Election Day in Havre de Grace: Dougherty vs. Shank for Mayor; 2 Incumbents and 4 Challengers for City Council

Havre de Grace voters will have their choice of eight candidates when they head to the ballot box during Tuesday’s municipal election – two vying for the mayor’s office and six others competing for three seats on the city council.

Mayor Wayne H. Dougherty, who was unopposed in his re-election two years ago, faces staunch opposition this year from City Councilman Mitch Shank – who launched an early and aggressive “Taxpayers First” campaign.

One of Dougherty’s mayoral opponents four year ago, John P. Correri, Jr., is looking to retain the seat he was handed last year after councilwoman Brenda Guldenzopf lost her battle with cancer. In last year’s election, Correri lost his bid for a city council seat by just 5 votes.

Councilman Randy Craig, son of County Executive David Craig, is also looking to return to the city council for another term.

Newcomers James Lauer, Diane Lawder, Lori J. Hahn Maslin, and Barbara Wagner are hoping to either bounce the incumbents from office or occupy the city council seat that is being vacated by Shank in his bid for mayor.

There is also a question on the ballot regarding the refinancing of city debt.

In 2010, 8,094 city residents were registered to voter in Havre de Grace, but only 1,165 (14.39 percent) voted, according to the Harford County Board of Elections

Voting will be conducted at St. Patrick Hall, located on the 600 block of Pennington Avenue between Stokes and Juniata Street. Polls will open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. All citizens of the United States 18 years of age or upward who have resided in the City for 30 days preceding the municipal election are entitled to vote.

The Dagger posed a set of identical questions to each candidate. Their unedited responses are listed below. In the [too frequent] event that candidates failed to return the questionnaire, some biographical information has been provided:

FOR MAYOR

Wayne H. Dougherty

[Dougherty provided information but did not complete the candidate questionnaire. The following information is from his city biography]

Wayne moved to Havre de Grace in 1961 when his dad was transferred to Aberdeen Proving Grounds. Wayne is married to the former Mary Marini and they have a son, Joseph, and daughter, Maria who is married to J.W. Walker, Jr. Wayne graduated from Havre de Grace High School and has a degree in Criminal Justice as well as a Banking Degree from the American Institute of Banking. Wayne has been involved in his community and has served on many Boards and Commissions.

Wayne’s commitment to the City of Havre de Grace has been continuous for many years and he takes the position of Mayor of Havre de Grace as a full time job. Wayne supports the many businesses in our City and is always available to help citizens when called upon to do so. Wayne seeks no credit for being a citizen who endeavors to make and provide a better quality of life for all who live and visit our City. Wayne has pride in the City he lives in and supports and actively participates in cultural awareness and sensitivity programs to promote a harmonious relationship between all citizens in our City.

Wayne’s vision is simple: “A safe community for all our citizens and visitors to our City. Protect and promote our history with the implementation of zoning laws which will protect our historic structures and a strong Economic Development Plan which will benefit all citizens and our local businesses and merchants.”

Mitch Shank

1. Why are you running for office?

I am running for the Mayor of our Havre de Grace because I believe that we need to take our city in a new direction. Since 2007 many of our taxpayers have been taken for granted and have not been shown respect and there has been a lack of transparency in the operation of our local government. Many of our homeowners have made their greatest investment in Havre de Grace with the purchase of their homes and have seen the value of this depreciate rapidly. Property taxes remain high as our citizens continue to be squeezed by the economy. We must develop and implement a 3-5 year plan to significantly reduce our property taxes. Our tax rate iscurrently 20% highr than the residents of Bel Air pay. Many of our additional taxes and fees are exhorbent and we must make additional adjustments to lower these charges as well.

2. What’s the biggest single issue in Havre de Grace right now?

Issues dealing with our water/sewer operations, Fund IX. We are approximately $30 million in debt, our hook-up fees are the highest in the area, and our infrastructure is crumbling. A Shank Administration would immediately work with Aberdeen, Bel Air and Harford County to set up a county wide Water Authority. Our city can no longer maintain and provide our own water & sewer services. The State of Maryland continues to add additional unfunded mandates on our system and we cannot afford to operate under these guidelines.

3. Is there an issue in Havre de Grace that no one else seems to know or care about, but which you’d like to bring to the forefront?

