September 23 - Minutes
Your browser does not support viewing this document. Click here to download the document.
June 21, 2023
The Democratic Club of Wicomico County Monthly Meeting June 21, 2023
A regular meeting of the Democratic Club of Wicomico County was held on Wednesday,
June 21, 2023 from 6:35-8:00 pm at Salisbury Art Space, 212 Main St. #101, Salisbury, MD 21801.
Attendance:
Approximately 23 people attended the meeting.
Club officers present:
Kelsie Mattox, Sergeant-at-Arms, Keith Henry, Treasurer
Deborah Finkbeiner 2nd Vice President
Elected officials attending:
County Council member Josh Hastings; City Council
member Megan Outten, Central Committee members Ernie Gibb, Megan Outten, De’Shawn Doughty
Welcome & Pledge of Allegiance:
Kelsie Mattox
Crab Feast:
Marie Cavallaro mentioned that the ‘Save the Date’ cards have been
mailed. We are looking for help with the event, in the way of food, tables, etc. The date
of the Crab Feast is Aug. 27, 2023.
Democratic Central Committee Report:
Megan Outten
The Democratic Unity Dinner is on June 29, at 6:30 pm at Brew River. The cost is $75
per person. It will feature speakers including Tony Sarbanes and Jake Day (MD Secretary of Housing & Community Development) and bands. This is a fundraiser for the DCC.
County Council Report:
Josh Hastings, County Council member Josh first acknowledged Bob Hocutt’s 90th birthday!
The Council passed the budget with a 5 to 2 vote (Josh and Joe Holloway were the dissenting votes). Shore Transit ridership has dropped. For the future, need to streamline that service. Doing a lot with a little. Also updated the Animal Welfare law (about barking dogs, and what outdoor shelters should look like). The Fire Service situation is dire. Not equitable. Not a good situation.
City Council report:
Megan Outten, Member
The City Council passed their budget. The fire service fee has been scrapped. There is now a 5% increase in Property tax, and a 10% increase in water and sewer. The ballistic vests for the firefighters was cut from the budget. Passed the parking lot sale. Want to bring a younger generation here, to hopefully stay here.
Featured Speaker: Micah C. Stauffer, Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Stauffer has spent 26 years in the Wicomico County education system. He mentioned that Julie Giordano supports the Education system in the budget. The School system currently has 10 School Resource Officers, and the are asking for 5 more from the Sheriff in the near future.
He said that the 3 year grade average of students has dropped because of COVID. This
means they will get less money in the ‘Maintenance of Effort’ portion of the budget.
Enrollment went up by 200 students.
He mentioned many statistics, including that 65% of students are at risk (which takes a
lot of resources)
Big consideration – Blueprint for Md’s future - $4 Billion program from the State
800 students in Pre-K (4 year olds) Some 3 year old programs in poorer communities.
Challenges: Neighborhood Poverty Index – 74% and the Special Ed. Population is
increasing.
Challenges: Funding birth through age 5 program;Student discipline (22,000 office
referrals and grades 6-8 had the highest proportion); community resources are
diminishing; local crime rate; 42 different languages in schools; 10% of population are
non-English speaking.
Concerns: School safety; lack of parent engagement
The Career & Technical Ed (CTE) (Vo-Tech) programs are very successful. They are
one of the best in the State! Wicomico Countyschool system pays for students to go to
Wor-Wic and SU for free when they are taking ‘block classes.’ 40 % of students go on
to higher education.
The Home School program is audited twice a year, and has 600 students, Pre-K - 12th grade.
His presentation was extremely interesting. Lots of statistics and lots of information
regarding everything effecting the schools now.
Kelsie said this may be her last meeting, as she is moving to Texas when her house sells.
Next meeting; July 19, President Hawkins will lead a discussion of ‘A Democratic
Vision for Wicomico County’
The meeting adjourned at 8:00 pm.
Thanks to Marie Cavallaro for refreshments.
Minutes submitted by Mary Huebner
A regular meeting of the Democratic Club of Wicomico County was held on Wednesday,
June 21, 2023 from 6:35-8:00 pm at Salisbury Art Space, 212 Main St. #101, Salisbury, MD 21801.
Attendance:
Approximately 23 people attended the meeting.
