The Talbot Spy
I’d like to express some sincere thoughts concerning the up-coming Mayoral and Town Council elections. I may live in rural PA these days, but my heart and love for the community remain in Easton. That is what prompts this message (as well as the very helpful Talbot Spy interviews and Avalon’s MCTV coverage).
Just last Saturday, the East-End Neighborhood Association held its annual Clean-up and Beautification Day, and the improvements in general in our part of town, and the new signs of major rehabilitation underway, were very apparent. This attention to our needs has been a long time coming, but it says we’re finally on the map!
This brings up several issues for me: revitalization and thoughtful in-fill for the downtown center and older neighborhoods of Easton are vital to assure our town’s unique identity. Most of the attention and effort of late seems to be on coping with development pressures of housing projects on the outskirts. Vast farm and forest areas become market-priced islands of housing not related to our historical core. Yet we’ll certainly be obliged to provide full services to all of their residents! (I’m not sure Easton can handle more.) I sense that the Town has been in reactionary mode, mostly over-powered rather than standing up for what we want/need. And the need for affordable (workforce) housing must be a priority for the sake of Easton’s health. These are important problems and issues for Easton right now!
I happen to have many years of acquaintance and friendship with two ladies whom I believe have sincere understanding of my concerns: Megan Cook became my Ward 4 Council person may years ago, and has always been attuned to the very unique East-End/The Hill neighborhood … she mentioned it several times during the Avalon broadcast. (I also knew of her distinctive community problem-solving activities prior to her taking office.) Then, stepping up to be Council President has given her the opportunity to exercise and show her skills: purposeful listening, managing confrontational discussions in meetings, planning for growth/budgeting/policing (and even Covid management!) issues.
My acquaintance with Maureen Curry goes back before the 300th Town Anniversary in 2010 – Yes! I was part of that community spaghetti dinner on long tables set up right on N. Harrison in the street! Her vast work experience gives me confidence that there is nothing new for her … she’s seen and handled it all!
I firmly believe this is the most dynamic (female!) duo possible to take on the problems and questions facing Easton now and pending in our future. They both have long-term, sincere, heart-felt care and concern for our town. They both recognize the importance of the “sense of place” dynamic and how fragile that can be. They appreciate the wealth of valuable volunteerism that is a strong tradition here, and how quickly that can dissipate if community pride falters.
I strongly urge everyone in Easton to VOTE, and if you share my views (and optimism!), vote for Megan … and for Maureen too if you live in Ward 1. (Then find some opportunity to volunteer to a worthy cause.)
Carolyn Jaffe
Delta, PA
Wayne Johnson says
I am Sorry, why is this person who doesn’t live in EASTON giving her Opinion ? I thought this about the CITIZENS of EASTON MARYLAND !