Leonardtown Election Forum
Originally Published: May 2, 2024
Business Association Hosts Mayoral, Council Candidates
Did you know there’s an election happening in Leonardtown? On May 7th, residents within town limits will vote to elect two council members and a mayor. Dan Burris, the incumbent, is being challenged for mayor by Ken Held, owner of The Slice House. Nick Colvin and Jay Mattingly are running for another term on the town council, and are running unopposed. On April 30th, the Leonardtiwn Business Association hosted a candidate forum at The Rex. First, Colvin and Mattingly took questions, then Burris and Held, and finally the four men answered inquiries together.
Nick Colvin said he was first elected in 2020 and wants to continue working towards development of the Wharf and Tudor Hall. Jay Mattingly described his work advocating in Annapolis as a member of the Maryland Municipal League. He’s proud of the town’s development, particularly the outdoor seating as an attraction, but recognized there are parking challenges. Only two questions were submitted in this round–describe how the Council and Mayor make decisions, and are there plans for a public restroom facility in the square? Both candidates said there is strong collaboration, but acknowledged the Council is a legislative body while the Mayor is the Executive. Colvin wasn’t aware of any plans for public restrooms in the square, saying businesses have accessible restrooms and there are public facilities at the Wharf. Mattingly said the idea may be worthwhile to consider.
Dan Burris and Ken Held were next with opening statements. Burris, who has been Mayor since 2012, previously served on the Council in the late 80s, then again from 2008-12. He’s committed to protecting tax dollars, being pro-business, and continuing to shepherd growth. Accomplishments Burris highlighted were the expansion of the Wharf, $15M in state grants, designation as an Arts & Entertainment District, and participation in the Sustainable Communities Program. Held called himself “the outsider,” saying he’s been in town for 7 years, where he started The Slice House with his family. Prior to that, he was the General Manager for Leonardtown Ford. He credits the current administration with great work revitalizing the town, but wants to “take it to the next level,” recognizing the amount of effort the entrepreneurs have contributed to the town’s success.
Held said the town needs repair in places. “The Wharf doesn’t look great,” he said, pointing to the concrete remains of the old ice house which need to be removed. Paving the area for more parking, Held said, would be a next step. Finally, trash cans in town need a face lift, and Held would collaborate with the arts community to paint those. Quality of life for residents was Burris’ top priority, along with keeping tax rates in Leonardtown among the lowest among the 157 municipalities across the state. An RFI for development of food stalls at the Wharf has gone out, and additional parking is in the works after the Town acquired nearby property, Burris explained. The candidates agreed they would continue the town’s current trajectory.
Issues with speeding were raised as well. Speed bumps aren’t possible because of added difficulty for fire apparatus. Burris said the Leonardtown Volunteer Fire Department is considering the purchase of a property off Cedar Lane Road, which could solve the speed bump conflict. Held, meanwhile, said the Town should partner with local law enforcement for speed traps. Describing a recent incident with a young driver speeding toward the Wharf, Held said he “had a bit of road rage” when he yelled at the kid. When asked about a police presence in town at night, Burris said there is a deputy assigned to the town. Both the state police and county sheriff’s office “are in town limits,” he said. But Held said he was “absolutely” in favor of a nighttime patrol because “nothing bad happens when there is a police presence.” Held also said the Wharf should be closed from dusk to dawn. Held also supported closing the square to traffic and making it pedestrian only, while Burris “doesn’t see it happening.”
Development on the Tudor Hall farm property, two thirds of which is owned by the Town, was raised several times. One question asked if proper analysis of the planned development had been completed, especially concerning infrastructure. Burris said all relevant stakeholders are aware of the development plans, and the Town is expanding the wastewater treatment plant to accommodate new growth. Held was not in favor of a consultant drawing up the plans, saying it should’ve been community members who completed the project. Tudor Hall’s development will connect downtown to businesses further north, Burris said, with a private developer planning to begin construction on retail and homes within the next 5 years.
Parking was a primary topic of the third round, where all candidates were able to provide answers. One question asked if Social should takeaway parking spaces on Fenwick, and another asked for opinions on parking garages. Construction of parking garages is included with the Tudor Hall plan, Mayor Burris said, but the large expense will require inventive and cooperative partnerships. There are 500 spaces within a block of the square, Burris said, and the lot across from the Good Earth, purchased by the town in 2004, can accommodate a second story if needed. Councilman Nick Colvin said Social is in compliance with an ordinance passed in 2021, and affirmed there is plenty of parking in the square. A parking garage is “definitely needed,” said Councilman Jay Mattingly, with a possible location being West Fenwick Street. Mattingly said outdoor seating makes the town look vibrant, and the parking loss was minimal. Finally, Held said Social shouldn’t take the spots on Fenwick. He also questioned why the Town was not partnering with the fire department to charge for parking at the old carnival lot during peak times.
Remember, if you live within town limits you can cast your vote on May 7th, at the Town Office between noon and 7pm.
