I have known Bill Arrowood for 25 years. I met him when he was in middle school, when my wife and I owned the The Mustard Seed Bookstore, which at the time was located on Park Row. Despite his young age, we recognized his abilities and passion for the subject matter and we hired him to produce a weekly radio show on WCTR. Even then he was meticulous about detail and preparation, traits that I still see in his work and involvement in community projects. Bill remained a supporter of The Mustard Seed over the years: he was always there to lend a hand, whether in sales or helping us to move or remodel. He will bring this same diligence and steadfastness to his leadership of Chestertown.
Bill was instrumental in the creation of MusicLife, not only as a retail store, but as a music school for the entire community. It is likely that MusicLife would not be in downtown Chestertown if it were not for his encouragement and help in securing our location. He remains vital to our operations and success. Having been a part of this business community for several decades, I know firsthand that Bill’s reputation among the business owners is excellent and that he has provided support to any number of them over the years. Just as he helped develop the foundation of our business, he will be a great asset in helping Chestertown in realizing its vision.
Whether you know Bill through his work with the Recreation Commission, the Garfield Center, the Tea Party Festival or through his support of his family at Women in Need, you know that he is special. If you do not know Bill, I encourage you to meet him, although chances are he will approach you first, and show you the kindness and open hand of friendship that are the hallmarks of his character. I do not know anyone who has met Bill who has not been touched by his spirit. He is a philanthropist in the true sense of the word, giving of his talents and heart. He is not politically motivated by party or any single demographic; he is a genuine populist candidate that believes in representing all voices in the community.
His unique combination of gifts and character traits make him ideal for the position of mayor. Bill loves the town and Kent County; moreover, he has faith in its people: he is an encourager of people and a builder of community. Bill will ensure that all the citizens and neighborhoods of the town are heard and given the opportunity to have their ideas implemented. Through his enthusiasm, creativity, and leadership, Chestertown will emerge as not just an improved municipality, but as a better community of neighbors.
Bill Drazga
Owner, MusicLife
Chestertown, MD
Stephan Sonn says
Editor,
I have known Bill and his family for 17 years. If integrity, purity of purpose and creative energy were the sole judgment criteria for election, he would win hands down. He is the product of Eastern Shore culture and mainstream values, blended and bonded to highly enlightened aspirations for the fiscal and spiritual health of this small town and the surrounding villages.
Christian Berg says
Editor,
When Bill Arrowood told he was running for mayor of Chestertown, I wasn’t surprised in the least. Truth be told, he’s been training for this job for the 20-plus years I’ve known him, and I can’t think of a better choice to lead the community into the future.
My history with Bill dates back to the early 1990s, when we were students at Messiah College in Central Pennsylvania. We became fast friends, later roommates and forged a bond as brothers that lasts to this day. If there’s one thing that comes to mind when I think about Bill, it is the central role community plays in his life. In college, Bill was always the ring leader in our dorm, organizing outings that not only led to good times and great memories but fostered a sense of belonging that truly made the college experience feel like home. One of my fondest memories from graduation is emerging from the ceremony to find Bill outside tailgating (he was a year behind me)! You won’t find a more loyal friend than Bill, and a grill full of hot dogs on the college green was his unique way of celebrating his friends’ accomplishments that day.
From the earliest days of our friendship, it has been obvious Bill’s Chestertown upbringing is a touchstone that has guided him no matter where life has lead. I am among many college friends who have returned to Chestertown with Bill numerous times to enjoy bushels of blue crabs, Tea Party weekends, Saturday night visits to the Bluebird and other pleasures of Eastern Shore life. He enjoyed sharing his hometown with us. Bill’s pride in Chestertown has always been worn on his sleeve, right along with his Kent County football letterman’s jacket. Clearly, the sense of community and Bill forged in Chestertown drove his efforts to create community in college and later in Philadelphia, where he has served as a mentor to countless disadvantaged young men in his neighborhood through inner-city baseball programs. I am also convinced it is why Bill has always maintained his permanent residence in Chestertown and remained active in community affairs such as the Tea Party and Recreation Commission. It’s why he has always voted here, kept himself involved here and dreamed about the opportunity to give back to a town that has given him so much.
That opportunity is now, but it requires your action. As you carefully consider the mayoral candidates and cast your vote this November, it is my hope you will agree that Bill’s unique vision for Chestertown’s future, proven leadership skills and passion for the town and its people make him the obvious choice to serve you.
Sincerely,
Christian Berg