I am pleased to announce my candidacy for the office of Mayor of Salisbury.
In the past, this City has overcome several major challenges, including two historic fires that threatened the town’s very existence. Salisbury not only survived, but emerged much stronger, and it became a bigger and better town. That success was due to the strength of character of the citizens, and to the quality of leadership
In recent years, however, things have changed. We have experienced large tax increases and much higher fees and charges (often with no warning) while our infrastructure has deteriorated and become overburdened. City government operates with little public discussion or input, despite the promises of “transparency”. Periodic proclamations of “lower crime” and “sound financial health” are seen as political posturing. To put it plainly - - new leadership is needed
And now we face another significant challenge. This time, it is not caused by fire or other natural disasters but by a severely damaged economy. The city will have less tax revenue, increased demands for service, and a probable reduction in cash flow from funds other than real estate taxes. It will take the combined efforts of Salisbury’s excellent employees, a dedicated City Council, and a strong leader to guide the city through very troubled waters..
I am prepared to be that leader. My background and my history make me uniquely qualified to assume the position of Mayor. I have been actively involved in many volunteer projects benefiting the community. I have been a member of City Council, and served as its president. During my time on Council, we addressed significant issues, including election reform and city agency realignment, and we created and passed Salisbury’s first rental property registration ordinance. In both elected and volunteer capacity, I have been able to bring people together. “Together” is the only way we will survive and thrive in the coming economic storm.
The leadership of an organization determines the tone of an organization. Under my leadership, the City of Salisbury will once again have an open government, marked by a return to civility on all levels.
If the citizens of Salisbury grant me the privilege to serve as their Mayor, they can be assured that I will work hard, and I will work smart. I am prepared for the challenges, and am confident that by confronting issues with Rational Thought, Experience, and Common Sense, I will effectively lead Salisbury for the next four years.
For Questions Contact:
Robert M. (Bob) Caldwell
1014 Evergreen Ave
Salisbury MD 21801
410-251-2799 (Cell)
37 comments:
congrats BOB! you're the man!
FYI-
Mr. Caldwell has much experience --as a member of Planning & Zoning, Local Government Insurance Trust, and many boards, as well as plenty of common sense.
Now we can really say "help is on the way!"
His website -- electbobcaldwell -- will be up today or tomorrow.
Now the citizens have 2 truly good candidates from which to choose. Bob Caldwell and Jim Ireton. Thank you, to both men for standing up for the citizens of our city. You are both fine men and good candidates that will represent all of us in a civilized manner. Good luck to you both. Salisbury can't lose with either of you.
GO BOB! ....and Jim...
This could actually turn into an election now!
FINALLY!
A candidate we can ALL depend on. Bob, thank you for doing this. There are 5 adults in our home and you'll get 5 votes.
Jim and Gary can throw in the towel now because no one is going to beat Bob Caldwell.
9:13 (and 9:19) --
Even if you are correct, the net effect could be to put Bubba Comegys in the Mayor's office. IMHO, Bob Caldwell will make the much better mayor, and Jim Ireton should withdraw and support him.
Reminds me of a past campaign slogan -- "a Mayor to make us proud!"
Bob's got my vote & the spouse's too.
Mr./Ms. 9:13 --
Let Jim Ireton complete a term or two on the Council, and get other pertinent experience and he might match Bob Caldwell. Mr. Ireton is a passionate speaker, but doesn't seem to have much experience and his "politics" seem more oriented to state and national matters. We need someone who has real competence in local government -- and that's Bob Caldwell.
Bob Caldwell is a blessing, George Chevallier would make a good City Council person as well.
What a great day -- Tim Chaney is running for the District #1 seat on the City Council, too.
Hopefully, happy days are here again, starting in April!
Mr. Caldwell is the man Salisbury needs--this will end the darkness that has been Barrie.
He will set this new direction for the City. Ireton should throw his support to Caldwell immediately, so that we can assure Comegys is not an option.
Joe:
I can't wait to see how Barrie responds -- she can't ignore Bob Caldwell and Tim Cheney like she has Ireton. There's too much risk of exposure of her misdeeds in office if she can't control the next mayor (that's why she wants Bubba) and the Council. Look for one of those media events like she did just before the city election in 2007 to trash Tim Spies, only this time she will throw her slime at Ms. Campbell as well as Mr. Caldwell and Mr. Cheney.
And don't forget how the Daily Times helped Barrie defeat Duke Shanahan in 2002.
I think it's great that BOTH Jim Ireton and Bob Caldwell are running.
They are both terrific.
Maybe their voices will drown out Bubba's blustering attempts to divorce himself from his Gary = Barrie voting record!
May the best man win, in this case, the better of the two GOOD ones!!!
Those of you calling for Jim Ireton to drop out should save your breath. Jim is a good man, as is Bob Caldwell--the guy who should drop out is Comegys! Let's not tear down either Caldwell or Ireton just to get one of them elected--that is what Comegys/Tilghman/Dunn wants to happen! Keep it positive for both of those guys--advocate for your guy without tearing down the other one--and that will make sure Comegys does not get elected. Don't fall into the trap of attacking EITHER Ireton or Caldwell unless you want Gary in! They both have the guts to put themselves out there, let's debate the issues.
10:32 and others:
Nobody has said that Jim Ireton is not a "good man" but the plain truth is that Bob Caldwell is much better qualified, and with Jim there the voters who would never support Bubba could split and let him become Mayor if those who support the one who loses in the primary don't vote for the other.
And it's not a sporting ("let the best man win") event. Let's get behind the one who has the experience and proven leadership, Bob Caldwell and avoid the expense and possible rancor of a primary fight.
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Bob!
