My name is Ron Engle and I am running for re-election as the Easton Council Member representing you in Ward 3. I have served in this position for two terms and am seeking a third as your councilman. My family and I have been Easton residents for more than 15 years and during this time, I have been heavily involved in volunteer activities for a number of organizations.
In my professional career, I was a consultant in Traffic Safety and a uniformed police officer. As director of Traffic Safety for The Century Council, a national non-profit, we combated drunk driving and underage drinking as national issues. In 2007, I was appointed by Governor O’Malley to serve on the Governor’s Task Force on Drunk and Drugged Driving.
I served more than 30 years with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of the U.S Department of Transportation, where I served in a number of senior management, policy development, and program implementation positions. Prior to joining NHTSA, I served eight years in law enforcement.
As a community member, I have served on a number boards and commissions including: Easton Town Council, since May 2015; Acting Council President, December 2019 through May 2020; Easton Economic Development Corporation – Board Member since 2015; Talbot County Economic Development Commission – Board Member since 2015; Talbot County Tourism Board – since 2021; Neighborhood Service Center – Vice President – Board Member since 2017; Talbot County Free Library Association, Inc., Board of Trustees since 2019; Talbot County Property Tax Referendum Committee; Talbot County Small Business Grant Program Task Force (Covid 19 Grant Program).
Easton Community Involvement: Talbot County Public Schools – Assistant lacrosse coach for 2 years; Avalon Foundation – Served as an usher for hundreds of musical events at the Avalon Theater; Plein Air Festival – Have managed the display of the competition paintings in the Academy Art Museum for over 14 years; Waterfowl Festival – Former Chairman of the sign committee; Frederick Douglass Honor Society – Assisted in the ceremonies to dedicate the Frederick Douglass statue on the Court House Lawn; and Cover your Chin for Charity program.These 8 years of experience as your councilman have taught me many things and help me identify additional needs in our town.
Accomplishment Highlights as Your Councilman:
- 2 years ago, we experienced two fatal crashes and 1 serious injury crash at the intersection of U.S. 50 East and the Parkway in less than one month. When the State Highway Administration was not responding to the Town Engineers letters, I was able to reach the District Engineer through then Delegate Johnny Mautz. I convinced him to take immediate action. The SHA replaced the flashing red with a standard red-yellow- green signal in 3 days and the problem went away.
Listening to my constituents. I strongly advocated for the rebuild and annexation of Dutchmans Lane into the town. This provides quality upkeep and snow removal for the residents of my ward.
- Was a part of the team that created the Easton Point/Port Street small area master plan which has created the blueprint for the future development on this important waterfront area. The resulting MXW zoning plan will ensure that the concept will not be compromised when the development begins.
- Worked with the Mayor and town Manager on a number of major improvements of the benefit package for our excellent police department. This included the creation of a new retirement package that allows officers to retire after 22 years of service, which is the best program on the Eastern Shore. Several significant pay increases were generated to allow our department to remain competitive in recruitment of new police officers and retention of veteran officers. Worked diligently to encourage the Town to advertise nationally for our new chief. The result was an outstanding new Chief, who coincidentally lives in Easton.
- Purchase of the wooded lot along Oxford Road (Easton Woodland Park)which will preserve 200 acres of natural environment and provide walking trails for residents.
Looking to the future, there is still much work to be done to ensure Easton is a thriving community that can support its residents in the best way possible.
The availability of workforce and affordable housing has been a critical ongoing issue that we are currently addressing. There are virtually no affordable homes available for sale or rent within the Town. As a result of this shortage of housing, the cost of existing housing is spiraling out of control.
We need housing for our children, young families, workers and low-income residents. Merchants are losing employees and our citizens are moving to other communities that have sufficient housing opportunities. If this is not addressed, it will negatively impact our quality of life in Easton and increase the cost of living and doing business in our town. If workers cannot find housing they will continue to disappear and eventually our businesses will fail or leave.