Club officers present:
Kelsie Mattox, Sergeant-at-Arms, Keith Henry, Treasurer
Deborah Finkbeiner 2nd Vice President
Elected officials attending:
County Council member Josh Hastings; City Council
member Megan Outten, Central Committee members Ernie Gibb, Megan Outten, De’Shawn Doughty
Welcome & Pledge of Allegiance:
Kelsie Mattox
Crab Feast:
Marie Cavallaro mentioned that the ‘Save the Date’ cards have been
mailed. We are looking for help with the event, in the way of food, tables, etc. The date
of the Crab Feast is Aug. 27, 2023.
Democratic Central Committee Report:
Megan Outten
The Democratic Unity Dinner is on June 29, at 6:30 pm at Brew River. The cost is $75
per person. It will feature speakers including Tony Sarbanes and Jake Day (MD Secretary of Housing & Community Development) and bands. This is a fundraiser for the DCC.
County Council Report:
Josh Hastings, County Council member Josh first acknowledged Bob Hocutt’s 90th birthday!
The Council passed the budget with a 5 to 2 vote (Josh and Joe Holloway were the dissenting votes). Shore Transit ridership has dropped. For the future, need to streamline that service. Doing a lot with a little. Also updated the Animal Welfare law (about barking dogs, and what outdoor shelters should look like). The Fire Service situation is dire. Not equitable. Not a good situation.
City Council report:
Megan Outten, Member
The City Council passed their budget. The fire service fee has been scrapped. There is now a 5% increase in Property tax, and a 10% increase in water and sewer. The ballistic vests for the firefighters was cut from the budget. Passed the parking lot sale. Want to bring a younger generation here, to hopefully stay here.
Featured Speaker: Micah C. Stauffer, Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Stauffer has spent 26 years in the Wicomico County education system. He mentioned that Julie Giordano supports the Education system in the budget. The School system currently has 10 School Resource Officers, and the are asking for 5 more from the Sheriff in the near future.
He said that the 3 year grade average of students has dropped because of COVID. This
means they will get less money in the ‘Maintenance of Effort’ portion of the budget.
Enrollment went up by 200 students.
He mentioned many statistics, including that 65% of students are at risk (which takes a
lot of resources)
Big consideration – Blueprint for Md’s future - $4 Billion program from the State
800 students in Pre-K (4 year olds) Some 3 year old programs in poorer communities.
Challenges: Neighborhood Poverty Index – 74% and the Special Ed. Population is
increasing.
Challenges: Funding birth through age 5 program;Student discipline (22,000 office
referrals and grades 6-8 had the highest proportion); community resources are
diminishing; local crime rate; 42 different languages in schools; 10% of population are
non-English speaking.
Concerns: School safety; lack of parent engagement
The Career & Technical Ed (CTE) (Vo-Tech) programs are very successful. They are
one of the best in the State! Wicomico Countyschool system pays for students to go to
Wor-Wic and SU for free when they are taking ‘block classes.’ 40 % of students go on
to higher education.
The Home School program is audited twice a year, and has 600 students, Pre-K - 12th grade.
His presentation was extremely interesting. Lots of statistics and lots of information
regarding everything effecting the schools now.
Kelsie said this may be her last meeting, as she is moving to Texas when her house sells.
Next meeting; July 19, President Hawkins will lead a discussion of ‘A Democratic
Vision for Wicomico County’
The meeting adjourned at 8:00 pm.
Thanks to Marie Cavallaro for refreshments.
Minutes submitted by Mary Huebner
May 16, 2023
The Democratic Club of Wicomico County, Monthly Meeting, May 16, 2023
A regular monthly meeting of the Democratic Club of Wicomico County was held on May 16, 2023 from 6:35-
7:45 pm at Salisbury Art Space, 212 Main St. #101, Salisbury, MD 21801.
Attendance:
Approximately 35 people attended the meeting.
Club officers present:
Gains Hawkins, President; Susan Robson, First Vice-President; Mike Folkoff, Corresponding
Secretary; Kelsie Mattox, Sargent-at-Arms; and Ellen Lawler, Recording Secretary.
Elected officials attending:
County Council member Josh Hastings; Democratic Central Committee member Ernie Gibb.
Welcome:
Gains Hawkins, President
Pledge of Allegiance: led by Kelsie Mattox.
