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Town Council Holds Open Meeting on Proposed Human Rights Commission

October 29, 2020 by James Dissette Leave a Comment

Chestertown Town Council held an open meeting on October 26 to hear from the public regarding the proposed ordinance to create a human rights commission. The commission would function as a mediator for racial discrimination issues and forward these grievances to appropriate county and state human rights resources.

The meeting attracted six Chestertown area residents, the majority living in Chestertown, and three letters read for the record.

Residents Andy Scott said the commission should exist fully at the county level since a majority of Black citizens live outside the town boundary and that discrimination issues in public schools and public safety would be better addressed by a county commission.

Kent County once had a human rights commission, but it was subsequently dissolved.

Residents Rosemary Ramsey said she would like to see a town commission embraced by or related to a town human rights commission.

“If we were able to establish it (HTC) in Chestertown, that would give us the traction we needed to bring it up to the County level and if we just try to pass it off to the county without having it in town, we won’t be able to establish that, “ she said.

A letter from Nancy Mugele, Head of Kent School, questioned the role of a Human Rights Commission as a mediator for discrimination issues in businesses and offered that the mission could instead promote education to the public.

“The New York City Commission on Human Rights is charged with educating the public about the city’s Human Rights Law and encouraging positive community relations. An HRC appointed by the Chestertown Town Council, after a complete vetting process of all of its members, could be used to educate the community about human rights laws in Maryland but should not be a governing or judicial body. I believe that an independent commission reporting to the council with education as its primary mission could benefit the community by providing forums for understanding and discussion,” she wrote.

Wanda Boyer agreed with wanting to see the Town human rights commission passed first and then approach the County.

Another concern focused on the issue of privacy. Jenn Baker, co-owner of Chester River Wine and Cheese, and Welcome Home, addressed the need for confidentiality during discrimination complaint assessments.

Barbara Jorgenson referred everyone to the text of the proposed ordinance saying that—other than the interest in a county-level human rights commission—the ordinance as written, addresses many of the participant’s concerns and that during the formation of the commission, open meetings would focus.

“If you look at the text, “Coordinate activities with and utilize the resources of other public and private human rights bodies,” this is in clear recognition that we are a small town and we need to be able to tap resources whether they are regional, state or national.”

The ordinance will be considered for a vote during the council’s November 2 meeting.

This video is approximately seven minutes long. The complete meeting may be viewed here.

Washington College Issues Statement on School’s Financial Situation

October 28, 2020 by Spy Desk 1 Comment

To Members of the WC Community,

We have been receiving questions about the College’s financial situation and the actions that we have taken to assure the financial sustainability of the institution and the integrity of the academic experience for our undergraduates. The challenges we face are real, but our foundation remains strong. I am confident that the measures we are taking will in no way diminish the value of the exceptional educational opportunities we offer our students as Maryland’s premier liberal arts institution.

Below, you’ll find what I hope are brief, clear answers to the questions many of you are asking. As the situation evolves, I will do my best to keep you informed. Thank you.

Wayne B. Powell
Interim President

What is the College’s financial condition?

Washington College is dealing with a structural deficit, which means that expenses are exceeding revenue in the current year. COVID-19 has compounded the deficit. The structural deficit is projected to persist unless we take steps to restore balance. The College’s underlying financial condition is strong. Although we are currently operating at a deficit, the College benefits from a combination of favorable factors. Our endowment of $235 million is large for a college of our size. Our debt load is modest. Our Board and administration have been resolute in taking necessary actions to achieve financial sustainability.

What steps is the College taking to restore financial balance?

Like all of higher education, we are confronting challenging financial trends caused by COVID-19 as well as some earlier structural issues experienced by Washington College. The direct effects of the pandemic have worsened the trends in enrollment that the College experienced the past few years. College leadership has been quick to identify and address these challenges. We began the work of restructuring the College’s finances a few years ago as we started to reduce operating costs in order to achieve a balanced budget. This past spring, we continued that work with the creation of a Budget Task Force that had equal faculty and staff representation. The task force was charged with identifying and presenting possible budget savings to the President, Provost, and Board of Visitors and Governors. We are also advancing a range of ideas for revenue generation, including a new certificate program and summer courses.

What has the Budget Task Force accomplished?

