From Left to Right: Council Candidates Dave Stepp, Wade Strickland, Chuck Callahan (remote), Frank Gunsallus and Christian Mackendrick announce the "Financial Fiscal Pledge to County Taxpayers."4
On Sunday, September 21, 2026, Talbot Republican County Council Candidates Dave Stepp, Wade Strickland, Frank Gunsallus, Christian Mackendrick, and Chuck Callahan (Callahan attended virtually), gathered in front of the Talbot County Courthouse to sign a " Financial Fiscal Pledge To County Taxpayers" in front of a crowd of constituents and onlookers.
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They referenced the financial troubles of the State of Maryland since the 2022 election of Governor Wes Moore. Prior to Moore's election, the state exited Republican Larry Hogan's administration (Jan 2015–Jan 2023) in strong fiscal condition, with a multi‑billion‑dollar surplus, a fully funded Rainy Day Reserve, and a maintained AAA bond rating. The clearest single metric: Hogan inherited a $5.1 billion structural deficit and left office with a $5.5 billion surplus.
To put it bluntly, the Moore Administration and Democrats in Maryland have put the state into a financial freefall.
Here is a list of financial and other fiscal failures such as business closures and loss of population during the Moore Administration:
Maryland is now the SECOND most expensive state to raise a child (Lending Tree) only behind Alaska - costing on average $326k from birth to 18.
UPDATED LIST of what has happened to Maryland residents in 2026 (followed by 2025): Credit Chris Papst on FACEBOOK:
2025/2026:
-2nd most expensive state to raise a child (LendingTree)
-Paint fee enacted/$2.25 up to 5 gallons
-Unemployment rate jumps to 4.3%
-$1.4 Billion budget deficit
-Massive Sheraton Hotel closes in downtown Baltimore
-WalletHub names Maryland 2nd worst U.S. state to start a business in 2026
-Proposed U.S. Congressional map introduced to eliminate bipartisan state representation
-High School graduation rate falls 1.2% to 86.4%, despite massive funding spike
-12,127 residents lost to domestic migration (6th most in US, per Census)
-Maryland named 6th worst state for tax competitiveness (per: Tax Foundation)
-Guinness Open Gate Brewery (closing)
-Six Flags America (closed)
-S&P “stable” credit outlook (downgrade)
-Thoroughbred Championship Series (Triple Crown)
-Baltimore downtown Sheraton Hotel (closed)
-IonQ’s quantum computing hub (built in TN)
-New FBI headquarters (contested move)
-$3 Billion budget deficit ( 2025)
-$1.6 Billion tax/fee hike (2025)
-Moody’s credit downgrade
-vehicle emissions/registration fee spike
-state hiring freeze/job cuts
-soaring utility prices (highest in America according to Doxo)
-Lost IonQ’s quantum computing hub
-Lost FBI headquarters
-Lost Washington Commanders
-New 3% IT tax
-Vending machine tax 6%
-Vehicle excise tax up to 6.5%
-$5 tire purchase fee
-Sports betting tax hike (15% to 20%)
-Cannabis tax increase (9% to 12%)
-Car title fee increase ($100 to $200)
-3.5% car rental tax
-Fishing license increase ($25.50 to $52)
-Boating and Title Registration Fee ($24 to $70)
-Speed Camera Ticket increases
-Historic car registration changed from 20 years to model year 1999 or older
-Public school enrollment falls 11,322 students (1.3%)
The Talbot Republican County Council Candidates signed the following pledge in response to these facts:
Candidate and current Talbot County Councilman Dave Stepp stated, "I was honored to help draft and sign the Fiscal Pledge. Folks in Talbot County, and in counties all over Maryland, are being burdened by the poor financial decisions being made in Annapolis. The Pledge draws a line in the sand for Talbot County citizens. It commits to what I can contribute as a Talbot County Councilman - keeping property taxes low, keeping income taxes low, and keeping fees low here in Talbot County."
Early voting starts on October 22 and continues through the 29th. Election Day is November 3rd.
NOTES: The following two websites show Maryland's loss of residents and the extra money that living in Maryland costs residents
Welcome to Vote With Your Feet - Vote With Your Feet - Maryland's Population Loss
Welcome to Vote With Your Feet - Vote With Your Feet - Maryland's Financial Loss
What Annapolis Costs You | Maryland Freedom Caucus
