North Beach, MD – The two candidates for North Beach mayor and the one dozen citizens vying for the six seats on town council participated in a candidates’ forum Thursday, Oct. 30. The event was sponsored by the Calvert County League of Women Voters and held at the North Beach Town Hall.
Incumbent Mayor Mark Frazer is seeking his fourth four-year term in that office. He is being challenged by two-term incumbent Councilman Greg Dotson.
“North Beach today is in the best position it’s ever been,” Frazer told the packed room. He added his vision for next ten years includes “an indoor market, library” and seeing the town become “a real wedding destination” and a town that showcases the performing arts. “We don’t want big box stores,” said Frazer, who explained the town has limits on lot sizes and parking.
Dotson said his vision is for “a small, beautiful town with businesses that will support us year ‘round.” The challenger added that he wanted to see “a debt-free town with a nice savings.” He stated a recent consultant’s report concluded North Beach has a bad government business relationship and pledged “that won’t happen under my administration.”
Additionally, Dotson promised better communication if he is elected mayor, with citizens being made aware ahead of time about what streets will be resurfaced. “You’ll know everything that’s going on in town,” Dotson told the attendees.
“The town is a work in progress,” said Frazer, who touted his experience and leadership the past four years in “the acquisition of strategic properties.” In expressing his desire to continue his leadership role, Frazer declared, “this old gray mayor is in good shape.”
For the council candidates the question on how each stood on the planned park on 3rd and Bay Avenue was asked. The small park has developed into a political football recently, with allegations the estimated cost of developing the parcel is too high. Objections have been raised about some of the park’s proposed water components.
“This is a park the residents want,” said candidate Mickey Hummel.
“I’m steadfastly against it,” declared candidate Anthony Klemens, who called the proposed design “an ill-conceived effort.”
Incumbent Councilman Kenneth Wilcox stated he favored the park plan, noting it was “brought together with citizen input.”
Candidate Julius Lubbes said he didn’t see building the park as a “big deal” but asked “who’s going to maintain it?”
“We need some open space in town,” said candidate Thomas F. Crockett, indicating he supported the project.
“We have one chance to get it right,” said incumbent Randy Hummel, who also reminded residents the park is being located on a parcel that had been slated to be the site of a “stupid” residential project by an out-of-town developer.
Incumbent Councilwoman Gwen Schiada call the park project “a great opportunity” and reminded residents grant money was being used to fund the plan.
“We need that green spot,” said candidate Diane Burr, who agreed with Hummel that a previous plan to construct a residential development on the tract was bad.
Incumbent Mike Benton said he “fully supports” the park project and disagreed with those who claim the town has tried to circumvent the public input process. “It has not been hidden from the public,” said Benton.
Another incumbent, Gregory McNeill, said a citizens advisory committee openly discussed plans for the park and also dismissed rumors that the cost of the proposal was high. “No member of the council favors a $2 million park,” he said.
“I’m not sure who this park is serving,” said council hopeful Kathy Bacon, who called the facility’s proposed water component “monstrous. There isn’t a whole lot of green.”
“We’ve already brought this [land], let’s make it functional,” said council candidate Joshua Brown.
Another project that came up for discussion was the plan to construct a living shoreline at Walton Beach on the Chesapeake Bay. The project is seen as necessary to resolve flooding issues, particularly on a stretch of Route 261 near the Anne Arundel County line.
“Rising sea levels are a fact of life,” said Burr, who added if the town didn’t take action “it’s going to get worse.”
Bacon commended the town “for taking a proactive stance.”
Wilcox called the living shoreline “a much more natural way to deal with the bay.”
Several candidates advocated a review of the town’s contract with the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office for police services. In response to concerns about drugs being sold and used within the town, McNeill stated the deputies “are just sort of cruising through.” Klemens claimed to have seen deputies supposedly patrolling the boardwalk preoccupied with their Palm Pilots.
In regards to dealing with the suspected drug activity, Benton urged residents to adopt a “see something, say something” mindset and work with law enforcement.
There was also consensus that speeding was the town’s biggest transportation problem and contracted law enforcement needed to play a more significant role in addressing the issue. Schiada said in order to get motorists to slow down and obey stop signs, “some reminders in some places” might be needed.
Two candidates—Crockett and incumbent Randy Hummel—recalled serving on the council during the late 1980s. “Right now we have a great town,” said Crockett, who recalled the mayor and council faced bigger challenges back in the 80s.
“It doesn’t quite work when one person does something,” said Randy Hummel, noting the next council needed to work as a team to keep the North Beach moving forward.
The town’s registered voters will be casting ballots Tuesday, Nov. 4 at the North Beach Town Hall between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. The swearing in ceremony for the mayor and six council members is planned for Friday, Nov. 14 at town hall beginning at 8 p.m.
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com
