We may have always appreciated the opportunity of living in Talbot County; but we might appreciate it more during such contentious, divisive times. Our county government is working for us; and our current county council’s last meeting, two days before Thanksgiving, was an inspirational and gratifying launch into the holiday.
November was proclaimed National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, and free services are available. We then learned of the Government Finance Officers Association Award, the highest form of recognition for accounting and financial reporting excellence, for our County’s FY 2021 report. Then following a master plan for improvements to Bill Burton State Park, we were informed of an opportunity to replace 50 aging Doverbrook apartments with 65 affordable apartments at a cost of just $250,000 to the county and a matching amount from the town of Easton. Federal funding will cover most of $23 million cost.
A letter of support was granted for Tilghman on the Chesapeake Homeowner’s application for funding shoreline maintenance. Easton Utilities, Choptank Electric and Choptank Fiber LLC’s requests for funding from the Connect Maryland FY23 Network Infrastructure Grant Program were also supported. No county funds required. A request for funding from the University of Maryland to rewrite the Talbot County Emergency Operations Plan was also supported. Working together is clearly in our common interest.
Again, government is working in our common interest. With the approval of Maryland Department of the Environment and our county council, the county will spend over $1.5 million for St. Michaels sewer extension and replacement of the Royal Oak pump station.
Appreciation for these efforts was expressed throughout the evening. County Manager Clay Stamp also thanked each council member for their service, congratulated Pete Lesher and Chuck Callahan on their reelection, and noted, “The last four years have been difficult for our country, our state, and our community…and you have served your community.” Laura Price, Corey Pack, and Frank Divilio were then presented commemorative awards for their service.
Each council member would reflect upon their term in office. Frank Divilio reiterated the observation that it’s been a “challenging four years. There are things I wanted to accomplish that haven’t come to fruition.” A cell tower stands out, but “a lot of issues came up that weren’t planned for. I think we did a good job of listening.” The assistance of county staff is “invaluable.” Sometimes it feels like “you’re putting a puzzle together,” but the diversity of this council is appreciated, and “I have faith in the system.”
Pete Lesher has served his “rookie term” on the council. He thanked the staff, whose “expertise and support has been second to none.” He appreciated Corey Pack’s years of service, institutional knowledge, firm command of procedure, and “strong moral compass that has served us well.” Chuck Callahan “always promotes civility,” and what he has done to “elevate the discourse is important and valued.” Laura Price’s “attention to and command of budget detail is absolutely admirable;” and she’s “left a statewide legacy, rising to president of the Maryland Association of Counties while serving as the voice of Talbot County.” And thank you to Frank Divilio, “for your compassion and concern for the welfare of the citizens of Talbot County…You are always open to discussing any matter, whether or not we fundamentally agree or disagree. And that is how government is supposed to work.“
Laura Price wondered how she might possibly capture what has happened over the last four years. With a view of shoreline outside her window, she reflected upon the opportunity she was presented, the assistance she’s received, and how that opportunity, like weather, could change along the way. “A bright sky In the morning could get foggy. And you must weather the storm…We did the best we could, with the best of intentions.” This council can “celebrate what a wonderful place we are part of and how fortunate we are to serve…Knowing that I could be a part of shaping that view has truly been an honor.”
Corey Pack didn’t have “anything quite so eloquently prepared…16 years…Where did it go so fast?” Teachers’ pay had been the lowest in the state. “We were able to move our teachers up…. Talbot County was also first with county-wide laptops. Many projects were mentioned, including “finally, finally getting the community center on sewer.“ He summarized, “We don’t always agree. We can feel passionately; but at the end of the day, can we say we respect the guy across the table? I can say I do…Laura, you do your homework. You do your research…You’ve served the citizens well.” Frank, “you‘ve pushed a lot of good things over the line. We would have never gotten the statue off the courthouse lawn without your help, your commitment to getting it done, for doing due diligence…And, Pete, you’re the right guy for this position. The young council coming on board is going to need your steady hand…Chuck, we’ve had some good times…It’s been a pleasure working with you. And the staff. You guys have all been great.”
Chuck Callahan would not speak long. “You’ll see me for the next four years. I’ve learned a lot from you, Mr. Pack; and Ms. Price, all our hearts have been in the right place. With your efforts with MACO…you have a bright future; and, Pete, it’s nice knowing I can count on you. It will be an honor to work with you over the next four years. We all have a passion for serving this county.”
Meeting adjourned.
Meeting video: talbotcountymd.gov
Carol Voyles is a graphic designer/illustrator who retired to the Eastern Shore and became interested in politics. She serves as communications chair for the Talbot County Democratic Forum and lives in Easton.
Suzanne Todd says
Thank you to Mr. Lesher, Mr. Pack, and Mr. Divilio for voting to move the Talbot Boys statue, especially Mr. Divilio who worked hard to find a suitable home for the monument. His efforts were criticized by many, but doing the right thing isn’t always easy.