The task force first focused on identifying millions of dollars in non-employee expense reductions. Additionally, because employee compensation accounts for so significant a share of the College’s overall budget, staffing levels were reviewed as well. The task force recommendations were approved by the Board and have taken effect across every area of the College’s operation. They have included both one-time and sustainable measures that are immediate and planned reductions in both academic and non-academic staff. Throughout the task force’s work, its guiding principle was to protect and preserve the quality of the student experience and to enhance the College’s achievement of its mission.

Did COVID create this problem?

The effects of COVID did indeed worsen our deficit. The primary impact was the loss of room and board revenue as well as increased expenses for testing and safety measures. The College made the difficult but necessary decision to forgo this revenue this fall in favor of the value we have for safety and academic continuity.

Are faculty positions being cut?

Yes, the operations of Academic Affairs are part of our overall planned reductions in costs, with reductions slated for both salary and non-salary expenses, including faculty positions. The budget cuts planned for Academic Affairs are proportionate to cuts made in the non-academic budget, most of which were implemented earlier this year. While the final number of faculty reductions has not been determined, the reductions are relatively few in number (fewer than 10), and better align faculty positions with enrollment trends.

How will faculty reductions be decided?

Some reductions in faculty appointments will occur in the coming academic year and have been communicated to affected faculty and departments. Additional faculty adjustments may result from an ongoing review of the College’s educational mission. This is intended to be a faculty-led process, through which the Provost works with faculty committees, department chairs, and the entire faculty to evaluate potential changes in staffing and the impact on educational programs.

Will academic programs be cut?

It is unlikely that any academic programs will be eliminated, although some may be reduced to be consistent with current and projected student demand. Any curricular changes will be a function of changes in enrollment and student demand.

How is the College approaching the question of unionization?

Federal labor laws governing collective bargaining restrict the College’s ability to comment on this issue at this time.

Have employee benefits or salaries been cut?

Yes, there have been benefits cuts, including the College’s contributions to employees’ retirement plans. We hope that some of the cuts – like the one-year suspension of the College’s contributions to qualified employees’ retirement plans – can be restored when we reach fiscal stability. The Board determined that the suspension of retirement contributions imposed a less immediate and painful impact than reductions to employees’ salaries or health insurance. The Board chose not to exercise the option of across-the-board salary reduction for all employees, choosing rather to limit salary reductions to senior administrators who report directly to the president, as well as the president, and hour reductions for a number of other staff members around the College.

Where are we going from here?

Washington College is taking this as an opportunity to assess, be creative, and come out as a stronger institution. We are turning our focus to our future, understanding that the competitive landscape for small residential liberal arts colleges is changing. Washington College will thrive in this new environment by making investments based on its strengths and focusing on ensuring the highest quality student experience.

COVID-19 on the Shore after Eight Months with Dr. William Huffner

October 27, 2020 by Dave Wheelan Leave a Comment

The last time the Spy sat down with Dr. William Huffner, UM Shore Regional Health’s chief medical officer, was March 13 of this year. While the country was waking up to the severe threat of COVID-19, it was also before Governor Larry Hogan would issue his “stay-at-home” order for the state of Maryland, and before any cases of coronavirus had been reported on the Mid-Shore.

Since that afternoon in mid-March, the Mid-Shore has had approximately 3,290 cases of COVID and 80 deaths related to the pandemic. It has been a trying time for Dr. Huffner and his colleagues, but as he notes in our most recent interview, he is incredibly proud of the way Shore Regional Health has been able to perform during the crisis. In particular, Huffner stresses that Shore was at a significant advantage, given its relationship with the University of Maryland Medical System with its network of specialists and access to equipment and personal protection.

And while Dr. Huffner has been pleased with his team’s response so far, he is the first to say that the Mid-Shore is not out of the woods. With the arrival of colder weather and evidence that points to a new surge in local cases, vigilance, including social distancing, mask-wearing, and hands-washing, are the essential tools to limit the community’s exposure over the next several months as the world waits for a vaccine in 2021.

This video is approximately six minutes in length. For more information about Shore Regional Health and COVID information please go here.

Town Council Open Meeting Tonight for Human Rights Commission

October 26, 2020 by James Dissette Leave a Comment

The Mayor and Council of Chestertown will hold a public hearing on ORDINANCE 07-2020 (renumbered from 06-2020 due to a duplication of ordinance numbering) ESTABLISHING A HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, October 26, 2020 via Zoom. The full text of the Ordinance is available online or by calling 410-778-0500 to request a copy.

The public hearing will be live-streamed or you are encouraged to attend and comment by contacting jen@chestertown.com or kees@chestertown.com. Written comments prior to the hearing are also welcome.

