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July 5, 2025

Talbot Spy

Nonpartisan Education-based News for Talbot County Community

News Election 2022

Susan Delean-Botkin Seeks District 37B House of Delegates Seat

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Susan Delean-Botkin

Talbot County Board of Education President and 20-year Easton small business leader Susan Delean-Botkin of Oxford is running for a District 37B Maryland House of Delegates seat on a moderate Democratic Party platform. She is the only candidate for 37B Delegate from Talbot County.

The long-time nurse practitioner and small business leader has successfully provided family healthcare on the Mid Shore for 25 years and demonstrated extraordinary leadership skills as a state association chair, as a spokesperson for the nursing profession as well as serving in numerous local church, community and social roles. Her practice, FamilyCare of Easton has won national recognition as an effective and innovative health care provider. She has volunteered in medical missions to Haiti, Guatemala and to Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina.

Delean-Botkin is passionate about ensuring that the health care needs of all District 37B patients are met by the healthcare community and that all patients have access to cost effective, comprehensive health coverage.   She is particularly sensitive to the needs of our Seniors and Veterans.  She is equally adamant that public education on the Eastern Shore receives the strongest possible support from state and county sources. She believes “Investment in education is an investment in the future prosperity of the Shore and we simply cannot allow our children to take a back seat to other states and other parts of Maryland.” 

Having numerous farmer families and watermen as patients over the years has made her very much aware of the special needs of these hard-working men and women and she is committed to represent their interests in Annapolis.  She is also dedicated to a moderate policy of conscientious economic development, assuring qualitative environmental improvement and business development, following through with high-speed internet throughout District 37B.

Delean-Botkin is committed to the incremental process of using renewable energy.  She understands that areas such as the Eastern Shore are among the most vulnerable to rising water levels and this environmental issue cannot be ignored or underplayed. 

With environmental issues urgently impacting the quality of life in District 37B, which relies so much on farming, aquaculture, recreation and tourism industries, she understands the need to ensure our land and water resources are protected now and for future generations.  This includes dealing with water treatment issues for housing developments as well as septic problems in rural areas.

She believes its time for the Eastern Shore delegates work to ensure our area receives the full benefits of this state’s budget resources to allow for the full support for public education, healthcare, health insurance, infrastructure, the environment and renewable energy opportunities. She is optimistic that looking open-mindedly to the future will be far more productive than looking backward with old fashioned solutions for the rapidly changing challenges of today. 

For more information on Delean-Botkin’s campaign, her web site address is https://www.susanforeasternshore.com. Campaign Facebook page is Susan Delean-Botkin for Delegate.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Today is Final Day of Early Voting for Primary Election

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The Maryland State Board of Elections (SBE) reminds voters that today is the final day to vote early in the 2022 Primary Election and that this Friday (July 15) is the deadline for voters to request a mail-in ballot be sent to them via email.

Early voting is available today until 8 p.m. A complete list of early voting centers for the Primary Election is available online (Spanish version). Voters can register to vote and vote early at any early voting center in the county in which they reside.

Following the recent redistricting process, county district, state legislative district and congressional district information – as well as polling place information – for some registered voters has changed. For this reason, it is important that all registered voters confirm their current district and polling place information online or by calling or visiting the office of their local board of elections.

While the deadline to receive a mail-in ballot by the U.S. Postal Service has passed, voters may still request a mail-in ballot be sent to them by email. Voters may submit a request for an email ballot online.  Requests must be received by July 15. The online request system will be available until 11:59 pm, and written requests for ballots by email must be received by 5 pm.

Voters who have received mail-in ballots – or who request a mail-in ballot be sent by email prior to this Friday’s deadline – may return the ballots via the U.S. Postal Service or by placing their ballot in a secure ballot box. Ballots returned by the U.S. Mail must be postmarked by July 19. Each of Maryland’s 288 ballot boxes are available for use until July 19 at 8 p.m. Voters can return their mail-in ballots using any official ballot box in their county of residence. A complete list of ballot box locations is available online (Spanish version).

Voters wishing to register to vote and vote in person on Primary Election Day – July 19 – may do so at their polling place.  Voters can find the polling place assigned to their address here.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Mail-In Ballot Deadlines Approach; Early Voting Continues until July 14

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The Maryland State Board of Elections (SBE) reminds voters wishing to receive a mail-in ballot for the upcoming Primary Election of two important deadlines this week:

·        Those voters wishing to receive a mail-in ballot via the U.S. Postal Service must submit a mail-in ballot request by tomorrow, July 12. Ballot requests can be made online or at a voter’s local board of elections office.

