Salisbury, Md. – The Coastal Association of REALTORS® (Coastal) is pleased to announce its endorsements in the upcoming 2019 Salisbury City elections.
Day – (From left) REALTOR® and Coastal Director Brandon Johnson, REALTOR® and Coastal Director Austin Whitehead, REALTOR® Terrence McGowan, Mayor Jacob Day, Coastal Affiliate Devin Holland, REALTOR® Bill Martin, and REALTOR® and Coastal Vice President Joni Williamson.
For mayor, Coastal endorses incumbent Jacob Day for reelection. In Day’s first term as mayor, he and the City Council have worked together to help grow Salisbury’s economy and housing market exponentially. Since Day was elected, the city has seen its first single family housing starts in a decade, with over 100 new homes built and many more permitted for construction. The city has experienced four years of steadily climbing property values, and no increases in city property taxes over the last three budgets. The city has enacted a moratorium on all fees for construction of single-family homes, which means over $15,000 in savings per home. For the last four years, the city has waived its Equivalent Dwelling Unit fees for connecting water and sewer lines to new construction, which applies not only to single family homes, but to all new construction. Thanks to the city’s efforts, Salisbury has seen over $190 million in new construction, both residential and commercial. Day has consolidated all permitting into a streamlined, one-stop-shop to make the process easier across the board. Finally, Salisbury is reporting record low crime rates.
Sheppard – (From left) REALTOR® and Coastal Director Brandon Johnson, REALTOR® and Coastal Vice President Joni Williamson, District 1 Candidate Timothy Sheppard, and Coastal Affiliate Devin Holland.
For District 1, Coastal endorses newcomer Timothy Sheppard. A property manager by profession, Sheppard understands the city’s housing needs. He is driven, passionate, and sensitive to the needs of the city’s residents. He aims to help residents achieve their personal versions of the American dream, whether that be homeownership, renting, or investing. His work with the city’s youth will help them grow into responsible adults who contribute to their communities. He wants to help residents clean up their communities so they can be proud of where they live. Finally, he supports programs to help residents navigate the homebuying process and empower them to make their investment in Salisbury.
Boda – (From left) REALTOR® and Coastal Director Brandon Johnson, REALTOR® Terrence McGowan, District 2 Councilman Muir Boda, REALTOR® and Coastal Director Austin Whitehead, Coastal Affiliate Devin Holland, and REALTOR® and Coastal Vice President Joni Williamson.
For District 2, Coastal endorses the unopposed incumbent Muir Boda. Boda’s hard work and dedication won him the District 2 seat in 2015 and since then, he has continued to work tirelessly to represent his district and his city with professionalism and pride. His lack of an opponent in this race goes to show that his constituents know he will continue moving the city forward through his partnerships with the City Council and the mayor, his fiscally responsible management of the city’s finances, and his passion for the city he loves.
Heath – (From left) REALTOR® and Coastal Director Brandon Johnson, REALTOR® and Coastal Director Austin Whitehead, REALTOR® Terrence McGowan, District 3 Councilman Jack Heath, REALTOR® Bill Martin, REALTOR® Michael Weisner, Coastal Affiliate Devin Holland, and REALTOR® and Coastal Vice President Joni Williamson.
For District 3, Coastal endorses incumbent Council President Jack Heath. Running on a reelection campaign focused on public safety, fiscal responsibility, and economic growth, among others, Heath has worked over the past four years to keep costs down for homeowners. As council president, Heath has fostered a civility in city government that has been absent from Salisbury for many years. The council works quickly and efficiently, in partnership with the mayor. He supports the continued revitalization of the downtown, the strengthening of the city’s police department, and incentives for homebuilders that generate economic activity and increase affordable housing.
Coastal is not making an endorsement in the District 4 race.
Jester – (From left) REALTOR® and Coastal Director Brandon Johnson, REALTOR® and Coastal Vice President Joni Williamson, District 5 Candidate Shawn Jester, and Coastal Affiliate Devin Holland.
For District 5, Coastal endorses newcomer Shawn Jester. With a degree in Political Science and seven years of experience working on local political campaigns, as well as for Congressman Andy Harris, Jester brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. He is focused on fiscal accountability, economic and job growth, and public safety. He aims to attract young families to Salisbury and retain college students by increasing the city’s inventory of affordable single-family homes. He is supportive of keeping costs low for residents by ensuring every government dollar is spent wisely, in order to avoid burdensome tax and fee increases. Jester is committed to working hard for the residents of his hometown.
Endorsement of political candidates is a key element of Coastal’s advocacy efforts. Coastal works with these candidates to protect not only the private property rights of homeowners, but also one of the largest economic engines on the Lower Eastern Shore – the real estate industry. Campaign contributions are made from the REALTOR® Political Action Committee, which is funded by local REALTORS® and affiliate members.
“Through these endorsements and campaign contributions, we help these candidates get their message out to the voters,” said Coastal President Bernie Flax. “We wish our candidates the best of luck, and we ask all city residents to get out and vote on November 5.”
For more information, visit www.coastalrealtors.org.