By Authority of
Chris Cerino, Mayor

Livestream here.

Maryland In-Person Early Voting Begins Monday

October 22, 2020 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

The Maryland State Board of Elections reminds voters seeking to cast their ballots in person that early voting begins Monday, Oct. 26, and runs for eight consecutive days, including Saturday and Sunday. Early voting in Maryland concludes on Monday, Nov. 2, the day prior to Election Day.

Eligible voters may cast their ballots at any authorized early voting center in their jurisdiction of residence. A complete list of early voting centers is available here. Voters may also search here for early voting centers, Election Day voting centers and ballot drop box locations in their area simply by including their zip code.

For voters who missed the advance voter registration deadline, same-day registration will be available at early voting and Election Day vote centers. To prove their place of residence, Marylanders registering in person during early voting or on Election Day will need to bring their Motor Vehicle Administration-issued driver’s license, identification card or change of address card, or a paycheck, bank statement, utility bill or other government document that includes the voter’s name and new address.

“We encourage Marylanders who would like to vote in person to take advantage of early voting,” said Maryland State Board of Elections Administrator Linda Lamone. “While many Marylanders have, and continue to, cast their votes using mail-in ballots, voting early is one way to reduce lines and limit wait times at vote centers. The best time to vote in person is on a weekday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.”

Voters who have already requested a ballot should vote the ballot they receive in the mail. Voters simply complete the ballot, sign the oath on the postage-paid return envelope that accompanies the ballot, seal the envelope and submit it by mail or at an approved ballot drop box location.

Voters may not “trade in” their mail-in ballot during early voting or on Election Day, nor can they scan their mail-in ballot at an in-person vote center. If a voter has already requested or received a mail-in ballot and wants to vote early, the voter will have to cast a provisional ballot. This ballot will be held until election officials confirm the voter did not also return a mail-in ballot. This process ensures only one ballot per voter is counted.

Voters may drop off a mail-in ballot at an early voting center, but the ballot must be properly sealed in the return envelope that accompanied the mail-in ballot. Voters must sign the oath on the return envelope in order for the ballot to be counted.

As a reminder, early voting centers and Election Day vote centers will be following approved health guidelines. Voters must wear a mask and maintain a distance of at least six feet between other individuals.

ShoreRivers Board Names Isabel Hardesty as new Executive Director

October 15, 2020 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

Building on a decades-long legacy, ShoreRivers has grown its grassroots foundation in local communities, reduced pollution in Eastern Shore waterways, and elevated the organization’s voice at state and regional levels in Chesapeake Bay policy and regulatory issues. ShoreRivers is now one of the preeminent voices for clean water in the Delmarva region, using this leverage and expertise to implement innovative agricultural practices, produce high quality environmental education programming in public schools, and enforce clean water laws for the benefit of every citizen.

With these successes as a springboard, it is with gratitude and a salutation that the Governing Board of ShoreRivers announces the retirement of Executive Director Jeffrey Horstman at the end of 2020. Since 2010, Horstman has served in several capacities, including as a board member, the Miles-Wye Riverkeeper, executive director of one of ShoreRivers’ legacy organizations, and ultimately as executive director of ShoreRivers. In that time, he has led the organization to become a regional powerhouse for professional, impactful environmental work.

With Horstman’s retirement at the end of the year, the board is proud to announce a unanimous vote to promote Deputy Director Isabel Hardesty to executive director in 2021. Under Hardesty’s pivotal leadership, ShoreRivers will continue to advocate tirelessly for clean water with an inclusive vision of the future.

Hardesty has been with the organization for almost ten years. Her experiences as policy director, Chester Riverkeeper, regional director, and deputy director provide a breadth of knowledge and deep understanding of the organization that will ensure a smooth leadership transition and uninterrupted progress toward the organization’s goals.

“We have all worked hard to develop an organization that is now the foremost expert for water quality on the Delmarva,” says Hardesty. “I am energized by the prospect of leading ShoreRivers as we continue to thrive and advance our mission to protect and restore our rivers.”

Hardesty previously worked for Ocean Conservancy in Washington, DC, before joining the Chester River Association in 2011. She has a Bachelor of Science degree from Bucknell University and a Masters in Environmental Management from Duke University.

“It is with full confidence and a positive outlook toward ShoreRivers’ future that I retire from the role that has brought me great joy and fulfillment,” says Horstman. “Isabel is a natural choice to lead ShoreRivers in this next phase as we continue working for healthy rivers.”