Spring Fundraising Appeal: Gains Hawkins
The appeal is off to a good start with 45 donors and approximately $4,500 in donations so far. The funds raised
will be used to help support Democratic candidates in local elections.
Salisbury City Council Report:
None as no City Council rep was present.
Democratic Central Committee Report:
Ernie Gibb, DCC member
The Democratic Unity Dinner is 7pm, June 29 at Brew River; the cost is $75 per person. It will feature speakers
(including Jake Day, MD Secretary of Housing and Community Development) and bands. This is a fundraiser for
the DCC.
County Council Report
Josh Hastings, County Council member
The council is working on the budget, which is due June 15. The speed limit on the section of Camden Ave. from
Pinehurst to Kay will be reduced. The Council just met with MD Health Department reps to discuss the septic
situation. On the positive side, the number of permits still outstanding has dropped from about 100 to 43, but
staffing is still an issue and at least 7,000 out of 18,000 septic systems in the county are failing. And 12 holding
tanks in the county are not working properly. Mary Huebner’s notes from the recent Council meeting, which
were distributed via email, have more information.
Crab Feast: Gains
Sunday, August 27 at Schumaker Park. A planning meeting will be held later this month.
Thank you: Gains
Gains read a Thank You note from
Henrietta and JC Parker, the recipients of the club’s 2023 President’s Award.
They appreciated how the club has grown over the 43 years that they have helped local democratic candidates
with their campaigns and wished the club continued success.
Election of Club officers for 2024-2025, Oct. 18: Gains
The club has come a long way in the past 10 years; attendance at meetings has dramatically increased, and the
club benefits local Democrats in a number of ways. The monthly meetings present relevant information via
council reports and invited speakers. They also give members the opportunity to socialize with fellow Dems and
have a voice in discussions about local issues with elected officials. In election years, meetings give attendees the opportunity to hear and question local Democratic candidates. The annual Crab Feast is the largest gathering of Democrats in Wicomico County and perhaps on the Eastern Shore. Funds raised from the Crab Feast and from the annual spring appeal are used to support the campaigns of local Democratic candidates. The club develops a Vision for Wicomico County (a new one will be discussed at the July meeting), which can be of use to future candidates. All the club offices will be up for election at the Oct. 18 meeting. Many of the current officers have served for 4-6 years and the time is right for new officers and fresh ideas. Please consider serving the club by stepping and running for an office. The current officers present at the meeting briefly described their duties; for more information contact Gains or any other officer.
Featured Speaker: Speaker Pro Tempore, Sheree Sample-Hughes
Delegate Sample-Hughes reviewed the 2023 General Assembly, which she felt had a fresh start with a new
administration and many new delegates. She was pleased with the passage of good legislation and impressed
that Gov. Moore testified before the assembly in support of one bill. Sheree highlighted bond initiatives for local
projects (inc. Glen T. Robinson Center, VFW 10159, Hebron Train Depot) as well as other funding (for Mardela
Middle & HS, Wicomico HS, Salisbury Airport, Perdue Stadium, SU and a number of parks and rec centers). The
assembly developed policies regarding licensing of Cannabis dispensaries (whether to stagger the approval of
licenses, ways to ensure minorities have an equal shot at obtaining) and determining the tax rate (decided to
start at 8% to encourage legal versus illicit purchases). Education was a major focus; the Financial Literacy Bill
Sheree introduced did not pass, but she will introduce again next session. The Education Shortage Act did pass
and will take advantage of matching federal funds. With regard to Health care, the bill introduced by Del.
Sample-Hughes to offset the cost of additional tests to diagnose breast cancer passed. One wrinkle, those
enrolled in Obama care first need to meet the $5,000 deductible; this will be addressed in the next session. A
bill addressing the problem with school bus drivers having to pass an expensive, annual exam by a federally
certified physician was passed in committee but did not make it to the full assembly. The Rural Maryland
Prosperity Investment Fund Bill, which will help rural areas with workforce development, and the Child Victims
Act, which removes the statute of limitations in cases of child abuse, both passed. The Sales and Use Tax –
Electricity for Agricultural Purposes Bill (which concerns an additional tax on farmers) did not pass, but a study
will be done by the Comptroller’s Office and Sheree plans to re-introduce next year. The Keep Our Heroes Home
Act, which removes the age requirement for veterans to receive certain tax advantages, passed. In response to
a question about the Ward Museum issue, Del. Sample-Hughes said that SU’s new president met with Shore
delegates in December and simply presented to them SU’s decisions regarding the Museum, not seeking any
input nor requesting any funding. She also mentioned that the year was heavy on health funding, for Easton
Hospital and Trauma Centers. She felt TidalHealth should have been more transparent earlier in the process.
