Chestertown Councilwomen Linda Kuiper announced Friday that she will run to replace retiring Mayor Margo Bailey. Kuiper will be among a handful of candidates seeking the office.
Kuiper made her announcement at the grand opening of the Kent GOP Headquarters on High Street, but told the Spy after the event that her campaign will be nonpartisan.
“People asked me why did I run for council…it was plastic bags,” Kuiper said, arousing chuckles from the audience.
She said she has dedicated an enormous amount of time to understanding the community.
“You can not represent your town unless you are part of your town,” Kuiper said.”I have spent every hour that I could possibly spend knowing what goes on in Chestertown, and being a part of Chestertown.”
Kuiper promised to hawk the town budget.
“Our proposed budget for this year has a $32,000 deficit, Kuiper said. “I will continue to dissect the budget so that property taxes are not increased. We have people paying premiums…because we have the historic district.”
Kuiper also reminded the crowd to buy local in Chestertown.
“If people think they have to go to Delaware to shop, stop and think what you can get in Chestertown,” Kuiper said.
Although she has not officially declared at the town office, she said she has the 20 signatures required and will declare sometime next week.
Fletcher R. Hall says
Another good candidate announces.
Keith Thompson says
“If people think they have to go to Delaware to shop, stop and think what you can get in Chestertown,” Kuiper said.
This isn’t aimed specifically at Linda but at all candidates for mayor and council…the problem isn’t what you can get in Chestertown; the problem is that when people go to Delaware for what they can’t get in Chestertown they also stop off at other places to eat, buy gas, or other things while they’re in Delaware. A shop local message isn’t enough; there has to be tangible incentives to keep residents from going to Delaware.
gerry maynes says
Hi, Yep that will turn the town around, Buy Chestertown. What can you buy in town. Food, hardware, booze, Pizza, Gasoline, Fast Food , Cheap stuff from Dollar Stores and shoddy from Roses, Liegal Drugs, Movies and a decent meal. Garden Stuff, Appliances( with a high Tax) and some tourist stuff as well as Dunkin Donuts. Gosh, Its no wonder Delaware is a shopping Mecca.
Slogans aren’t going to do it. A solid business plan to gain new b usiness and jobs to town is the answer.