The Talbot Spy continues its tradition of candidate profiles for those running for Town Council President, as well as Ward 2 and Ward 4 seats. Six out of the seven candidates accepted the Spy’s invitation for a long-form interview about their background, motivation for running, and priorities if elected. One candidate, Frank Gunsallus, the current council president, did not respond to our several requests for his participation. While we regret his absence, he did agree to a similar profile in 2023 for the same office, so we have included that interview here.
The Spy and the Avalon Foundation will also continue their tradition of hosting an election town hall meeting, featuring the Spy’s Craig Fuller, on April 29th at 6 pm at the Avalon, where all seven candidates have agreed to participate. This is a free event.
The Town of Easton’s general election will be May 6th and will take place at the Easton Volunteer Fire Department 15 Leonard Rieck Drive, Easton, MD 21601
Town of Easton Council President
Frank Gunsallus (2023)
Ward 2
Lynn Keefe
Robert Rankin
Ward 4
Elmer Davis
Moonyene Jackson-Amis
Cameron Keefe
Bob Kopec says
My feeling is that if you are running for office and cannot bother to respond to repeated requests for an interview, you do not have my vote.
Lance Simon says
The more I learn about Frank’s campaign the worry-er I get. IMO his campaign decisions are being driven by the Maga Republican county office. What this election is really about — what all us centrist folks need to focus on — is whether we want to turn over our town to the Maga Republican party agenda, and I think at this point we all know what that entails. This little town council election is actually a truly strategic moment for Easton.
James Siegman says
Just seeing the vast number of signs around town and even as far out as Cordova on Rt 50….my thinking is “Who is bankrolling this little campaign?” Having a LOT of money in a campaign for a town this size concerns me. The candidate himself may be a fine human being. But what will all that money want him to provide…and how will he resist making concessions from an entity with that much power (or money….also known as “power coupons”)?
Donna L von Lipsey says
Listening to the Council President interviews, Don Abbatiello articulated a deeper understanding of the issues facing Easton and more specific ideas for addressing them. As a retired business executive for a Fortune 25 company I know the importance of listening respectfully to divergent views and building consensus to achieve the best results. Don Abbatiello has earned my vote.
marian murphy says
It’s disappointing Frank Gunsallus didn’t take part in the opportunity to tell of his experiences as acting mayor this past year. I was impressed with what he had to say when I attended the interview session at the Avalon the last year or so and I voted for him after hearing him speak. This year I attended a meeting and met and hear Don Abbatiello tell of his history and experiences so this year I will vote for him. I’m guessing Frank wants to continue serving as president but his not taking the interest and time to speak to the public says a lot and it spoke to me of disinterest, despite the many signs I see around town.
Beth Clever says
It is clear that these first-timers haven’t taken the time to watch any past videos on the Housing Task Force, Council, Parks & Rec or Planning Commission, read over any of the Town Code, and learned what has been happening in town, learned how things work in government. You can’t run a town if you don’t know what you are even talking about. Stop using FB community groups for your “info” and go get that actual facts that are posted right on the Town’s website. Those groups are most of the problem, they just spew rumors because none of them can be bothered to get involved and access the info that is publicly available.
Lance A Simon says
Hi Beth, thank you for your comment. I agree with you regarding our Town and County web sites, they are very useful indeed. The Town web site was just re-launched and greatly improved — https://www.eastonmd.gov/