I am pleased to say that we are working on a plan now that will address these housing needs in a manner that will not cause overcrowding or congestion. Currently, The Town is going through the process of updating its Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Ordinance, and Affordable housing requirements. The new Comprehensive Plan will be the blueprint for Town development for many years to come. I have been at the forefront of getting the Town’s citizens involved in the development of this new Comprehensive Plan, spearheading efforts to publicize and encourage Town residents to attend workshops and community meetings to share their ideas and concerns.
In addition to combating the housing crisis and ensuring we have access to much-needed services, I will continue to be heavily involved in town matters.
Moving Easton Forward
- Work to ensure that all commercial and residential development is done in such a way as to enhance the Town of Easton, not detract from it. To use infill, not sprawl, and prioritize moving new businesses into existing, vacant property. Merely stopping all development for a few years is a poor idea and will only exasperate our problems.
- One of our most critical issues is the health of the Easton Volunteer Fire Department. The recruitment of young volunteers has been difficult in recent years. The EVFP provides excellent service to the Town of Easton and adjoining communities. They need our support, without it, the cost to the community to create a paid fire department would be astronomical and would result in a dramatic raise in taxes.
- We must continue to be competitive in recruiting and retaining quality police officers for our fine department. The past couple of years has created intense competition between departments on the Eastern Shore of Md and DE for qualified personnel. The department is constantly examining its situation to identify strategies to alleviate this situation.
- Work to facilitate the creation of Easton Point the Port Street Development as per the small area master plan. The plan is to make Easton Point the Jewel of the Eastern Shore. Major progress has been completed on the park section of the plan, with a new double boat ramp and a kayak launch planned to be completed in the near future.
- Continue to work with Talbot County Chamber of Commerce, Easton Economic Development Commission, Talbot County Economic Development Commission and Chesapeake Community College to provide job training for potential employees.
I am running because I wish to continue to serve you and the Town of Easton: to ensure we have effective public safety and traffic measures, a competitive public service workforce, and sufficient housing to provide our children, service workers and families with affordable places to live. I believe that all of the above are the prerequisites for being an effective Council Member.
It is not only my vision for the future, but my accomplishments in the past that sets me apart. Without significant involvement in the community, how can one effectively serve as a Council Member?
On May 2, 2023, please vote for Ron Engle for Easton Ward 3.
Ron Engle
Easton
Ron Engle
Easton Town Council Ward 3
Clara Kelly says
My Mom was a resident of Oxford from 1987 to 2013. My husband John and our son visited her frequently from our home in Arlington, VA during those years, and a couple of years after she passed away at Londonderry in 2014, John and I decided to make Easton our permanent residence.
We purchased our home in the Easton Club on December 1, 2017. After extensive renovations, we moved here mid-July 2019. Since that time, and much to our dismay, out-of-state developers have submitted proposals to the Town of Easton which we think conflict with the Comprehensive Plan, the State’s Critical Area designations, and the recent federal funds secured through the efforts of Senators Van Hollen and Cardin for the repair and preservation of our Chesapeake Bay wetlands, waterways and natural habitats.
In anticipation of the upcoming May 2 mayoral and city council elections, we would like to know Councilman Engle’s position regarding the Poplar Hill and Maryland Health Club applications to amend the existing PUDs. We would also like to know his position with regard to the Poplar Hill developers’ request to change the current Critical Area designations of more than half their property.
We fear the Town Council’s approval will set a dangerous precedent that will steer the Eastern Shore in an urbanization direction of no return. All you need do to get a clear idea of development run amok during the past 20 years is to visit Arlington County, VA and Anne Arundel County, MD.
There are more than enough abandoned areas within the TOE between Ocean Gateway and the Bypass to accommodate the affordable housing needs of the Easton’s workforce, while at the same time maintaining the integrity and quality of life of the existing neighborhoods on either side of the Oxford Road sought by many of us who moved here.
While we appreciate Councilman Engleman’s many past accomplishments, it’s the future that concerns us. We need to hear from him before May 2 regarding the specifics of his position on these two projects lest we encounter another Lakeside situation.