·        This coming Friday, July 15, is the deadline to request a mail-in ballot be sent via email. A request to receive the ballot by email can be submitted online.

Early voting for the 2022 Primary Election continues through this Thursday, July 14. Early voting is available daily through July 14  from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. A complete list of early voting centers for the Primary Election is available online (Spanish version). Voters can register to vote and vote early at any early voting center in the county in which they reside.

Following the recent redistricting process, county district, state legislative district and congressional district information – as well as polling place information – for some registered voters has changed. For this reason, it is important that all registered voters confirm their current district and polling place information online or by calling or visiting the office of their local board of elections.

Voters wishing to register to vote and vote in person on Primary Election Day – July 19 – may do so at their polling place.

Voters who have received mail-in ballots may also vote via secure ballot box. Each of Maryland’s 288 ballot boxes are available for use until July 19 at 8 p.m. Voters can return their mail-in ballots using any official ballot box in their county of residence. A complete list of ballot box locations is available online (Spanish version).

The local boards of elections continue to look for voters to serve as election judges.  Interested voters can learn more and apply here.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Maryland State Board of Elections: Early Voting Begins Tomorrow

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The Maryland State Board of Elections (SBE) reminds voters that early voting for the 2022 Primary Election begins this Thursday, July 7, and continues through Thursday, July 14. Early voting runs each day during that period, including Saturday and Sunday, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

A complete list of early voting centers for the Primary Election is available online (Spanish version). Following the recent redistricting process, county district, state legislative district and congressional district information – as well as polling place information – for some registered voters has changed. For this reason, it is important that all registered voters confirm their current district and polling place information online or by calling or visiting the office of their local board of elections.

Eligible Marylanders may register to vote in-person during early voting and on Primary Election Day, July 19. Voters can register to vote and vote early at any early voting center in the county in which they reside.

Voters wishing to register to vote and vote in person on Primary Election Day – July 19 – may do so at their polling place.

Those who wish to cast their ballots by mail or via one of Maryland’s 288 ballot drop boxes must request a mail-in ballot from the State Board of Elections or their local board of elections. Requests for a mail-in ballot for the Primary Election must be received by July 12, 2022.

Each of Maryland’s 288 ballot boxes are available for use until July 19 at 8 p.m. Voters can return their mail-in ballots using any official ballot box in their county of residence. A complete list of ballot box locations is available online (Spanish version).

The local boards of elections continue to look for voters to serve as election judges.  Interested voters can learn more and apply here.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

News from the League of Women Voters

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The Leagues of Women Voters of Midshore, Queen Anne’s County and Kent County will sponsor forums for Senate candidates for MD District 36 and Congressional Representative candidates for US District 1, on June 26, in person at Chesapeake College, Cadby Theatre. They will also be streamed on facebook. Forums will be held from 1:30 – 3:00 pm for MD Senate District 36 Republican candidates and from 3:15 –4:45pm for candidates for the Democratic nomination for US District 1.

The League of Women Voters sponsors forums for contested races only. In each forum, candidates will be given an opportunity to introduce themselves and will answer two questions from the League that they have received in advance.  The audience will have an opportunity to participate by submitting questions on cards collected by forum workers. The forum will finish with closing statements from each participant.

The forum will be filmed by the League of Women voters and those who have been granted permission by the League. No other recording will be permitted. Campaign signs, literature or clothing that indicates support of a candidate will not be allowed in the forum room.

The League is a nonpartisan political organization dedicated to promoting informed and active citizen participation in government; it does not support or oppose any political parties or candidates for office.  

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Mail-In Ballot Packets to Begin Arriving This Week; Ballot Boxes Open Statewide

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The Maryland State Board of Elections (SBE) today announced that 2022 Primary Election ballot packets will begin arriving at residential addresses this week and that 288 ballot drop boxes have been delivered and installed in jurisdictions throughout Maryland.

Registered voters who previously requested mail-in ballots will receive the first round of mail-in ballot packets. More than 400,000 mail-in ballots have been sent to eligible Maryland voters to date.

Separately, SBE recently mailed roughly 600,000 mail-in ballot request forms to newly registered Republicans and Democrats – as well as third-party and independent voters who can vote in the upcoming primary election. These request forms will also begin arriving to voters by mail this week.

