Residents Raise Wide-Ranging Concerns At St. Mary’s County Public Forum

LEONARDTOWN, Md. — Residents voiced a wide range of concerns — from a federal shutdown letter and school funding to Piney Point redevelopment — during the St. Mary’s County Commissioners’ public forum on Tuesday night, Nov. 4, 2025 at the Chesapeake Building.

Vice President Commissioner Mike Alderson led the session in the absence of Commissioner President Randy Guy. Commissioners Eric Colvin (First District), Mike Hewitt (Second District), and Scott R. Ostrow (Fourth District) were also present, along with County Administrator David Weiskopf and Communications Director Jenna Guzman. The forum aired live on St. Mary’s County Government TV (Channel 95) and YouTube and will re-air Saturday at 9 a.m. and Sunday at 8 p.m.

“I find your letter has a glaring error,” said Kurt E. of Tall Timbers, noting that it was sent only to Democratic lawmakers. “You’re either playing political games and putting your partisan support above the needs of your constituents, or want to pretend to care about the effects of the government shutdown.” Others said the letter undermined its stated goal of bipartisanship by excluding Republican leadership.

“The runway environment will be less than 1,500 feet from our neighborhood,” he said. “Removing the tanks is certainly in everyone’s interest, but adding a general aviation airport that close to the neighborhoods and schools is not safe and not necessary.” He asked the board to ensure that any zoning permits limit flight operations to small unmanned aircraft systems (Class 1–3 UAS).

“For many small business owners … these requirements can quickly add up,” she said, urging commissioners to share local business concerns with state leaders and call for a full review of the law.

“Hunger is not defined by political beliefs,” said Mary L., who praised local restaurants, churches, and food pantries for helping furloughed workers during the shutdown. “A community builds one person at a time. Be that person who can make a positive difference.”

Amelia Y. of Lexington Park used her time to read a detailed list of area food pantries and meal programs, providing phone numbers for residents seeking help.

“At-large voting gives the middle finger to true democratic representation,” she said. “It allows candidates to win without carrying their own districts. If district-based voting is good enough for the state legislature and Congress, it’s good enough for St. Mary’s County.”

Lawrence J. of Hollywood asked for data on how many residents have been turned over to federal immigration authorities since the sheriff’s office began cooperating with ICE.

Roy F. of Dameron described repeated attempts to reach emergency management officials during recent storms and called for better communication as flooding continues to affect roads in southern St. Mary’s.

Mike Schwartz, owner of Mike’s Bikes in Lexington Park, said he waited 45 minutes for help after a recent incident and later learned his call never reached deputies. He urged moving dispatch operations under the sheriff’s office “to improve professionalism and accountability.” “It needs to be put over and become part of the sheriff’s department again,” he said, “so they have a little more professionalism and a lot more accountability.” He also thanked the county for investing in the Southern Maryland BMX track, noted high poverty rates in area schools, and criticized a lack of sidewalks and turn lanes along a recently rebuilt section of Route 5.

“I’ve been disappointed and frustrated with how the funding of the school system seems to have been deprioritized,” said Natalie C. of Leonardtown, a parent of a Duke Elementary student. She pointed to state mandates and special education needs and asked commissioners to make public schools a top priority in the next budget cycle.

Realtor Sheila M. called for more single-level, mid-income housing options, noting that many qualified buyers struggle to find homes without stairs due to age or injury.

Rev. Andrea C. of Zion United Methodist Church shared that the congregation will continue Mike’s Food Fund—a 45-year local effort to feed families—following the founder’s retirement. “We’re going to continue to serve our community … without any gaps,” she said.

After the final speaker, Alderson thanked attendees for participating.
“We appreciate your input,” he said. “It’s an important part of our deliberation and decision-making.”

The forum then adjourned.

Watch the full public forum below:

---