Clara Kelly says
My apologies to Councilman Engle for misspelling his name in the last paragraph.
Jo Saville says
Mr. Engle,
Please tell the voters what you have done for the residents of Ward 3 while serving your last two terms. You seem to be able to tout things you have done all around town over the years, but you don’t mention one thing you have done or accomplished for the residents of Ward 3 who you claim to want to represent.
Barbara Beshel says
And while you’re at it, please specifically state your position on the Maryland Health Club and Poplar Hill projects.
Ron Engle says
Many have asked about my position concerning the pending PUD applications for Poplar Hill and Easton Club Golf Course.
I am a member of the Easton Town Council, whose function is primarily legislative. One of the functions is to make decisions on any PUD application forwarded to the Council by the Planning and Zoning Commission. Before the Council can vote on an application, the Planning and Zoning Commission must review the application, then vote on whether to approve the application. This is a legal process that must be followed with PUD applications.
Until that process has played out a public statement about my position would subvert this process by unnecessarily creating a bias against the Planning and Zoning Commission members on their decision on the subject application. It could create grounds for appeal from the denied petitioner. On the advice of the Town Attorney, I will not place the Commission members or myself in that position.
Regarding the Easton Club Golf Course and Maryland Health Club’s proposal, I have gotten positive comments about reopening the restaurant and Pavilion. However, I have received many concerns from the community regarding the architecture, size, accessibility, traffic, and scope of the operation, I share those concerns.
The Poplar Hill project poses similar concerns for residents. There is much to do before it becomes a final submission. The growth allocation decision will determine if the project can move forward or not. If it does move forward, the community’s concerns must be addressed. Some obvious questions need to be answered: Do we need an additional sports complex, and is one appropriate for this location? How will the additional traffic impact the area? How will this development address the need for affordable housing? How will the size of this development impact the schools and infrastructure? All these are valid questions and must be answered before it is presented to the Council and before I vote.
Both of these developments are in the early stages, changes will occur, and more information will be added. It would be premature for me to come to a decision on either proposal until all facts and a final plan are before me. I encourage all residents of Easton to learn about these two proposed developments and encourage them to share their thoughts, concerns and comments with me and the rest of the Council. It is only with your input that we can do the best job for you, the residents of Easton.
Ron Engle says
People have asked what I have done for Ward 3 in my 2 terms. Here is a list of major accomplishments:
I worked on the Town budget and maintained fiscal responsibility and did not increase property taxes during my two terms in office.
Two years ago, we experienced two fatal crashes and one serious injury crash at U.S. 50 East and the Parkway intersection in less than one month. When the State Highway Administration was not responding to the Town Engineers’ letters, I reached the District Engineer through then-Delegate Johnny Mautz. I convinced the State Engineer to take immediate action. The SHA replaced the flashing red with a standard red-yellow-green signal in 3 days, and the problem was resolved.
We held numerous public meetings seeking input for the new Comprehensive Plan. The Ward 3 meeting (the first) was held in the Easton Club East community building, and I notified all the Homeowner Associations in my ward of these meetings.
Easton Point: As a member of the Easton Economic Development Commission, I worked to complete the small area master plan. I worked to purchase and annex property to create a green space park on the water. The Town is about to begin work to install conduit for the development of the point. The next step will be the installation of a sidewalk, bike path, and new roadway.
I was a team member that worked with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to purchase the 200-acre wooded lot across from Easton Club. It will be retained as a natural park permanently and was the largest parcel of undeveloped land in the town of Easton on Oxford Road.
Applied and received grants for the restoration of the Tanyard Creek and Papermill branch Creek to improve the quality of the creek and reduce flooding in the Town of Easton.
I met with the Londonderry Community several times to update them on the plans for developing Easton Point, the rails to trails, and other community issues that impact them.
In South Beechwood, we addressed some areas with severe flooding after heavy rainstorms. The Department of Public Works sent a team each time to clear the storm drains and eliminate flooding.
