if she was implying that it is the job of local investigative journalists to provide us with direct links to Maryland Case Search URLs. Thankfully, our journalists seem to have more faith in us voters than that. On the plus side, at least those of us with broken keyboards or previously uninquisitive minds can find that link right on this page.
Jerry McConnell says
I believe that she was highlighting the fact that the local daily newspaper should have done it’s job in vetting all the candidates, publishing it’s disclosures and, in another format perhaps, announced its recommendations and endorsements.
This is a small town, and one of the candidates has been convicted and served time in jail for drug possession with intent to distribute. Anyone who blows this off as “ no big deal “ is out of touch with reality.
Reed Fawell 3 says
I have watched the Easton Gazette interview linked in above, and found it compelling. Given the candidates presentation there, I would argue that the event resulting in his incarceration, in light of subsequent his own later actions on behalf of his family and community, strengthens his candidacy for Presidency of the Easton Town Council. Having said that, a far better way should have been found to make the incarceration, and events surrounding and after them, public knowledge of the voters before the election. Hence, I do not agree with the charge that exposing those events to the light of day was “dirty politics.” The Spy was right to publish the article. Too bad the Spy did not have the information before its own interview.
Reed Fawell 3 says
To buttress the argument that this was not “dirty politics” remember:
1/ this was an adjudicated crime requiring incarceration for a significant period of time,
2/ as such, it was a fact and matter of public record, which in today’s world would surely come to light to the public sooner or later,
3/ as such, it was not an unsubstantiated fact or claim freely embellished by enemies.
Thus, from someone seeking votes for an important public office that required the trust of the voter, public exposure of that crime and incarceration was not only the right thing to do, but a full explanation was a duty owned by the candidate to the voter before his vote was cast.
Implicit in this argument is that all candidates should respect the voter, and the process of seeking his or her vote. The candidate caused the problem, committed the crime, not the voter.
Demonizing or finding fault in innocent people, particularly voters, who demand full disclosure in these cases is ruinous. So is pretending the crime didn’t occur, was frivolous, or bad law. This demeans the entire process including, as seems the case here, the quality of the candidate’s right not only to forgiveness, but to have earned the right to other citizens’ vote’ for high office.
Finally, the press has an obligation here to expose these facts to the voters, not to hide them, as is so often done today.
Harvey J Davis says
I have known Frank Gunsallus for several years. I have seen him in action, tirelessly campaignimg very hard hitting the streets; in both of his recent runs for public office. I know he will take this positive energy while working hard for his constituents. I am truly sorry to see anyone stoop so low, as to pull the old political game of digging up something in one’s past, such as in this particular case!
Frank has never tried to hide any of his past to me nor any one of our mutual friends and associates. Let’s all play fairly and dismiss such nonsensical tactics as this. I have faith in the citizens of Easton that they will see this kind of disgraceful stunt for exactly what it is….Garbage!
We need strong leadership in our local government today; someone who is smart, dedicated , honest, and fair- minded. Frank Gunsallus is in this, not for egotistical purposes, but for the betterment of all the people of Easton.
He can count on me for his vote! I appreciate real people, working hard for other people! That’s what Frank will do!
Christine B. DuFour says
Marylanders have made much progress into the acceptance of marijuana/cannabis use. The referendum passed last November to legalize cannabis use for those over 21 years of age. In response, the Maryland General Assembly significantly increased personal use amounts. In addition, the crime of Possession With Intent to Distribute Cannabis, as of January 1, 2023, is no longer a Felony punishable by 5 years in prison. It has been reclassified as a Misdemeanor punishable by 3 years in prison. Marylanders can now legally buy cannabis for recreational as well as medicinal usage. Maryland has evolved. I have known Frank for about a year and find him to be a wonderful husband and father; smart, engaged in his community and willing to give back in so many different ways. He paid his debt to society and we should look to the bright future that this young man has in front of him.
John G Bunch says
Frank Gunsallus called my wife a few months ago to inquire about some used Patio Furniture she was selling. Frank was accompanied by his wife and infant daughter. My wife praised their Christianity & Honesty & Politeness.
Strange as this may seem I communicated with Frank just this week. I asked Frank to invite Mayor W & Al S- to have lunch with him. The Goal was to promote a “No Mud Slinging Election”.
Shame on those who stand in judgment of others. Frank G will win the upcoming election.
Clara G. Kelly says
Ms. Dolan’s explanation of how politics is supposed to work recalls a familiar scene from the movie Casablanca:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nM_A4Skusro
The fact is the information on Frank Gunsallus’s criminal history is a matter of public record. No one leaked it or betrayed a confidence.