A Shank Administration would be committed to alternativ eenergy solutions, a “Green Policy.” We would install in flow water turbines to help the electric charges as the gray water comes down the hill to our waste-water plant. Our problem is that we pay to get the water up the hill to our water tower. These turbines would save the taxpayers thousands of dollars.

We would also install enclosed waterwheels hydro-electrical power at the sewage treatment plant as we release our processed water into the Chesapeake Bay. Our electrical charges at that plant are approximately $500,000 a year. We would also start other “Green” programs throughout our city to save our citizens additional tax dollars and protect our environment. City Councilman Jim Miller and Barbara Wagner have been instrumental in leading the way to form a “Green Committee” with Havre de Grace Main Street, Inc. and both have provided the leadership necessary to bring about these necessary “Green” changes.

4. What’s the biggest difference between you and you’re competitor?

I believe that I would go into our community and find some of our best and brightest citizens to help solve the problems facing our city. My plans would be to set up a “Creative Think Tank.” For the past two years there has been too many circumstances when the answer has been “I am working on it” or that is not the way we do it here. Our city can no longer continue to operate under the “good old boys policy,” we must look outside the box and come up with creative solutions to our problems.

5. Why should Havre de Grace residents vote for you?

I believe as many do that we have the most wonderful town on the Chesapeake Bay. All the pieces to the puzzle are on the table and we need someone who has been personally active in many of our events, businesses and economic development issues to bring all our citizens together to complete the puzzle and I believe that I am that person.

FOR CITY COUNCIL (3 SEATS)

John P. Correri, Jr.

[Correri has not returned requests for information. The following information is from his city biography]

John is a true Havre de Gracian. His family came to town in the 1890s and operated a family owned business where John worked until the store closed in the 1980s. He completed his secondary education at the John Carroll School and received his BS in Business Administration from the University of Baltimore. John and his wife, Linda, reside in Havre de Grace. John is retired from Jeppi Nut & Candy Distributor.

John was first elected to the City Council in 1978 and served until 1987; elected Council President, 1978-1979; served as Acting Mayor in 1979; was reelected in 1989 and served until 1997; reelected in May 2000; and reelected in May 2002 and again was elected as Council President. John was elected to serve as Mayor 2005 until 2007.

Mr. Correri currently is a member of the Marina/Parks Committee, Budget and Finance Committee and is the Chair of the Public Works Committee. Mr. Correri has served as a member of the Health Care Panel; the Community Activities Center; and He has also served on the following committees/commissions: Economic Development Committee; Public Housing Authority; Computer Committee; Annexation Committee; was past president of Harford/Cecil County Maryland Municipal League; and served as Chairperson on the Maryland Municipal League Convention Committee in 1995 and 1996 and is a member of the of the Maryland Municipal League Hall of Fame.

“Havre de Grace is a special place and I am constantly working to keep Havre de Grace a safe and strong community for families to raise children. I will serve with honesty and responsibility to all citizens of Havre de Grace. I continue to serve at the local level to make an impact on what matters to me the most, and what matters to me the most is serving the City of Havre de Grace.”

Randolph Craig

[Craig has not returned requests for information. The following information is from his city biography]

“Randy” was born and raised in Havre de Grace. As a youth he was involved in local sports and many community organizations. As a local boy scout, Randy achieved the level of Eagle Scout. Randy learned the importance of public service at an early age, as exampled by his father and grandfather who have both held elected positions.

After graduation from Havre de Grace High School, Randy served in the U.S. Navy. While a young sailor with a homeport in California, Randy met his future wife, Jessica. Following their marriage they returned to Maryland where she attended law school and he attended the University of Maryland.

Randy is employed as a Senior Project Manager for Erickson Construction. He is responsible for the management of multi-million dollar construction projects. Jessica recently left her position as an Assistant Public Defender in Harford County to stay at home to care for their young children. Randy and Jessica have been married for nine years and have three children. The Craig family lives on Ontario Street where they are renovating a Victorian style home. They attend the Havre de Grace United Methodist Church, where Randy serves on the Board of Trustees.

“For our present and future citizens, I will make certain that city government acts in an ethical and responsible manner and with a forward-looking vision that creates long-lasting value. I pledge to serve our community honestly and to humbly do what is right.”

James Lauer

Lauer has not responded to inquiries.