Next Month: Wed., June 21 – Dr. Micah Stauffer, Wicomico Public School Superintendent
The meeting adjourned at 7:45
. Thanks to Marie Cavallaro for refreshments.
Minutes submitted by Ellen Lawler.
A regular monthly meeting of the Democratic Club of Wicomico County was held on May 16, 2023 from 6:35-
7:45 pm at Salisbury Art Space, 212 Main St. #101, Salisbury, MD 21801.
Attendance:
Approximately 35 people attended the meeting.
Club officers present:
Gains Hawkins, President; Susan Robson, First Vice-President; Mike Folkoff, Corresponding
Secretary; Kelsie Mattox, Sargent-at-Arms; and Ellen Lawler, Recording Secretary.
Elected officials attending:
County Council member Josh Hastings; Democratic Central Committee member Ernie Gibb.
Welcome:
Gains Hawkins, President
Pledge of Allegiance: led by Kelsie Mattox.
Spring Fundraising Appeal: Gains Hawkins
The appeal is off to a good start with 45 donors and approximately $4,500 in donations so far. The funds raised
will be used to help support Democratic candidates in local elections.
Salisbury City Council Report:
None as no City Council rep was present.
Democratic Central Committee Report:
Ernie Gibb, DCC member
The Democratic Unity Dinner is 7pm, June 29 at Brew River; the cost is $75 per person. It will feature speakers
(including Jake Day, MD Secretary of Housing and Community Development) and bands. This is a fundraiser for
the DCC.
County Council Report
Josh Hastings, County Council member
The council is working on the budget, which is due June 15. The speed limit on the section of Camden Ave. from
Pinehurst to Kay will be reduced. The Council just met with MD Health Department reps to discuss the septic
situation. On the positive side, the number of permits still outstanding has dropped from about 100 to 43, but
staffing is still an issue and at least 7,000 out of 18,000 septic systems in the county are failing. And 12 holding
tanks in the county are not working properly. Mary Huebner’s notes from the recent Council meeting, which
were distributed via email, have more information.
Crab Feast: Gains
Sunday, August 27 at Schumaker Park. A planning meeting will be held later this month.
Thank you: Gains
Gains read a Thank You note from
Henrietta and JC Parker, the recipients of the club’s 2023 President’s Award.
They appreciated how the club has grown over the 43 years that they have helped local democratic candidates
with their campaigns and wished the club continued success.
Election of Club officers for 2024-2025, Oct. 18: Gains
The club has come a long way in the past 10 years; attendance at meetings has dramatically increased, and the
club benefits local Democrats in a number of ways. The monthly meetings present relevant information via
council reports and invited speakers. They also give members the opportunity to socialize with fellow Dems and
have a voice in discussions about local issues with elected officials. In election years, meetings give attendees the opportunity to hear and question local Democratic candidates. The annual Crab Feast is the largest gathering of Democrats in Wicomico County and perhaps on the Eastern Shore. Funds raised from the Crab Feast and from the annual spring appeal are used to support the campaigns of local Democratic candidates. The club develops a Vision for Wicomico County (a new one will be discussed at the July meeting), which can be of use to future candidates. All the club offices will be up for election at the Oct. 18 meeting. Many of the current officers have served for 4-6 years and the time is right for new officers and fresh ideas. Please consider serving the club by stepping and running for an office. The current officers present at the meeting briefly described their duties; for more information contact Gains or any other officer.
