The opening statements of our Talbot County Council candidates at the Spy/Avalon Town Hall reassured us that shared values can transcend our differences. We can “come together to make things happen.” They will be working together not only to preserve the rural character of our county, but thriving agriculture, a healthy seafood industry, and clean water.
Failing wastewater treatment is not an option in a county with 600 miles of shoreline; and we may be aware that Phil Jackson has earned Corey Pack’s praise for working with the county for three years to improve Wye Mills’ failing spray wastewater treatment.
Talbot is also on course to become the first to provide broadband access throughout a county. It may be challenging to imagine the many ways we might benefit; but candidate Michele Dappert, working remotely for a digital marketing firm, is a prime example of these possibilities.
Our county could attract (or keep) more of her needed demographic. Pete Lesher also reminded us of the opportunities provided by funding rural broadband – and concerning our task moving forward to preserve water quality, “we have the tools and technology to do that.”
Keasha Haythe, a lifelong Eastern Shore resident with years of experience in economic development, reminded us of her deep respect for our agricultural and seafood industries, and that infill can promote smart growth and fulfill the requirements of our comprehensive plan.
Chuck Callahan, another lifelong Eastern Shore resident, reminded us that vacant buildings are in municipalities and “we need to work with towns.” This town hall was moving in a positive direction.
Following a mention of development in Mistletoe Hall Commerce-Business Park, a location adjacent to and in most cases within currently installed utilities, David Montgomery, former assistant director of the Congressional Budget Office, reminded us of his “reputation for raining on parades.” He would appreciate “buying gas at prices he was paying 2 years ago” and suggested “the Biden administration drove those prices up.”
We have good news. Solar is coming, and Scott Kane was pleased to share that this technology has become both more productive and more affordable. Solar installations on rooftops and existing hard surfaces could now serve most, if not all, of our needs without covering too much land.
Lynn Mielke, a retired attorney focused upon preserving our rural character, reminded us that solar works only when the sun shines. Regional weather trends have also been taken into account; and with so much land available on the Eastern Shore, Talbot County could be targeted. These installations will have to be carefully regulated.
Regarding impact upon Easton Utilities, David Montgomery pointed out that “every such undertaking is a trade-off.” He then expressed his concern that “dominance of a certain party” in Annapolis is contributing to a “nationwide problem with CRT (Critical Race Theory).”
Dave Stepp had very recently mentioned that “half a million” has been spent on CRT. This evening he described that amount more specifically as $509,000. Having also recommended electing council members who would “get rid of divisive policies and answer tough problems,” he will surely be sharing details of his concern with our Board of Education.
Regarding the selection of books, another concern mentioned, it could be helpful to be reminded that Maryland Administrative Regulation requires texts proposed for adoption to be presented to the board at least one month prior to implementation and be made available for public review and examination at the public library, with notice to parents and the community.
We will move forward. Whether with friends, at home with family, or at work with colleagues, cooperation is a natural instinct; and our candidates have indicated that they share this desire to work together.
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.
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