From left to right, Comptroller Peter Franchot, Sheriff Mike Evans, Shirley Weems, Commissioner Steve Weems, Delegate Tony O’Donnell, Commissioners’ President Pat Nutter, Ronnie Weems and Commissioner-Elect Tom Hejl.
St. Leonard, MD – The man chosen by Maryland voters to be the steward of tax revenues is encouraging Free State residents to support local shops, small businesses and restaurants this Christmas Season. On Friday, Dec. 12 Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot [D] brought his “Shop Maryland for the Holidays” tour to Calvert County. Franchot and members of his staff had two businesses on their itinerary. The entourage made an unannounced visit to a third—and spent some money.
Franchot visited Wemyss Liquors in St. Leonard, where he was greeted by the store’s owners—Ronnie and Shirley Weems and their son, Commissioner Steve Weems [R]. Also on hand were Commissioners’ President Pat Nutter [R], outgoing Commissioner Susan Shaw [R], Commissioner-Elect Tom Hejl [R-At Large], Delegate Anthony J. “Tony” O’Donnell [R-District 29C] and Sheriff Mike Evans [R].
“Family-owned businesses—there are thousands of them all over the state,” said Franchot, who added Wemyss Liquors is a “store that cares about its customers.”
“We know you do a lot,” O’Donnell told the Weems family. “During the holidays we hope sales are going to pick up.” O’Donnell noted that small businesses “pay taxes and create more revenues for the state.”
Evans declared that he does his shopping for beverages at Wemyss.
Commissioner Weems presented the comptroller with a gift basket containing merchandise valued under the state ethics commission’s legal limit for gifts. Steve Weems also thanked Franchot for the Maryland Board of Public Works’ actions in aiding the county’s purchase of the old Sunoco Station property located across the street from Wemyss on St. Leonard Road. Franchot is one of three members of the Board of Public Works. Additionally, Steve Weems pointed out the family has owned and operated the liquor store since the late 1940s. It is the oldest family-owned liquor store in Calvert County.
Prior to stopping by Wemyss, Franchot’s tour group visited Jerry’s Place on Route 2/4 South in Prince Frederick. The seafood restaurant is owned and operated by Jerry and Peggy Gainey. Franchot recognized the Gaineys for their 35 years of service to the state’s business community. He declared the Prince Frederick seafood eatery has “the best crab cake in the state of Maryland.” Franchot said he was also impressed with the cleanliness of the restaurant, adding, “you could eat off the floor.” Noting that Jerry’s has a colorful mural that includes pictures of customers, he vowed, “I’m going to try to get my face up on the wall.”
Before leaving St. Leonard, Franchot and his staff paid a surprise visit to Wemyss’ next-door neighbor, Sweet Dreams Candy Shoppe. According to store owner Bonnie Blackwell, the comptroller made a purchase and also received information about the shop’s “Buy a Box” campaign to reward area residents currently serving in the Armed Forces and stationed overseas.
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com