Featured Speaker: Speaker Pro Tempore, Sheree Sample-Hughes
Delegate Sample-Hughes reviewed the 2023 General Assembly, which she felt had a fresh start with a new
administration and many new delegates. She was pleased with the passage of good legislation and impressed
that Gov. Moore testified before the assembly in support of one bill. Sheree highlighted bond initiatives for local
projects (inc. Glen T. Robinson Center, VFW 10159, Hebron Train Depot) as well as other funding (for Mardela
Middle & HS, Wicomico HS, Salisbury Airport, Perdue Stadium, SU and a number of parks and rec centers). The
assembly developed policies regarding licensing of Cannabis dispensaries (whether to stagger the approval of
licenses, ways to ensure minorities have an equal shot at obtaining) and determining the tax rate (decided to
start at 8% to encourage legal versus illicit purchases). Education was a major focus; the Financial Literacy Bill
Sheree introduced did not pass, but she will introduce again next session. The Education Shortage Act did pass
and will take advantage of matching federal funds. With regard to Health care, the bill introduced by Del.
Sample-Hughes to offset the cost of additional tests to diagnose breast cancer passed. One wrinkle, those
enrolled in Obama care first need to meet the $5,000 deductible; this will be addressed in the next session. A
bill addressing the problem with school bus drivers having to pass an expensive, annual exam by a federally
certified physician was passed in committee but did not make it to the full assembly. The Rural Maryland
Prosperity Investment Fund Bill, which will help rural areas with workforce development, and the Child Victims
Act, which removes the statute of limitations in cases of child abuse, both passed. The Sales and Use Tax –
Electricity for Agricultural Purposes Bill (which concerns an additional tax on farmers) did not pass, but a study
will be done by the Comptroller’s Office and Sheree plans to re-introduce next year. The Keep Our Heroes Home
Act, which removes the age requirement for veterans to receive certain tax advantages, passed. In response to
a question about the Ward Museum issue, Del. Sample-Hughes said that SU’s new president met with Shore
delegates in December and simply presented to them SU’s decisions regarding the Museum, not seeking any
input nor requesting any funding. She also mentioned that the year was heavy on health funding, for Easton
Hospital and Trauma Centers. She felt TidalHealth should have been more transparent earlier in the process.
Next Month: Wed., June 21 – Dr. Micah Stauffer, Wicomico Public School Superintendent
The meeting adjourned at 7:45
. Thanks to Marie Cavallaro for refreshments.
Minutes submitted by Ellen Lawler.
April Meeting 2023
The Democratic Club of Wicomico County, Monthly Meeting, April 19, 2023
A regular monthly meeting of the Democratic Club of Wicomico County was held on April 19, 2023 from 6:35-
8:00 pm at Salisbury Art Space, 212 Main St. #101, Salisbury, MD 21801.
Attendance:
Approximately 30 people attended the meeting.
Club officers present:
Gains Hawkins, President; Keith Henry, Treasurer; Susan Robson, First Vice-President;
Deborah Finkbeiner, Second Vice-President; Kelsie Mattox, Sargent-at-Arms; and Ellen Lawler, Recording
Secretary.
Elected officials attending:
Salisbury Mayor, Jack Heath; City Council President Muir Boda and member Megan
Outten; County Council member, Josh Hastings; Democratic Central Committee members Megan Outten and
Ernie Gibb.
Welcome: Gains Hawkins, President
Pledge of Allegiance: led by Kelsie Mattox.
Spring Fundraising Appeal: Gains Hawkins
The club has two fundraisers during the year; the Crab Feast in August and an appeal in the spring. Club
members and those on the electronic distribution list will soon be receiving, via US mail, a letter appealing for
donations to the club. The funds raised will be used to help support Democratic candidates in local elections.
Salisbury City Council Report: Muir Boda, City Council president
The Council is in the middle of the budget process. The City is proposing a new Fire and Life Safety Fee to
residents living within the Salisbury Fire Service District. This is needed because the Salisbury Fire Department is severely underfunded and the 2017 Fire Service Agreement between the city and county has not adequately
compensated the city department for service it gives to the county. The annual fee would be $300 per property
(home or business) and $50 per unit for apartment buildings; property owners would pay the fee. The funds
raised would allow purchase of much needed equipment and raising the salaries for firefighters and EMS
personnel to a competitive level. We have been losing firefighters to other departments whose salaries are
often $20,000 higher than those currently paid by the City. A press conference on the proposed fee will be held
Tuesday, April 25 at 11:00 am at Salisbury Fire Department, Station 16 (325 Cypress Blvd.). The City is moving
forward on collective bargaining with city employees; they would be represented by AFSCME. There will be a
ribbon cutting for the Anne Street Village at noon on Friday, April 21. In answer to a question about street
repairs, Muir mentioned that a good way to report an issue is on the web site; the “Report an Issue” tab will take
you to the “Salisbury Citizen Problem Reporter”, which will create a ticket and you will get a reply within 48
hours.