Voters must request a mail-in ballot from the State Board of Elections or their local board. Requests for a mail-in ballot for the Primary Election must be received by July 12, 2022.

In order to be counted, mail-in ballots must be postmarked no later than the date of the Primary Election – July 19.

In addition to submitting mail-in ballots through the United States Postal Service, voters can return their mail-in ballots using an official ballot box in their county. A complete list of ballot box locations is available online. Each of the 288 boxes will be available for use beginning today and continuing until July 19 at 8 p.m.

Voters who prefer to cast their ballots in person may do so during eight days of early voting or on July 19. Early voting runs from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. beginning Thursday, July 7 and continuing through Thursday, July 14. Voters can vote early at any early voting center in the county in which they live. A complete list of early voting centers for the Primary Election is listed here.

Voters wishing to vote in person on Election Day – July 19 – should confirm their polling place online.

The deadline to register to vote in the 2022 Primary Election is Tuesday, June 28.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Annual Douglass-Tubman Celebration features Jamie Raskin

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Congressman Jamie Raskin

The Talbot County Democratic Party’s annual Douglass-Tubman event has been reimagined as an old-fashioned fair that includes not only local, state, and federal candidates, but the booths and tents of community organizations, food vendors, beverages and live music. This event, free and open to the public, will be held at Moton Park in Easton on Sunday, May 22, 2022 from 3 – 6 pm.

Keynote speaker Congressman Jamie Raskin of Maryland’s eighth congressional district., a proud and fierce defender of our democracy, follows honorably in the footsteps of Maryland’s late Congressman Elijah Cummings, Douglass-Tubman’s 2019 keynote speaker.

Congressman Raskin, a graduate of Harvard Law School and professor of constitutional law at American University’s Washington School of Law for more that 25 years, is currently serving as representative for Maryland’s 8th congressional district. Recognizing the challenges we face today, he recently observed, “We need to defend American constitutional democracy with everything we’ve got at this point.”

He is calling upon all Americans. “I love to call myself a conservative, too, because I want to conserve the Constitution and Bill of Rights, the land, the air, the water, the climate, the Voting Rights Act, the Civil Rights Act, Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid,” Raskin said. He wants to preserve what has made us both the oldest democracy and wealthiest nation on earth, and he’s inviting all Americans to become part of “a conversation that’s actually moving America forward and making progress for the people.”

In addition to Congressman Raskin’s keynote address, the fair will feature multiple live music performances; candidates for governor, attorney general, comptroller, county council, and more; and the community organizations that make Talbot County and the Mid-Shore so special. We hope you will join us at this free event at Moton Park in Easton on Sunday, May 22, 2022 from 3 – 6 pm.

If you have a group interested in setting up a free booth at the event, please contact us at [email protected].

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Nicole Acle Has Filed for Maryland House District 37B

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Currently a member of the Wicomico County Council, Nicole Acle is filing to run as a Republican candidate for Legislative District 37B that includes Caroline, Dorchester, Talbot and Wicomico Counties.

Ms. Acle joined the Wicomico County Council by appointment to fill the vacant seat for the district 2 that includes most of the rural westerly area of Wicomico County. In 2020, she was victoriously elected to the seat by the people. Since 2021, she was appointed by Governor Hogan to the Critical Area Commission for the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays.

Nicole Acle

Among other activities, she was the past President of the Executive Board of the Habitat for Humanity and also served as Vice President of Parents Place of Maryland. In 2017, she received the Award for Volunteer Service from Governor Hogan. In 2020, Ms. Acle also received the US President’s Volunteer Service Award. She currently serves on the following committees: Local Health Commission, Behavior Authority, and the Social Services Advisory Board. She was recently selected by the National Association of Counties (NACO) to serve as a member of the Human Services and Education Policy Committee.

Having lived on the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland for over 20 years, Ms. Acle believes that District 37B can be the “Core of the Shore” and looks forward to making that happen. She plans to meet with residents throughout the district in the coming months, and invites everyone to visit her website at https://nicoleacle.com to learn more about her positions on important matters.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Joe Coale Announces Candidacy for Talbot County State’s Attorney

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Today, Talbot County Deputy State’s Attorney Joe Coale announced he is running as the Republican candidate for State’s Attorney.  Mr. Coale is an Eastern Shore native who grew up in Chestertown and currently resides in Talbot County. He is a Georgetown University Law graduate, completing his undergrad at Washington College.

