The Spy received the sad news this morning that Chestertown’s former long-serving mayor, Margo Bailey, died yesterday. We’ll be sharing with our readers soon about how the community plans to celebrate all of her contributions to the town.
But in the meantime, we wanted to share an interview the Chestertown Spy did with Margo in 2012. Very few words can capture more of Mayor Bailey’s spirit, directness, and vision than her own as she describes her hopes and aspirations for Chestertown’s future.
With more than a half a century of volunteerism and leadership, it is striking to hear her voice and realize that so much for what she wished for Chestertown as come to be a reality. From a revitalized downtown with the help of Washington College, the completion of the Chestertown Marina, and countless other ways, Margo Bailey led the way for so much that makes this town so unique.
This video is approximately eight minutes in length.
Rob Etgen says
Dear Spy:
All of us at Eastern Shore Land Conservancy (ESLC) are deeply saddened by the passing of long time Chestertown Mayor Margo Bailey. Mayor Bailey was a constant ally with ESLC on efforts to protect the environment while also maintaining the vibrancy of downtown. We were privileged by our many opportunities to partner with Mayor Bailey on parks and paths around town, and she was a tremendous leader in a partnership with Kent County and ESLC to create a new and vibrant vision for the north end of Chestertown. Mayor Bailey’s son Owen is ESLC Towns Program Manager and is picking up her life’s work around the region, including leading an effort to extend the Chestertown waterfront trail to Radcliffe Creek.
Rest in peace Mayor Bailey – you had a huge and positive impact on Chestertown, the Eastern Shore, and all of us.
Deirdre LaMotte says
I am so sorry to hear this. She was an amazing woman and cared so much for this town.
God Speed!
Chris Cerino says
Margo Bailey leaves behind an incredible legacy of public service for the town of Chestertown. She was a friend and a mentor and she will be sorely missed by all who knew her. Her work lives on in the many parks, trails, recycling bins, waterfront improvements, and countless other projects that she initiated throughout her 20 year tenure as Mayor. If you didn’t know her, just go to the 7:37 mark of this video and play it until the the end of the segment. That says all you need to know about her commitment to this community.
Michael Johnson says
Gosh it seems like yesterday and 100 years ago. All the stimulating and wonderful conversations at The Complete Bookseller. You never know what you’ve got until it’s gone. Rest well, you earned it.
Barbara says
So very sad. What was the cause of her death?
elizabeth Bonass , O'Connors Puband Restaurant. says
Very sorry to hear this sad news . Our sincere condolences to her family and friends . She was a friend to everybody and will be sadly missed. RIP Margo.
Jon P Hanley, Hanleyman Services says
I was saddened to hear about the loss of Margo Bailey earlier this week, who among her many accomplishments as Mayor, started the Chestertown Green Team.
I first met Margo when I moved here in 2008, and when she heard I was going to start a handyman business, she immediately went to work to help me. She introduced me to the organizations, agencies and people that would help me launch Hanleyman Services. Then she “rekindled” my passion for the environment, and convinced me to join the Green Team.
I was privileged to work with Margo, and to stand by her side during the tumultuous plastic bag ban days. I was further honored when she asked me to take over the lead of her beloved Green Team when health issues prevented her full participation.
Margo left such an imprint on this town, I am glad I got to know her professionally and as a friend, and work with her on environmental issues.
Briggs says
What a splendid human she was. And now the spirit world will be whipped into shape by Margo’s demanding presence. Safe travels, dear friend.
Theo L Mercer Jr says
So sorry to hear of Margos passing. I’ve known her at least 30 years. We worked and celebrated together for the Tea Party weekends. She tormented me for my lack of one thing or another. I moved away and lost touch. Regret is an awful thing.