County Council Report
Josh Hastings, County Council member
The council is also in the budgeting process. They have been working on the issue of solar panels, making sure
that they are being sited on appropriate locations; are following state relations and that they are not replacing
important aquacultural lands. Council recently met with the BOE to review recently-passed Dept. of Ed bills.
The construction at Mardela Middle/HS is ahead of schedule and looks great. Following racial conflict at a
Parkside game in Kent Island, the BOE has decided to not engage with Kent Island High School in athletic
competition until an investigation into this situation can be completed. In addition, the BOE and County Council
are sending a joint letter to the MD Dept. of Ed about the situation and how it impacts student safety. Although
the recent changes to the Ward Museum announced by SU are outside their authority, the Council recently
hosted a forum about the issue, which was well attended and demonstrated much concern. They are sending a
letter to various elected officials from the “Governor on down” stressing the importance of the current location
and that the solution proposed by SU is not acceptable. Council is also addressing regulations on the housing
and care of pets and other animals, in light of recent cases of animal abuse. If anyone has comments about this,
they can contact Josh. The Pirates Wharf project is taking longer as three archeological studies needed to be
done. So council is requesting an extension of federal grants and working on an additional grant application.
Josh has stressed (to the County Executive) the need to fix or eliminate the County Revenue Cap; approximately
15% of the County’s budget is through federal and state sources, an untenable situation in the long run.
Democratic Central Committee Report:
Megan Outten, DCC member
Good news – two democratic candidates (Chester Sebald and Amelia Handy) were victorious in the recent
election for the Hebron town council (the other successful candidate was unaffiliated). The Unity Dinner is June
29 at Brew River; e-mail has been sent, it is posted on the web site and Facebook page and Megan will send
Gains the links. If you would like to help out with the dinner, let Megan know. The Paul Sarbanes award will be
given that evening. DCC is planning training sessions for potential candidates and treasurers; these will probably
start early this summer. In addition, Emerge Maryland hosts a training session for women considering running
for office.
Announcements
Jack Heath
– running for re-election as Mayor, has lawn signs. Let him know if you want one.
Gains
– Salisbury was rated in the top ten of civically engaged communities.
Keith
- Mike Folkoff had a good reason for missing tonight’s meeting; his daughter, Beverly, is a finalist for the
Baltimore County Teacher of the Year; the ceremony is this evening. (Note added later – Beverly won and is the
Baltimore County Teacher of the Year! Congrats!)
Election of Club officers for 2024-2025: : Gains Hawkins
Will be at the October 18 club meeting, so new officers can take part in Eastern Shore Summit in November
Featured Speaker: James Yamakawa, Wicomico Truth and Reconciliation Initiative
Mr. Yamakawa spoke about acts of racism in Wicomico County’s past, the importance of remembering those
incidents and suggested means to come to reconciliation. He based his talk on three books
.
On the Courthouse Lawn
by Sherrilyn Ifill details lynchings in the twentieth century. One well-known lynching was the 1931
lynching of Matthew Williams in Salisbury, but there were other less well-known cases in Wicomico. James
called lynchings “message crimes” meant not only to eliminate one individual but to terrorize and instill fear of
reprisal in the community.
