Alex Smolens, owner of Atlantek Computers, was the last candidate to register to run for a seat on the Chestertown Council – meeting today’s filing deadline with only three hours to spare.
He will take on incumbent Mabel Mumford-Pautz and another challenger, Sam Shoge, for the Ward 3 seat.
Smolens says he’s running as the “economic development candidate” and says continuing to blame the sluggish local economy in Chestertown on the national economy “ignores our unique culture and history here that could be better promoted by town leaders.”
“Chestertown clearly stands out as a wonderful place to retire, but it should also be a place where young people can work, raise their families, or start news businesses,” Smolens says.
Alex Smolens on High Street with his daughter, Autumn
Inspired into the race by a proposed sign ordinance that would “essentially ban” the use of LED signage in both commercial districts, C1 and C2, Smolens believes there are many compromises that could be reached to protect Chestertown’s landmark historic district –but also increase foot traffic to Chestertown’s many businesses and nonprofits.
“There are many possibilities, but doing nothing and just saying ‘no’ to new ideas and new technology is the absolute wrong approach,” Smolens said.
Smolens says an aggressive and flexible economic development plan is a better way to broaden the tax base then simply raising taxes.
“If we are going to be able to afford a quality school system, fund our police department, fix the Chester River Bridge, and move forward with green space initiatives, among other things, we absolutely need to broaden our tax base,” Smolens said. “The best and fairest way to do this is through smart economic development and the enthusiastic support of our local government.”
Smolens started his computer business in 2009 at the height of the economic downturn and says his, like other businesses in town, do not feel they are getting much compassion and energy from local government. He said as a member of the council he would work to help new and existing businesses meet the challenges in the struggling local economy.
Smolens graduated from Kent County High School in 2000 and majored in public policy at Goucher College. He lives on Flatland Road with his wife Anna and two-year-old daughter Autumn.
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