I just finished reading the purported “Issue Brief” prepared by a group of individuals that is scheduled for presentation to the Town Commissioner meeting tomorrow, November 8th, 2023.
I am somewhat awestruck as I digest these ‘comments’ as to their validity and accuracy regarding the selected “facts and figures” this group of individuals chooses to use- As a business owner and as a resident of Talbot County, I am saddened that a small group of individuals chose this vehicle as a way to attack their neighbors and local charitable institutions.
Are the religious organizations and food banks next? Have any of these individuals had overnight guests stay at their homes? Have any of these individuals eaten in our Fine Dining establishments? Have any of these individuals purchased anything in one of our Fine Stores? Have any of these individuals gotten a cup of Coffee in our Town? How about attending the fabulous Farmers’ Market? Or how about having a child or grandchild get their first sailing lesson at The Maritime Museum? I would suspect that the answer is yes many times over.
The point is very simple; without these services most people would not choose to live here. These are but a few of the things that make St Michaels a very special place to Live, Work, and Raise a Family.
We all pay taxes… It can be easily argued that Business Owners pay proportionately more Property Taxes, Business License Tax, Federal & State Income Tax, Payroll tax, Workman’s Compensation Tax, Water and Sewer User fees, Refuse collection fees, just to name a few- I will save those comments for another time.
If the Commissioners feel the need to study this issue in greater detail, I would me more than happy to volunteer my time to meet and have meaningful dialogue with actual facts and figures, not nuances and conjecture-
I would ask that this email correspondence be included as a matter of record on tomorrow evening’s discussion-
Bob Hockaday
St. Michaels
Mark Laurent Pellerin says
I am interested enough — as both an real estate appraiser and agent — in St. Michaels’ doings that I wish the “Issue Brief” had been included or linked to the letter.
Kristen Greenaway says
https://stmichaelsmd.gov/wp/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Meeting-Paq.pdf
PP 6-11.
mary hates ignorance says
St. Michaels only cator to the wealthy. They hard working people who live pay check to paycheck can’t shop in the town. The only grocery store carries to wealthy. The rest have to find a ride to get food. They are also one of the most racist towns in MD. Shame on this place. I was born here back in the day when people where kind and not judgemental. Don’t visit this place.
Craig Schury says
Well said Bob. I think we also need to make the point that businesses do not add children to the public school system, which is the largest expense property taxes go toward. I’m happy to pay real estate taxes as a business that go toward education and other things that do not benefit my business but do benefit the community as a whole. Lastly, I moved to St Michaels this year because I love everything about this town, the people, the tourists, the attractions and the businesses (all small businesses).