Diane Lawder

[Lawder directed The Dagger to her Facebook page for information about herself and her campaign]

Diane was born and raised in Andover, Massachusetts. In 1989, her father accepted a promotion and moved the family to Bel Air, Maryland, where Diane graduated from C. Milton Wright High School with the intention of pursuing a career in Law Enforcement. Subsequenly, she attended Harford Community College with a major in Criminal Justice, and completed her Associate’s degree. Diane also worked as a volunteer with the Harford County Sheriff’s Office in the Community Relations Division. As a result of many years of service and dedication, Diane was nominated for volunteer of the year. She continued her volunteer experience by joining the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company, where she met her husband Billy Lawder.

Diane moved to Havre de Grace in 1999, after her marriage to Billy. They chose Havre de Grace to raise their son Will, in the community in which Will’s father has been a lifelong resident. The Lawder family goes back 6 generations as residents of the city of Havre de Grace. Billy and Diane enjoy spending time on their boat with family and friends at the Susquehanna flats, and are also active in the Havre de Grace Sports and Recreation Program where their son Will plays a multitude of sports. Diane participates in career day at Havre de Grace elementary where Will attends school and addresses other schools in Harford County as a guest speaker Diane enjoys the opportunity to educate youth in possible future career endeavors.

Diane continued her education at the University of Baltimore and graduated with both a Bachelors and Masters of Science in Criminal Justice with a specialty in Policing. While completing her Masters’ degree, Diane was awarded a graduate assistantship with the responsibility to review candidates’ school graduation transcripts to ensure appropriate coursework. Diane also actively promoted the University’s Criminal Justice and Forensics programs by attending new student orientation and accepted an appointment an internship in the Maryland State Police cold case Homicide Unit.

Diane is currently employed with the Maryland State Police Forensic Sciences Division as a Forensic Scientist expert witness and works as a Forensic Investigator with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Harford County.

If elected, I certainly will have the best interest of the citizens at heart. With a long family history in this beautiful city by the bay; it is important to me for my son to have the same care and motivation to maintain Havre de Grace as our home community.

Lori J. Hahn Maslin

Soon to be 49 (and okay with that!)
Attorney: licensed to practice in PA and MD
Founding Member, The Hahn Law Offices, LLC
Coordinator, Havre de Grace Seafood Festival, Inc.
Owner/Operator, Laughing Crab Catering, LLC
Owner, Enterprises Unlimited
Board Member, Havre de Grace Main Street
Member, HdeG Chamber of Commerce
Board Member, Haven House, Inc.
Advisory Board Member, Homecoming Project, Inc.
Member, Citizens Comprehensive Zoning Review Board, Havre de Grace
Former Member, HdG Tourism Commission
Owner/Operator, Nilsam, Inc. t/a Ice Dream Restaurant & Catering (1994-2003)
(Nilsam, Inc., was the largest small business contributor to the building of the HdG Maritime Museum)

I guess I would describe myself as a motivated businesswoman with a legal background. I am originally from the Philadelphia suburbs. I have BS in Broadcasting & Film from Boston University and a cum laude JD from Widener University School of Law. I have had the opportunity to travel a bit through both college and as a business owner spending time in the British Isles, Western Europe, the Middle East and the United States. I have made Havre de Grace my home since July of 1994.

I have been a licensed attorney since 1990. Currently, my law practice centers around business law issues including the sale and purchase of businesses, contracts, creation of business entities, commercial litigation, liquor licensing issues, zoning, licensing and inspection issues, enforcement issues. I also currently operate Laughing Crab Catering and Enterprises Unlimited and continue to coordinate the havre de Grace Seafood Festival. Previously, I owned & operated Ice Dreams Restaurant & Catering in Havre de Grace for nearly 10 years (before selling the property to Larrupin Grill). I have also, with my husband, worked to bring world class and nationally recognized entertainment to Havre de Grace.

1. Why are you running for office?

I love living in Havre de Grace. I believe my background as both an attorney and a business woman allows me to bring a new and different perspective to the City Council. While I think each and every current member of Council works hard and brings their own passion for our City by the Bay to the Council, I truly believe that the Council is currently lacking a woman’s perspective. This woman just so happens to be further qualified by her legal and business background.

