With just over 600 people and one traffic light, Galena is a small town by any measure, and mayor-elect Kirk J. Blackard likes it that way. He wants to see slow, smart growth, but nothing that will change the friendly, small-town character of Galena.
Blackard found Galena nine years ago when he was looking for a marina for his small boat. The town reminded him of Rutherford, Delaware, where he grew up. Rutherford, though, has grown so much that it bears little resemblance to the place he remembers. Blackard became interested in local government when he had a storm water management problem at his house in Dogwood Village, so he won a seat on the town council and has served on the town council for the past six years. When he is sworn in on July 1, he wants to continue the open leadership of Mayor Harry Pisapia, who has held the office for 21 years. “Always be accessible and always do what you think is in the best interest of the town,” advised Mayor Pisapia.
Blackard thinks that the immediate issues facing Galena are: completion and maintenance of the new wastewater treatment plant, a new sign ordinance, appointing a new council member to fill a vacant seat, traffic control around Galena Elementary School, and making the town office less confusing to reach by car. When other issues arise, he plans to handle them the best way he can.
Because Galena has a town manager, a clerk/treasurer, and a superintendent, the mayor’s job is part-time and pays a nominal salary of $175 per month. During the day, Blackard drives a huge, temperature-controlled delivery truck around the mid-Atlantic region. He once delivered frozen broccoli extract to Johns Hopkins Hospital, and he delivered almost five tons of Phillips frozen crabmeat to a supplier. As a driver, he prefers to avoid driving through small towns like Galena, because he thinks it is disrespectful, but sometimes there is no other way to reach his destination.
A divorced father of two adult children who are college graduates, and a grandfather, Blackard, who is almost 47, is engaged to be married to Crystal Maloney. His parents live with him in Dogwood Village He is an avid reader of fiction, but also of Maryland Municipal Magazine, and arm of the Maryland Municipal League.
michael p whitenight says
Not sure if there is such a place as Rutherford,DE if so curious to where it is
carol cameron says
It exists. It’s a bit east of Newark. Looks like to get there you would take the Rt 273 exit off I-95 (Foxwoods) and go north a few miles.
What I find interesting about the article is that the new mayor is a relative newcomer to the town, arriving only 9 years ago and not a native returning. Now Elected Mayor! I could not see this happening in Millington, Betterton or Rock Hall. Could you?
Carolyn Sorge says
Kirk
You have huge shoes to fill as Harry was a good steward for the Town of Galena. I know he values your interest in Galena and that you will be a credit to his legacy. Welcome to the Kent County Mayors group. Let us know if we can do anything to help. Carolyn Sorge, Mayor Town of Betterton
Elizabeth Carroll says
Congratulations Mayor Blackard! Having served on the Council with you, I know how dedicated you are to serve the Town of Galena and to preserve and maintain the character of our town. Along with the support of the Town Council, I know you will strive to provide the very best environment for our small town and its residents. Best wishes!