County Manager Clay Stamp brought the house to order at 7pm sharp. On Monday evening the Calhoon MEBA Engineering School auditorium was filled with friends and relatives of both retiring and newly elected county council members, county officials including Talbot County Sheriff Joe Gamble, and several past and present county officials including retiring planning commission member Lisa Ghezzi and retiring county council members Laura Price and Corey Pack, both recognized for their exemplary service and clearly enjoying this evening.
Pastor Dartanyon Hines of Eternal Life Ministries presented an inspiring invocation, after which newly elected council members were applauded enthusiastically as they were introduced in alphabetical order. Our 2022-26 council members include former President Chuck Callahan, III; newly elected member Keasha Haythe, former Vice President Pete Lesher, and new members Lynn Mielke and Dave Stepp.
Kathi Dulin Duvall, Clerk of Talbot County Circuit Court, administered the oath of office; and County Attorney Patrick Thomas then conducted the election of our 2022-26 county council officers. Each newly elected member cast a vote first for president and then for vice president – and there is clearly something to be said for continuity. Former President Chuck Callahan was reelected to serve again as president, and former Vice President Pete Lesher will again serve as vice president.
Each county council member then spoke briefly. Chuck Callahan, lifelong Talbot native and owner of a construction business, will continue to use his knowledge of our county and his skills for finding common cause to move us in a positive direction.
Vice President Pete Lesher, chief curator of the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, reminded us of challenges ahead, including plans for development, environmental concerns posed by an intricate and extensive shoreline, affordable housing issues; and underpinning all of this, our county tax cap.
Keasha Haythe, Talbot County native, founder of the Foundation of Hope for young women, and first black woman to serve on our Talbot County Council, expressed her gratitude to everyone who assisted in her campaign and is looking forward to using her experience in planning and development here at home.
Lynn Mielke, a resident of Talbot County for four decades, retired from the practice of family law in 2016 and has since served on the boards of several volunteer organizations. She appreciated the concerns presented this evening by Vice President Pete Lesher and is looking forward to serving on the council.
Dave Stepp, a lifelong Marylander, small business owner, and currently also an assistant coach of the Saints Peter and Paul varsity baseball team, thanked everyone who assisted in his campaign and is looking forward to serving on this team.
The Reverend Jonathon Moyers of Grace Lutheran Church delivered the benediction, and refreshments were served just down the hall.
The county council will meet on December 13, 2022, 6 pm. More about our county council members at 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.
barney kastel says
I have found talbot county government to be very corrupt in many ways lets see if this new council can help turn things around