The even bigger mistake was nondisclosure before running for office. Mr. Gunsallus owed it to the public to do so himself and then explain how he has learned from his past and why it should not influence the electorate’s decision of whether he is suitable to hold the office of President of the Easton Town Council.
Turning the tables on another candidate by unfairly impugning his character and making Mr. Gunsallus appear to be the victim of dirty politics and bullying was heavy-handed, and Ms. Dolan did him no favors in conducting the interview as she did.
Finally, what Ms. Dolan failed to consider is that employers seeking to hire new employees for positions of trust regularly conduct, or have placement services conduct, background checks. To suggest a conscientious citizen — who took the time to search the internet and share her findings with the public — is engaging in inappropriate behavior is a disservice to The Easton Gazette’s readership.
For the record, my husband and I either met and/or corresponded with all of the mayoral candidates in April and not one of them disclosed Mr. Gunsallus’s past missteps to us then or has since.
Clara Kelly
Shari Wilcoxon says
Just because Al didn’t disclose to you doesn’t mean he didn’t to the Star Democrat or others. Bob and Kevin are not part of this ugliness.
I’m thankful that Frank learned from his past mistakes and has become a wonderful husband, father and tax paying citizen, willing to put himself out to serve our Town. I know he selflessly drives several of the elderly to church. This is the kind of person you seek to disparage? You honestly don’t think he knew this would come out during the course of running for political office? When I reached out to talk to him to learn more about him, he VOLUNTEERED this information to me…several months ago. Recidivism happens because of people who aren’t willing to let people move forward after paying their debt to society for their past mistakes.
Thank goodness most voters know people they love and care for who have made mistakes.
I fully support Frank Gunsallus.
Reed Fawell 3 says
I agree with Clara Kelly –
Given what we know now, the so called breach of confidence claim lodged against Mr. Silverstein in Ms. Dolan’s interview was ill founded given that the news was a matter on the public record and Mr. Gunsallus had spoken about it openly long before, to his supporters at the least.
So Mr. Silverstein breached no confidence at all here.
As a result, the charge against Mr. Silverstein in the Dolan interview could legitimately be labelled dirty politics.
And now his supporters above are expanding that dirty politics charge against those who are commenting here saying only that such events should be known by the public, including all voters, and a matter of open discussion among voters should they desire.
Another words those comments appear to be an attempt to shame, cancel or suppress open discussion of legitimate issues about a candidate record as he pursues high office in a political campaigns.
Shari Wilcoxon says
I have spent many many hours with Frank Gunsallus and I’m beyond impressed. I’m thankful that Frank learned from his past mistakes and has become a wonderful husband, father and tax paying citizen, willing to put himself out to serve our Town. I know he selflessly drives several of the elderly to church each week. This is the kind of person you seek to disparage? You honestly don’t think he knew this would come out during the course of running for political office? When I reached out to talk to him to learn more about him, he VOLUNTEERED this information to me…several months ago. And I volunteered to help him work to win this election.
Recidivism happens because of people who aren’t willing to let people move forward after paying their debt to society for their past mistakes. People who seek to never forgive, even those who are working diligently and humbly to show their remorse and their appreciation of those who are willing to forgive, are the people I don’t respect.
Thank goodness most voters know people they love and care for who have made mistakes.
I fully support Frank Gunsallus.
Jerry McConnell says
Telling close friends about sensitive matters is different than being open and forthcoming with the public, and it’s only material here because he’s running for public office, not eating crabs at your house.
Not that it matters, either, but you don’t seem to understand what recidivism is. Not that anyone at any time has accused Mr Frank of it , but it’s sometimes okay to know what you’re talking about.
On the subject of totally unfocused and detached commentary, (thanks, Mr Bunch) it’s wonderful that one or more of our candidates is a solid, honest, praiseworthy Christian and not some agnostic heathen. Nevertheless, it’s perfectly reasonable to judge people —and to expect to be judged—based upon one’s actions, words, and past behavior.
LYNN RANDLE says
Perhaps it would have helped in your searching if you had spelled his name sir name correctly, Gonsallus, not Gunsallus.
B. Thompson says
I don’t care a whit about the marijuana conviction. What worries me more and I hope should bother Mr. Gunsallus and his many followers is the endorsement by the journalistically-challenged Easton Gazette. (By the way, if there was a discussion of town-related issues in the interview, I missed it.) If there ever was a near comical characterization of a “journalist,” Ms. Dolan does a wonderful impression. It may be of note that her affiliation with Creative Destruction Media does little to burnish her bonafides. CD Media overtly flirts with the ultra right wing of our political discourse. I’m scratching my head trying to figure out how that sector got involved in our small town politics and how it plans to address such earth-shuddering matters as filling potholes and trimming trees.