Round the Pond
by Linda Duyer details the destruction of the Black community of
Georgetown by the expansion of Rte. 13 in the 1930’s and the construction of Rte. 50 in the 1950’s. Virtually the
only public building from that neighborhood that remained was the John Wesley Church, which is now the
Chipman Cultural Center. Many of the displaced residents of the Georgetown area moved to the Jersey Heights
section which was threatened by the construction of the Bypass in 1994. The Neighborhood Association
initiated a lawsuit through the ACLU; although this didn’t not block construction of the Bypass, it did result in
some improvements to the community. In The Silent Shore: The Lynching of Matthew Williams
, Charles l. Chavis Jr. recounts investigations of the 1931 lynching by Pinkerton agent, Patsy Johnson. His investigations revealed the identity of many of those involved in the lynching, some of whom were prominent members of the Salisbury Community, including the Police and Fire Chiefs and two Sheriffs. James applauded the City of Salisbury for creation of the Truth, Racial Unity, Transformation and Healing Advisory Committee and the installment on the Courthouse lawn of a historical marker honoring the lives of three black men (including
Williams) who were lynched in Wicomico County. With the City moving into the Fire Department building, he
has four recommendations to help with reconciliation and healing. These include not having any recognition in
the building of the Fire Chief involved with the lynching and asking for the Police and Fire Departments to issue
apologies for their former chiefs’ roles in the Williams lynching. James ended with the statement that the
reconciliation process will take a long time. He will email the presentation PowerPoint to Gains to send out via
the distribution list.
Next Month:
Tuesday., May 16 – Del. Sheree Sample-Hughes, “2023 MD General Assembly Recap”
The meeting adjourned at 8:00
Thanks to Marie Cavallaro for refreshments.
Minutes submitted by Ellen Lawler.
A regular monthly meeting of the Democratic Club of Wicomico County was held on April 19, 2023 from 6:35-
8:00 pm at Salisbury Art Space, 212 Main St. #101, Salisbury, MD 21801.
Attendance:
Approximately 30 people attended the meeting.
Club officers present:
Gains Hawkins, President; Keith Henry, Treasurer; Susan Robson, First Vice-President;
Deborah Finkbeiner, Second Vice-President; Kelsie Mattox, Sargent-at-Arms; and Ellen Lawler, Recording
Secretary.
Elected officials attending:
Salisbury Mayor, Jack Heath; City Council President Muir Boda and member Megan
Outten; County Council member, Josh Hastings; Democratic Central Committee members Megan Outten and
Ernie Gibb.
Welcome: Gains Hawkins, President
Pledge of Allegiance: led by Kelsie Mattox.
Spring Fundraising Appeal: Gains Hawkins
The club has two fundraisers during the year; the Crab Feast in August and an appeal in the spring. Club
members and those on the electronic distribution list will soon be receiving, via US mail, a letter appealing for
donations to the club. The funds raised will be used to help support Democratic candidates in local elections.
Salisbury City Council Report: Muir Boda, City Council president
The Council is in the middle of the budget process. The City is proposing a new Fire and Life Safety Fee to
residents living within the Salisbury Fire Service District. This is needed because the Salisbury Fire Department is severely underfunded and the 2017 Fire Service Agreement between the city and county has not adequately
compensated the city department for service it gives to the county. The annual fee would be $300 per property
(home or business) and $50 per unit for apartment buildings; property owners would pay the fee. The funds
raised would allow purchase of much needed equipment and raising the salaries for firefighters and EMS
personnel to a competitive level. We have been losing firefighters to other departments whose salaries are
often $20,000 higher than those currently paid by the City. A press conference on the proposed fee will be held
Tuesday, April 25 at 11:00 am at Salisbury Fire Department, Station 16 (325 Cypress Blvd.). The City is moving
forward on collective bargaining with city employees; they would be represented by AFSCME. There will be a
ribbon cutting for the Anne Street Village at noon on Friday, April 21. In answer to a question about street
repairs, Muir mentioned that a good way to report an issue is on the web site; the “Report an Issue” tab will take
you to the “Salisbury Citizen Problem Reporter”, which will create a ticket and you will get a reply within 48
hours.
County Council Report
Josh Hastings, County Council member
The council is also in the budgeting process. They have been working on the issue of solar panels, making sure
that they are being sited on appropriate locations; are following state relations and that they are not replacing
important aquacultural lands. Council recently met with the BOE to review recently-passed Dept. of Ed bills.
