Awhile back, when the initial campaign funding reports were submitted by the candidates in Salisbury’s city council election, we asked for information about Mr. Hopkins, who has made very substantial (for Salisbury) donations to Boda, Dryden and Dixon – the SAPOA slate. Because his address was listed as Fairfax Station, VA, we wondered about the basis of his largess. Now, our readers have responded, and we have double-checked.
Mr. Hopkins is heavily engaged in residential rental, mostly to students, in and around Salisbury as the manager of the LLC firm that in 2010 purchased much of the housing stock then owned and operated by Donnie Williams and his enterprise. The price was nearly $4 Million, which may well explain why Mr. Hopkins has so generously supported the SAPOA backed candidates, one of whom (Dixon) did not make it through the primary. Rental of the units is apparently being handled by Fairfax Station Enterprises, another LLC firm in which Mr. Hopkins may have an interest.
It seems that residential rental in Salisbury is so rewarding, financially, that it is attracting investors from far and wide who want to have a handle on the City’s government. Can you say “ca-ching”?
12 comments:
>>It seems that residential rental in Salisbury is so rewarding, financially, that it is attracting investors from far and wide <<
Well at least one industry is attracted to Salisbury. But wait, the powers in office seem bent on driving that from our area also.
I didn't realize that the City and you don't want people to run a business in Salisbury...Don't you live outside the City? Didn't you endorse Terry and Tim? I didn't realize it is illegal to support canidates who are willing to see outside their backyard!!!!
You hit the nail on the the head...Salisbury hates business and those who try to run one...
Joe it isn't that someone wants to "handle" the City's government. They would at least like to be heard in a professional manner!!
anonymous 12:41, I have not "endorsed" anyone as of yet. I do live outside the City but own property in the City. It certainly is not "illegal" to support a candidate, that's a pretty stupid comment.
You said; "Joe it isn't that someone wants to "handle" the City's government. They would at least like to be heard in a professional manner!!"
Then start acting professional, its that simple.
Holy Cow!!!!!! You mean someone actually is being called out for supporting candidates they believe are fair and balanced.
Your right...all of Salisbury should be thankful that ONE neighborhood knows whats best for everyone!!!!!!
Why and who made you the only one to be able to endorse a candidate!!!???
Joe the better story would be why hasn't code enforcement done there job. They've been in operation for 6 years...i'm sure they know who the "bad" property owners are!!!! The truth is...there needs to be a platform and SAPOA is an easy target!!! You know...those greedy and angry rental owners!!!
I wish the City would move on and work with those who have invested in the City and would love to see it flourish...and when i say invested that means EVERYBODY...
Joe,
Are you saying that you do not support Cohen and Spies?
Does Mr.Hopkins not act in a professional manner? I would assume that someone who has spent that kind of money knows his business...And if donating to a candidate is not professional than i'm confused!!!!
anonymous 1:11, you're rerally stretching things quite a bit here.
There's a difference between endorsing and supporting. Then there's a primary and a general election.
Funny how I am the only one man enough to use my real name and not hide behind anonymous. I'm not putting words in your mouth and twisting things either.
As for my support, I support Cohen, Spies, Boda and Mitchell, since you kind of asked or should I say put words in my mouth and implied.
As for Mr. Hopkins, are YOU Mr. Hopkins, or not?
Look, let's get real here. SAPOA is supporting anyone and everyone besides Tim & Terry and anyone who blames them is a fool.
That is their right and the best men and women will win. That's it in a nut shell.
All:
Operating rental houses is not really an industry -- more like investors than an operating business.
Landlords love Salisbury because in the past it has been wide open, especially under Barrie Tilghman -- and persons like Terry Sell and Donnie Williams have reaped huge rewards. They are hard workers, but have used the City to their advantage and left the residents with much of the burden of their "business."
It looks like Donnie has seen the trend and handwriting on the wall and decided to unload his gold mine, which may be near the end of the lode these days.
If I were Mr. Hopkins I would be supporting the SAPOA slate also to try to maintain the status quo. But I'm not and don't.
11:13
12:41
12:59
You must be Salisbury slum landlords aka "investors". See, the problem is that all Delmarva cities are sending their section 8 people here because we have more than enough houses to rent through different programs.
I am sure you know this and support it. After all you don't need to fix anything and $900 of taxpayer's money is yours. Simple. Nobody wants to take care of these houses because nobody is interested in renting them to quality tenants.
You want Salisbury to be a Dump of Delmarva !
4:47 PM
You took the words right out of my mouth. I was getting ready to comment on the Slumlords "defending their honor" on this blog. They are nothing more than thieves stealing from tax payers.
Donnie Williams is laughing all the way to the bank Mr. Hopkins. Welcome to Salisbury.
Mr. Hopkins is nothing more than Donnie's, "Chump of Delmarva." Now he's between a rock and a stinky spot.
Donnie is a steaming pile, top of the heap, kind of guy so-to speak.
Boy, it is so convenient to have a catch all industry to blame everything on. You guys don't even know Brett Hopkins and you have no problem crucifying him. This is real moral Joe. Frankly, I am rather surprised you would allow yourself to be used by candidates who do not have a proven track record of showing respect to all citizens. Terri Cohen has had four years to prove herself as a fair individual and she has failed miserably. It is painful to watch her speak. She never misses and opportunity to pat herself on the back or issue a nasty comment to anyone who may have a differing opinion. That, Joe , is a clear indication of putting arrogance before intelligence and bias before fairness. She has thrown in her lot with Spies who does the same kinds of things. Salisbury doesn't need to perpetuate this continual disfunction. The community deserves representatives who will work together toward real solutions. Real solutions don't come through riding on the wave of name calling, intolerance and disrespect. Yes, this ugliness may get Spies and Cohen elected. But, Salisbury won't be better for it.
10:37 AM you surely don't live in Salisbury. Your "industry" is to blame for a huge portion of Salisbury problems. Only someone who is invested in this "industry" of yours can not see it.
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