Mr. Coale has over twenty years of experience in criminal law, including more than six years as Deputy State’s Attorney in Caroline and Talbot Counties. Upon graduating from law school, he practiced for two years at a Washington, D.C. civil litigation firm before pursuing criminal law as an assistant public defender in Montgomery County. Mr. Coale moved to Talbot County in 2002, where he co-founded a law firm in Easton and practiced criminal law.  “I came back to the Eastern Shore to raise my family,” states Mr. Coale adding, “I grew up here and wanted my children to experience the same values and sense of community I enjoyed.” He is raising three teenage sons who attend Talbot County Public Schools in Saint Michaels.

Mr. Coale was the Deputy State’s Attorney in Caroline County from 2010 until 2016.  He was hired by State’s Attorney Scott Patterson to prosecute cases in Talbot County and currently serves as Deputy State’s Attorney for Talbot County.

About Mr. Coale, Scott Patterson, who began as Talbot County’s State’s Attorney in 1983, offers: “Joe Coale has an extensive background in criminal law.  I have full faith and confidence that Mr. Coale will serve the citizens of Talbot County with dedication and integrity.  He has demonstrated stellar legal knowledge and commitment in bringing wrongdoers to justice to answer for their criminal acts.  Mr. Coale’s calm and steadfast demeanor, legal expertise, and passion to protect the rights of crime victims make him extremely qualified.  The citizens of our county stand to benefit from Mr. Coale’s skills and abilities.” Patterson further added, “As Deputy State’s Attorney, Mr. Coale oversees the serious felony cases in Circuit Court and is the head of the Juvenile Court Division. He is actively involved with child abuse prosecutions and the Children’s Advocacy Center and serves as my designee on the Maryland Governor’s Family Violence Council. I am in full and complete support of his candidacy to become Talbot County State’s Attorney.”

Mr. Coale states, “I am committed to the safety and wellbeing of Talbot County citizens and, if elected, will manage the State’s Attorney’s Office to continue its efficiency, effectiveness, and professionalism. My two decades of criminal law experience in multiple jurisdictions have helped me identify how the State’s Attorney’s Office can best serve local citizens.  I intend to apply state-of-the-art ideas I have seen in action and build on the existing practices in our fine office.  I work closely with law enforcement to fully and diligently prosecute criminals to keep the county safe and will continue to do so. My door will always be open to the citizens of Talbot County.”

Mr. Coale is an active member of the Talbot County community, having served as board member for the Saint Michaels Farmer’s Market, as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for CASA of the Mid-Shore, and coaching youth basketball.  He is a member of National District Attorneys Association, the Maryland State’s Attorneys Association, the Maryland State Bar Association, and the Talbot County Bar Association.

For media inquiries, please contact [email protected].

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Easton Councilman Al Silverstein to Run for Mayor in 2023

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Town Councilman Al Silverstein will run for mayor of Easton in the May 2023 election.

Silverstein announced his mayoral campaign in a Friday news release.

In his statement, Silverstein said:

“Twenty-one years ago, my wife Karen and I moved to Easton after I accepted a job with the Talbot County Chamber of Commerce as its president and CEO. We fell in love with this community and decided to make it our home.

“Over the course of the past twenty years, I have served this community in leadership positions such as the United Fund of Talbot County, Talbot Family Network, Mid-Shore Regional Council, Talbot County Economic Development Commission, Talbot County Office of Tourism, Upper
Shore Transportation Advisory Group, Eastern Shore Heritage Inc., Talbot Historical Society and as an Easton Town Councilmember representing Ward 1 since 2015.

“The four areas that I will stress in my campaign will be:

“1) Engaging citizens to express their wants, needs, concerns and solutions for the betterment of our community.

“2) Enhancing the lifestyle and quality of life for our citizens through the expansion of recreational and cultural activities in our community.

“3) An intentional Economic & Community Development strategy to attract, retain and expand businesses that can contribute to the economic wellbeing of our community and its citizens. Provide career and professional employment opportunities to attract a new generation of community contributors.

“4) Developing new programs within the Easton Police Department to reimagine community policing and to build a safer community.

“I pledge to you that if I am elected mayor, I will dedicate my efforts to maintain the high standards of service we provide to our citizens while working with town staff to find ways to do an even better job of serving our community.”

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.