The construction at Mardela Middle/HS is ahead of schedule and looks great. Following racial conflict at a
Parkside game in Kent Island, the BOE has decided to not engage with Kent Island High School in athletic
competition until an investigation into this situation can be completed. In addition, the BOE and County Council
are sending a joint letter to the MD Dept. of Ed about the situation and how it impacts student safety. Although
the recent changes to the Ward Museum announced by SU are outside their authority, the Council recently
hosted a forum about the issue, which was well attended and demonstrated much concern. They are sending a
letter to various elected officials from the “Governor on down” stressing the importance of the current location
and that the solution proposed by SU is not acceptable. Council is also addressing regulations on the housing
and care of pets and other animals, in light of recent cases of animal abuse. If anyone has comments about this,
they can contact Josh. The Pirates Wharf project is taking longer as three archeological studies needed to be
done. So council is requesting an extension of federal grants and working on an additional grant application.
Josh has stressed (to the County Executive) the need to fix or eliminate the County Revenue Cap; approximately
15% of the County’s budget is through federal and state sources, an untenable situation in the long run.
Democratic Central Committee Report:
Megan Outten, DCC member
Good news – two democratic candidates (Chester Sebald and Amelia Handy) were victorious in the recent
election for the Hebron town council (the other successful candidate was unaffiliated). The Unity Dinner is June
29 at Brew River; e-mail has been sent, it is posted on the web site and Facebook page and Megan will send
Gains the links. If you would like to help out with the dinner, let Megan know. The Paul Sarbanes award will be
given that evening. DCC is planning training sessions for potential candidates and treasurers; these will probably
start early this summer. In addition, Emerge Maryland hosts a training session for women considering running
for office.
Announcements
Jack Heath
– running for re-election as Mayor, has lawn signs. Let him know if you want one.
Gains
– Salisbury was rated in the top ten of civically engaged communities.
Keith
- Mike Folkoff had a good reason for missing tonight’s meeting; his daughter, Beverly, is a finalist for the
Baltimore County Teacher of the Year; the ceremony is this evening. (Note added later – Beverly won and is the
Baltimore County Teacher of the Year! Congrats!)
Election of Club officers for 2024-2025: : Gains Hawkins
Will be at the October 18 club meeting, so new officers can take part in Eastern Shore Summit in November
Featured Speaker: James Yamakawa, Wicomico Truth and Reconciliation Initiative
Mr. Yamakawa spoke about acts of racism in Wicomico County’s past, the importance of remembering those
incidents and suggested means to come to reconciliation. He based his talk on three books
.
On the Courthouse Lawn
by Sherrilyn Ifill details lynchings in the twentieth century. One well-known lynching was the 1931
lynching of Matthew Williams in Salisbury, but there were other less well-known cases in Wicomico. James
called lynchings “message crimes” meant not only to eliminate one individual but to terrorize and instill fear of
reprisal in the community.
Round the Pond
by Linda Duyer details the destruction of the Black community of
Georgetown by the expansion of Rte. 13 in the 1930’s and the construction of Rte. 50 in the 1950’s. Virtually the
only public building from that neighborhood that remained was the John Wesley Church, which is now the
Chipman Cultural Center. Many of the displaced residents of the Georgetown area moved to the Jersey Heights
section which was threatened by the construction of the Bypass in 1994. The Neighborhood Association
initiated a lawsuit through the ACLU; although this didn’t not block construction of the Bypass, it did result in
some improvements to the community. In The Silent Shore: The Lynching of Matthew Williams
, Charles l. Chavis Jr. recounts investigations of the 1931 lynching by Pinkerton agent, Patsy Johnson. His investigations revealed the identity of many of those involved in the lynching, some of whom were prominent members of the Salisbury Community, including the Police and Fire Chiefs and two Sheriffs. James applauded the City of Salisbury for creation of the Truth, Racial Unity, Transformation and Healing Advisory Committee and the installment on the Courthouse lawn of a historical marker honoring the lives of three black men (including
Williams) who were lynched in Wicomico County. With the City moving into the Fire Department building, he
has four recommendations to help with reconciliation and healing. These include not having any recognition in
the building of the Fire Chief involved with the lynching and asking for the Police and Fire Departments to issue
apologies for their former chiefs’ roles in the Williams lynching. James ended with the statement that the
reconciliation process will take a long time. He will email the presentation PowerPoint to Gains to send out via
the distribution list.
Next Month:
Tuesday., May 16 – Del. Sheree Sample-Hughes, “2023 MD General Assembly Recap”
The meeting adjourned at 8:00
Thanks to Marie Cavallaro for refreshments.
Minutes submitted by Ellen Lawler.