In Easton Club East, many sinkholes developed after shoddy stormwater system installation. Also, many sidewalks were disintegrating due to an improper mixture of concrete. When the HOA asked for my help I went into action; With the cooperation of public works, all sidewalks were repaired, and the stormwater pipes were dug up and re-installed.
At the request of the residents. I worked with the County to improve Dutchmans Lane up to the Easton Club East entrance. I then worked with Town officials to annex the new roadway. Sidewalks and gutters were added to the north side of the road. It provides better traffic flow, maintenance, and snow removal.
During the planning meeting for the proposed Four Seasons development next to Easton Club East, there was significant concern about the traffic pattern resulting from the construction. I was able to suggest an alternate traffic pattern that would continue the existing pattern from in front of Easton Club East to the end of the Town’s Road. The Plan was agreed upon and made part of the approval.
Just recently, Easton Club East has been experiencing increased speeding vehicles throughout the community. I have arranged for the police department to meet with the community leaders to develop strategies to reduce the incidence of speeding.
Corbin Parkway in Stoney Ridge has experienced several speeding problems over the years. I have arranged many meetings with the Police Department, Town Engineer, and affected citizens. Each time we conduct speed monitoring followed up by enforcement. Although speeding has not been eliminated, it has been dramatically reduced.
For many years, Cooke’s Hope had experienced speeding problems on Cooke’s Hope Rd. The community wanted to reduce the speed to 25 mph and for the Town to enforce those speed limits. State law requires speed surveys to be conducted to determine what and if speed limits can be changed. The police department cannot enforce speed limits on privately owned roads without completing a speed survey. I met with the HOA to discuss this issue. I was able to locate the third survey, which indicated a higher speed limit was appropriate. Once the HOA reviewed the survey, we agreed upon a 35-mph limit. I arranged for the community to get the signs at the Town’s price and had staff assist the community in installing them.
The Easton Club community was also concerned about speeding. I worked with the police department to conduct several speed monitoring events to determine the extent of the problem. We had the speed limit signs surveys and determined they were appropriate height. S speed survey had already been completed. I got the approval for the police department to conduct speed enforcement even though the Easton Cub roadways are privately owned.
Easton Club had several sidewalks crumbling because the concrete was not installed correctly. The ECCA came to me to help find a solution to the problem. Even though they are privately owned sidewalks, I got the Town Engineer to examine them. It was suggested the Easton Club requires the same concrete formulae the Town uses to avoid the future. This is the same formula used on state highways.
Easton Club had several electrical boxes at the exact location as the stormwater drains on many streets. A number of those were flooding into the electrical boxes. I had Easton Utilities inspect them to ensure we did not have a system failure due to flooding. Easton Utilities fixed all of the vulnerable equipment.
Easton Club asked me to facilitate meetings and correspondence between Maryland Health Club and the ECCA Board which I did for over four years. I also attended Board meetings to keep them informed of the development.
When the Attorney representing the developer of Four Seasons met with me to discuss the future development, he asked me what the most important thing he could do was. I convinced him that he should meet with the residents of Easton Club East to inform them of what they proposed to do. This meeting did take place.
EASTON CLUB AND MARYLAND HEALTH CLUB
Over the past 7 years, I have worked extensively to assist with communications, set up meetings, and resolve maintenance issues between ECCA and Maryland Health:
• I first worked with Easton Club Residents when the Golf Course was sold back in 2016 when they contacted me to find out information about the new owner. I was able to provide them with the ownership information after contacting the Talbot Bank
• In early August 2016, after MHC settled on the property, they requested to meet with town officials. I took it upon myself to contact ECCA President, Jim Saville and invited him and other Board members to the meeting.
• At the request of then-President Jim Saville:
o I help facilitate the first meeting between ECCA residents and MHC.
o I set up future meetings between Members of the Board, MHC, and Town officials.
• Later I worked with the next ECCA President, Gene Counihan:
o I help facilitate the second meeting between ECCA residents and MHC.
o I set up future meetings between Members of the Board, MHC, and Town officials.
