I’m told that facts don’t matter in this Talbot County Council election. Voters don’t care about facts. All that counts is name recognition, period.
I’m just an amateur, but I hope the pros are wrong. The recently formed Bipartisan Coalition For New Council Leadership has compiled the facts–all of the documents, video clips of key moments, short extracts from official transcripts and so forth—from the last 4-year span showing in an easily digestible form that under Ms. Williams’ hand (and with the support of Messrs.’ Pack and Callahan) that the interests of citizens have been ignored and the County’s future put in jeopardy.
This largely unknown history includes these stunning moments (all detailed with documents and explanation of context):
- Talbot has had a policy forever to prohibit strip commercial development along County roadways. Mr. Pack said this: “I’m with Jennifer, I had a problem with the word prohibit…I said discourage instead of prohibit….”The County should discourage strip commercial development.”
- Regarding a four decade old policy that Talbot should “continue a restrictive approach” to land use, Ms. Williams said: “I’m not even sure we need it…I think just eliminate it.”
- Regarding the Comprehensive Plan (which is the responsibility of the Planning Commission to prepare, based on citizen input), Ms. Williams said, “We’re here now [she and other Council Members] to write it as we see fit.”
- A video also from 60 days ago shows Ms. Williams, again with Messrs.’. Pack and Callahan alongside, voting 3-2 against citizens’ requests for more regulation of short-term vacation rentals.
- Through Bill 1305, the Council tried to impose a special way for developers to set aside all zoning regulations (density, height, parking—even use!) on virtually any property in the County… so long as 3 Council members approved the plan. Citizens revolted and kept it from happening. Did you know that?
These are only five items from a trove of fully documented stories about what’s been going on with the Council, where Ms. Williams is the principle player. No wonder a Bipartisan Coalition rose up!
But I’m told compiling all this was a waste of time–people don’t care, and they wont read about it anyway. Name recognition, that’s the thing.
If the pros are wrong and you would like to know, go the CountyOverParty.org and find out.
Dan Watson, Chair
Bipartisan Coalition For New Council Leadership
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