ShoreRivers focuses on the waterways of the Chester, Choptank, Sassafras, Miles, and Wye Rivers, Eastern Bay, and the Bayside Creeks. The main office is located in Easton with regional offices in Chestertown and Galena. A dedicated staff of educators, scientists, restoration specialists, and advocates focuses on policies and projects that improve the health of our rivers. ShoreRivers was created in 2017 when the Chester River Association, Midshore Riverkeeper Conservancy, and Sassafras River Association merged.

What’s Next: A Conversation with Arlene Lee on Ctown Human Rights Commission

October 13, 2020 by James Dissette Leave a Comment

The Town Council accepted the ordinance to establish a human rights commission in Chestertown as a “first reading” during its October 5 council meeting making it a significant step toward addressing systemic racism.

Evolving out of a Resolution Against Racism submitted in August by the Council by Ward 3 Council Member Ellsworth Tolliver, the Town ordinance formalizes the Resolution’s language and awaits further input from the community during its November 2 meeting.

But what is the mission of a Human Rights Commission, and how is that mission implemented?

The Spy reached out to Arlene Lee, co-founder with Paul Tue of the Social Action Committee for Racial Justice (SOCRJ), to discuss how such an ordinance might work. She is former Executive Director of the Governor’s Office for Children, where she worked with both governmental and private agencies, focusing on policy and programs to help children and families.
Fundamentally, Lee says, an HRC is a solutions-based commission whose primary mission is to mediate discrimination issues, may they be racial, sexual orientation, gender, or other protected rights.

The video is approximately eight minutes long. The ordinance may be found on the Town website here. For more about Social Action Committee for Racial Justice, go here.

Chestertown Human Rights Commission Proposed

October 7, 2020 by James Dissette 1 Comment

Monday night’s Town Council meeting addressed the proposed formation of a Human Rights Commission ordinance to “be empowered to investigate and resolve allegations of racial discrimination in employment, housing, by town agencies and by businesses.”

Ordinance 06-2020 would be the authoritative law framing the anti-racism resolution introduced by Ward 3 Council Member Ellsworth Tolliver during the town council meeting of August 17.

The council took issue with the term “independent” in Section 5 of the original resolution feeling that it would mislead the community into believing the Commission would be an entity separate from the Town. After much discussion, the term was stricken from the final text of the proposal.

The council accepted the final draft of the ordinance language as a “first reading,” and will offer the public an opportunity to discuss it during the November 2 town council meeting.

The Spy will address the commission formation, function, and scope in upcoming editions.

The following is the final drafted text of Ordinance 06-2020 “Establishing the Human Rights Commission”and remains open to amendments.

###

TOWN OF CHESTERTOWN
ORDINANCE 06-2020
ESTABLISHING THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

WHEREAS, the Town Council adopted Resolution 03-2020 Black Lives Matter on October 5, 2020 recognizing that Chestertown has a documented history of overt and structural racism which was originally designed to prevent African Americans from equal access to housing, education, employment, recreation, dining and voting, and,

WHEREAS Chestertown residents, along with people from across the country and the world, have risen up to assert that Black Lives Matter here and everywhere and that Chestertown aspires to be a place of equality, understanding and inclusion in the creation of a more just and equitable future for everyone, and,

WHEREAS each human being deserves to live with dignity and respect and have equal opportunity in our Community,
BE IT THEREFOR RESOLVED THAT the Chestertown Mayor and Council:

1. Deeply apologize for the history of local slavery, the slave trade and the lives, the wealth and the freedoms that were stolen from enslaved people entering our port and our town.
2. Acknowledge and honor the positive contributions of African Americans in the creation and the endurance of Chestertown, Maryland.
3. Strongly affirm that all the citizens of Chestertown Maryland have equal rights, equal access to goods and services in our businesses, equal rights to be treated fairly by law enforcement and the criminal justice system, equal rights to start and maintain businesses, and equal access to housing and employment.
4. Proclaim that racism is a Human Rights issue.
5. Commit to establishing a Human Rights Commission to be empowered as an independent board with the task of gathering information for review, of analyzing data and of making necessary recommendations toward the effort of resolving allegations of discrimination in employment, housing, education, recreation and others human relation areas by Town agencies and by businesses.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Chestertown Human Rights Commission be empowered to investigate and resolve allegations of racial discrimination in employment, housing, by town agencies and by businesses.