• For Presidents Saville, Counihan, Mielke, and Sheehy I communicated with them very often on a number of ECCA concerns:
o Served as facilitator and communicator between ECCA and MHC.
o Status of Code enforcement actions regarding grass cutting.
o Status of stormwater ponds. Including my arranging for town personnel to conduct two comprehensive surveys with respect to compliance with town code.
o Schedule of any visitation by MHC.
o Conducted hundreds of inspections of the golf course property to determine the status of mowing operations and compliance with the Town code.
o I requested the vast majority of code enforcement action with respect to the golf course.
o
In addition, met with the Mayor and Town Manager several times weekly to discuss the situation.
Over the course of the first four years, and at the request of three Board Presidents I facilitated four meetings between the ECCA and the MHC. I communicated regularly with ECCA on a variety of community concerns. At the invitation of ECCA, I participated in many ECCA Board meetings to address the MHC situation. I also arranged to have either the Town Manager and/or the Mayor attend to reinforce the Towns commitment to help resolve issues that were important to the community at large. These issues included streetlights, tree removal, grass cutting, stormwater management, signs, condition of the clubhouse and the pavilion parking lot.
Jo-Ann Saville says
This is a response to the April 13, 2023 letter Mr. Engle posted in “The Talbot Spy.”
https://talbotspy.org/why-i-am-running-for-re-election-for-town-council-ward-3/#comment-60260
Mr. Engle,
Considering the current dissatisfaction, by the residents of Ward 3, with the proposed developments in Ward 3 it would have been helpful if your long letter focused on our concerns. Filling the letter with prior activities in other wards in the Town you were involved with doesn’t make one feel you are or were dedicated to resolving or addressing our specific issues.
Unfortunately my late husband was president of the Easton Club Board when the golf course went up for sale so I know first hand all the pain that went along with dealing with the golf course purchasers. I believe if Jim was alive he would take issue with your claims of all of your deep and time consuming involvement in the Easton Club Board meetings in the early days of the process. He would also probably find your claim of “hundreds” of investigations into the issues on the golf course a bit of an exaggeration.
When you held “Meet & Greets” at your private home to introduce the owners of Maryland Health Club (MHC) to select Easton Club residents many of the residents attending found it an odd and an uncomfortable situation to be placed in. To this day your closeness to the MHC owners makes many of us question what your motives are and where your allegiance lies. Transparency seems to be something lacking in your service.
In closing I personally feel you have had your turn to help make the MHC development a better option than it has resulted in. It’s time for you to step aside and give someone else a chance to work for and listen to residents of Ward 3.
I’m voting for David Montgomery for Ward 3’s newest council member on May 2.
Susie Hayward says
Wow, Joanne, did you even read his response to your question asking what he has done for Ward Three? He gave a very lengthy answer. He also addressed his position regarding the Poplar Hill and Maryland Health Club proposed developments. Clearly, you didn’t read that either.
Saying what you “believe” your late husband would think is immaterial- The fact is he asked for Ron’s help, and Ron gave it.
As for the “Meet & Greets” we held at our house in 2019, may I remind you, This was done because the current Board, at the time, refused to give the residents any information about what Maryland Health was proposing. The residents wanted to know what was going on. The meeting was set up, and you and your husband attended. Nobody indicated that they were “uncomfortable,” but everyone thanked us for holding the meeting. In fact, many returned for the follow-up meeting as well as additional people.
Ron’s “motives” have been clear from day one; to help the HOA Board set up meetings and resolve maintenance issues, at the request of the Board. He facilitated meetings at the request of the Community when our own Board kept us in the dark.
Let me be clear, Ron acted at the request of the HOA Board and the Community- his motives are simple; to help his constituents.
The big question is: What has your candidate, David Montgomery, done for Ward Three or Easton? Has he sat on any Boards or Committees? Has he volunteered for any cause? Because he has never answered that question.
Vote for whoever you want, but don’t criticize someone who has volunteered their time for the good of our community and the Town of Easton.