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Citizens were invited to gather in front of the County Court House in Easton at 5 pm for speeches, band music, refreshments and awards. It was a warm spring evening, perfect for the singing of the various local choirs, and the band from Easton High played into the dusk. An award for Citizen of the Year was granted posthumously to the late Diana Mautz, known as "Miss Diana" to the many whom she had taught to sail or helped or befriended over the many years she resided in Talbot County as a business owner and a benefactress. According to The Star Democrat:
The highlight of the evening came with the announcement of the “Citizen of the Year” award, the honor posthumously bestowed upon Diana Mautz for her exceptional service and unwavering dedication to the Talbot County community.
“Through sailing she touched the lives of thousands of children and was also an invincible force shaping the St. Michael’s Business Association, helping to transform the local economy into a booming destination for visitors from around the world,” Mielke said.
In a touching tribute, Diana’s children, Johnny and Danny Mautz, accepted the award on her behalf from the County Council and State Del. Chris Adams. (Read more.)
Johnny Mautz is, of course, our State Senator, and his children, Miss Diana's grandchildren, were also present to receive the award. Miss Diana passed away on March 14, 2024. Her beautiful and moving obituary can be read HERE. We rejoice that Talbot County is such a fine place to live because of the efforts of those who have gone before us.
On April 30, 2024 the GOP Debate Forum for Congressional Candidates of Maryland's 1st District was held at the Easton Volunteer Fire Department, hosted by the Talbot County Republican Central Committee. The candidates were the incumbent Congressman Andy Harris, Chris Bruneau and Mike Lemon. Mrs. Shari Wilcoxon of the Talbot County Republican Central Committee introduced the candidates. Congressman Harris was delayed by legislative matters in Washington, DC so the debate began without him. Our own Christine Dolan of The Easton Gazette was the skillful and knowledgeable moderator. About forty-five minutes into the debate Congressman Harris arrived and was gracefully brought up to where the other candidates were in answering questions. Throughout the course of the debate, the three candidates all offered insightful information about the state of our state and of our country. On the whole, there was more about which they agreed than disagreed.
Chris Bruneau told of his year-long campaign in which he has been to 244 events. He expressed concern over the fracturing in the various Republican Central Committees throughout the district at a time when cohesion is most important. The GOP leadership should be working with local officials. Mr. Bruneau expressed his support of term limits for members of Congress, since the longer elected officials remain in office the more they become part of the system run by elitists in Washington. Meanwhile, those who violate the rules must be called out. He thinks the government should not be involved in healthcare at all, with the exception of the military. Congress must stop massive spending as well as the government interference in social media. And the border must be closed.
Mike Lemon, the youngest candidate, spoke fervently about America being the greatest country that ever was, and that his goal as a congressman is to be fighting alongside his constituents for a new morning in America. Mr. Lemon affirmed his favor of term limits as well, insisting that we need fresh blood at the Capitol. He lamented the fact that many Marylanders are struggling every single day to survive. While many are not informed, a well-informed public is vital for the democratic process to work as it should. He expressed his opposition to both mask mandates and the "jab." He also opposes censorship and the government interference in social media. He stated his objections to Biden's open border as well.
Congressman Andy Harris was questioned about his original intention to support term limits. He insisted that he still believes in term limits but has not been able to garner enough support for the legislation needed to make term limits the law of the land. Meanwhile, for the sake of his constituents, he has not been able to just walk away from matters that he has been able to push through because of his seniority in Congress. His seniority has allowed him to sit on the Agriculture Committee where he has been able to work for Maryland farmers and watermen. He expressed his belief in medical autonomy and his opposition to mandated masks and jabs. He lamented the COVID lock-downs in which many small businesses and restaurants were hurt or destroyed. He voted in congress against all spending. While Biden claims to have lowered the national debt, Harris said it is absolutely not true, the debt is higher than ever. He spoke in detail about the disaster at the southern border, which he has visited. There are 136000 unaccompanied children entering America every year under Biden. There are illegal immigrants from countries that sponsor terrorism like Iran entering and being given false names and numbers since they have no ID. Meanwhile, child abuse is flourishing with 23 million tips annually of sexual abuse of children given to law enforcement. Harris described how children are moved across the country with traffickers using three cars, one to distract the police. Many children are enticed into destructive behavior through smart phones, which companies have deliberately made addictive. The federal government wants a "back door" into people's cell phones in order to collect data.
The debate gave everyone much to think about.