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that the Human Rights Commission be established as follows:

MEMBERSHIP:
The Chestertown Human Rights Commission shall consist of seven residents of the Town of Chestertown, of which not less than four members shall be People of Color. Each member shall have demonstrated an interest and have acquired experience in matters relating to human rights concerns in the Town. Residents interested in serving shall apply by letter or email to the Commission Chair and Vice-Chair, who will nominate Commission members to the Mayor and Town Council. All Commission members shall be approved and confirmed by the Town Council. Each member of the Commission shall serve for a term of three years, or until a successor is appointed and qualifies, commencing on July 1st in the year in which appointed. The Town Council shall designate the initial terms of the members of the Commission so that the terms of not more than three members expire in any one year.

RULES/DUTIES:
1. With the adoption of this Ordinance, the Town Council shall appoint an interim Chair and an interim Vice-Chair, who shall be responsible for nominating the initial seven Commission members. Upon the Council approval of the full Commission, its members shall elect a Chair and a Vice-Chair from among its membership, each of whom shall serve for one year.
2. The Commission may adopt such rules and regulations as it deems necessary and desirable for the regulation and conduct of its meetings and activities.

AUTHORITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Commission is authorized to:
1. Conduct public meetings and survey current practices and conditions relating to the treatment of citizens in areas of public accommodations, employment, housing, recreation, education, and other human rights areas.
2. Conduct programs for the purpose of informing the public regarding matters of human rights and of bettering human rights within the community; Accept complaints relating to discrimination and refer the complaints to appropriate authorities.
3. Make recommendations to appropriate authorities and propose legislation regarding human rights practices and conditions.
4. Accept complaints relating to discrimination and refer the complaints to appropriate authorities.
5. Act as a mediator to resolve disagreements in matters of human rights if the parties so desire, or to refer to a local mediation group if the parties prefer.
6. Coordinate activities with and utilize the resources of other public and private human rights bodies.
7. Issue an annual report of its activities and on the status of the Town’s racial justice and equity.
8. Perform other duties and functions as may be specified by the Town Council from time to time.
NOW, having been introduced this 5th day of October 2020, Ordinance 06-2020 can be adopted on October 19, 2020 and will then become effective on November 9, 2020.

Mayor Presents a “Go Big or Go Home” Plan for Chestertown River Walk

October 6, 2020 by James Dissette 6 Comments

Mayor Chris Cerino put the riverfront walkway back into play during Monday’s Town Council meeting by presenting an in-depth slide show of how the project might look if pursued on a grander scale, what he calls the “go big or go home” model.

The discussion of a river walk has been put on hold since September 2019. Still, Cerino wants to ignite interest in the issue now after having surveyed problems of a deteriorating riverfront at Wilmer Park.

The Wilmer Park riverfront and bulkhead was built in the mid-1980s using pilings reinforced by anchored cable and backfilled with dirt. Currently, the riverfront part of the park drops a foot in elevation indicated by fissures in the sidewalls and terrain. If left unaddressed, the boardwalk as it exists would eventually collapse.

Historically, this part of the park succumbs to monthly floods, which deteriorate the park shoreline.

Cerino’s idea is to rebuild the vulnerable section of the park riverfront and has offered six possibilities, from simply fixing the broken boardwalk to a long-term comprehensive pedestrian loop along the lines of 2019’s Chestertown Heritage Trail and few versions in between.

The council showed interest in the larger plan and wants to open the subject up to the many stakeholders who might be interested. Cerino offered the possibility of holding community charrettes in the future much like the town meetings during the marina conceptualization.

This video is approximately nine minutes in length. For more information about the Town of Chestertown Council please go here.

Comptroller Announces Departure of Chief of Staff Len Foxwell

October 5, 2020 by Spy Desk Leave a Comment

In a statement issued early Monday evening, Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot announced that Len Foxwell will no longer serve as his chief of staff as of today and will separate from the agency at the end of the month.

Franchot thanked Foxwell for his 12 years of dedicated service and contributions to the comptroller’s office and the state of Maryland, and wished him the best in his future endeavors.

Foxwell is a resident of Easton and a frequent contributor to social media, drawing the ire of Maryland Republicans with a sarcastic Facebook post in April. Locally, he has commented in favor of the proposed promenade in Easton and actively supported calls to remove the Confederate monument from the Talbot County courthouse grounds. Franchot also supports the statue’s removal.

Foxwell is a former staff reporter at The Star Democrat.

Emmanuel Welsh will assume the role of acting chief of staff, according to the comptroller’s office. Welsh has served as deputy chief of staff since 2016.

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