I think the world of Bob Caldwell. I hope this won't translate into split votes between him & Ireton, making Bubba the odd man out to win.
Jim is not dropping out. He has raised a lot of money, put together a solid team, and has real ideas for the City of Salisbury. None of that is to take away from Mr. Caldwell. Jim Ireton has some great ideas, so how about listening to them before demanding he drop out of the race so Caldwell has a better chance to win? After all, it was Mr Caldwell who jumped in late, making the possibility of a split vote. Let's hear both of their ideas and vote for the guy you think is best based on that. We can all agree that Comegys is not the guy, so Jim and Bob entering the race means there will be a real discussion of ideas, and that is healthy. Now we can all ignore Comegys' mudslinging and focus on what Jim and Bob have to say.
"And it's not a sporting ("let the best man win") event"
It SHOULD be! Why on earth would you not want the best man to win? Take the time to listen to these guys--go to public forums, read their campaign literature, and then vote for the guy who best represents what you want in a mayor! It really is as simple as that, but you cannot be lazy and rely on someone else to tell you who to vote for. Well, except for me telling you not to vote for Comegys :)
Maybe Caldwell and Ireton can push Comegys out in the primary and we can have an election between two decent citizens of Salisbury.
BTW- Caldwell timed this right, he did not get in "late"
Bubba ain't got a chance now!!!!!!!!!
Although I would vote for Ireton if he were the only alternative to Comegys (I'd never vote for Bubba or the pizza man), it's no contest for my vote now that Bob Caldwell is a candidate.
Mr. Ireton doesn't come close in experience and involvement in city matters. His time on the Council was brief and he never displayed real initiative. He may be a "good man" and should be an energetic campaigned (like he was 10 years ago for City Council).
What we need is somebody to get the ship back on an even keel, not someone with "some great ideas" who may be a better speaker at forums and such. Let's not forget that Barrie had the clear ability to campaign better than her opponents in 3 elections, we feel for it (most of us) and all of us have paid the price.
Bob Caldwell gets may vote, and he should get yours, too.
Consider this:
Ireton is the same "community organizer" type as Barrie and Obama.
I'll be voting for Bob Caldwell.
I voted for Ireton on the City Council ten years ago, but then he quit. Why should we elect him mayor now?
Let's hope that Salisbury's business leaders -- the few who are left not in SAPOA or developers -- will support Bob Caldwell. He is the only hope for sanity and civility, as well as competence and experience in the City's government.
Cool Hat dude.
Whoa, whoa, whoa!!!!
Some of you are forgetting that there will be a PRIMARY for the Mayor's seat.
One of two scenarios will happen:
1. Gary and either Jim or Bob will be his opponent.
2. Jim and Bob will knock Gary out in the primary, and then the people can choose between TWO good candidates!!!
I plan to vote for Ireton, but also like Caldwell. If Caldwell gets through the primary with Comegys, do you think for one stinkin' minute I'm going to vote for Gary?
So don't tear either man down. This is good for both of them because poor Gary and the Mayor's minions will have TWO targets to go after. PLUS Debbie Campbell. PLUS Tim Chaney.
So work for your choice, and if he doesn't make it through, support the other in the general election.
Sign me,
Happy Camper!
Interesting comments!
But to a couple of commenters bashing Ireton here, Ireton was pretty young 10 years ago. At that age, I would have probably made the same choice for my career. (Yeah, someone filled me in because I don't date back 10 years here.)
As for being a community organizer, Cohen was much like that. I liked her bringing neighborhoods together. She spoke well then and still does. If I recall from this blog, she supported Obama, too.
Well, maybe you don't like her either. But I do.
Some of you are dragging state and national politics into this. Big mistake. Didn't we have enough of that with Barrie?
Just my two cents.
I like them both and I too think Gary will go down in the primaries I have said it all along to co-workers.
I like them both so much now I have a lot of listening to do and a very important decsion. I wish them both peace and harmony during the campaign and I may not know who I'm voting for until I hit the polling booth!
8:09-
Cohen was a true activist -- one of the "Salisbury Maulers" that stopped the initial madness at the old mall by beating the developer and the City (which provided legal services in the defeat) and a charter member of the "Dirty Dozen".
Ireton seems like a gadfly -- he sometimes shows up at meetings and occasionally says something, but most of the time is AWOL or out rabble rousing.
I like Mr. Caldwell, who seems to make and speak up at most of the Council meetings.
8:53, Amen to that. I'm so grateful to even have to MAKE that kind of choice.
Jim, Bob, thank you BOTH!
Ireton - all show, no go.
Caldwell - when the going gets tough, the tough get going!
Comegys - gimme anudder beer.
Bob,
There are some REAL issues facing Salisbury now. I like Chaney’s approach to neighborhoods and sense of community togetherness. Salisbury can grow with excitement and flourish into a new age. Start from where it all began - the fires. Restore downtown, help the Camden and Smith Street areas, initiate smart growth regulations, and encourage new energy and green industries to call our town home. Bob, you must concentrate on experience to help, but please do not forget about the majority voters - the new ones. Work with all ages, backgrounds, colors, shapes, and sizes. Show them you can not only talk about change – but implement it! The experienced political supporter will help you fund your campaign, but remember that the less experienced novice will be your biggest fan. Record numbers will vote this year - Salisbury needs a General who promotes leadership from every position in the organization. Good luck Bob - we're rooting for you!
If smart growth had been used over the last ten years and green space had been saved instead of paved we might have had the soil to absorb all that rain water. Now we need a six foot pipe to wash all the street garbage into the Wicomico River, an example of stupid growth.
What good is a $80,000,000 waste water treatment plant if we are still going to be dumping unfiltered garbage in the river?
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