2. What’s the biggest single issue in Havre de Grace right now?

There is no “single, biggest issue” in Havre de Grace. I think we have a variety of issues that need to be addressed. I plan to thoroughly research and learn about each issue and then work with the other Council Members to make the best decisions possible for the benefit of the citizens and taxpayers of Havre de Grace.

3. Is there an issue in Havre de Grace that no one else seems to know or care about, but which you’d like to bring to the forefront?

I believe that the City of Havre de Grace business community is, once again, facing a crossroads. We need to recognize that we have “local business” and “tourist/visitor business”. Right now the downtown business district has, I believe, 16 vacant storefronts. We need to find a way to attract and retain businesses that can maintain year round sustainability – businesses that meet needs of the local community, but are also attractive to our visitors. We need to remember that small business can often not compete with the big box stores – regardless, we need to find a way, as a community, to maintain a bustling and successful downtown.

4. What’s the biggest difference between you and you’re competitors?

Experience in the business world on many different levels – from local to regional and beyond. I also have the ability to see to the heart of an issue and the willingness to do the research to understand any particular issue’s potential legal and policy ramifications.

5. Why should Havre de Grace residents vote for you?

Vote for me because you believe I will be honest about the issues and my reasons for voting for or against something. Vote for me because I will work with the other Council Members to reach the best result possible based on sound reasoning. I live here, too. While I may not have been born here, 17 years ago I chose to live here. I have worked as a business owner and a volunteer to better this community since that time. I will look to continue to work to better this community as a member of the City Council.

Barbara Wagner

Age 52 (DOB 09/05/1958)
Profession: Co-owner Bahoukas Antique Mall, Havre de Grace

I have been a Havre de Grace Resident since 2006, was born in Baltimore MD and raised in Wallingford PA. I chose Havre de Grace as my home because of its beautiful waterfront location, historic walk-able downtown, and friendly neighborhoods. Since moving to Havre de Grace, I have fully immersed myself into the community. I live and work full-time in Havre de Grace’s historic downtown business district, currently serve on the City’s Planning Commission, the Comprehensive Zoning Committee, and as a Board Member of Havre de Grace Main Street Inc. I have recognized that Havre de Grace is a gem with great potential. It is my responsibility as a citizen to do everything I can to have a positive influence and lead our quaint city to its full ability.

1. Why are you running for office?

The most effective way to have a positive impact is to get directly involved. My current civic involvements have led me towards this decision, and many citizens have put their trust in me by asking me to run for City Council. As a member of Council I will expand my efforts in the community and have a greater influence on the future of Havre de Grace. Serving on Council will provide me with the opportunity to move our city forward in a constructive fashion to improve the quality of life for all residents and visitors.

2. What’s the biggest single issue in Havre de Grace right now?

The biggest single issue in Havre de Grace right now is the need for successful economic development. Promoting a vibrant historic downtown business district, a thriving commercial business district along the Route 40 corridor, and a vital industrial district off of Old Bay Lane is essential to the health of our community. Increased success within the Havre de Grace Business community will help alleviate the residential tax burden, provide additional employment opportunities for citizens, improve the quality of life of all residents, and improve our outlook as a tourism destination.

3. Is there an issue in Havre de Grace that no one else seems to know or care about, but which you’d like to bring to the forefront?

An issue that is currently not being addressed and needs to come to the forefront is sustainability. The definition of sustainability is broad. It relates to the capacity to endure, and concerns resource use and harvesting so that resources are not depleted or permanently damaged. Our actions as a city reflect our values. We as a community value our resources and our future. We need to consider the impact of all of our actions on our environment and the future for generations to come. By carefully choosing our actions, we can have a positive impact on the environment without compromising our way of life – but instead enhancing our quality of life. As a member of the Havre de Grace City Council I would like to lead the city towards exploring energy harvesting options and green initiatives to take action for the city’s future.

4. What’s the biggest difference between you and you’re competitors?

I have a great appreciation and respect for all of my opponents. Some are already serving as members of Council with varying degrees of accomplishments; others are running for the first time. The biggest difference between me and my competitors is that I am the only candidate that is a full time Havre de Grace Business owner/operator, property owner, with also a track record regarding my commitment to the city with active local civic involvement. As a local businesswoman, I have been provided a unique insight of, and appreciation for, the efforts and struggles in maintaining a successful business in the city. I also recognize the incredible opportunities available. I work well with other local business owners, and share and understand their concerns about the future of local business and how we can continue to remain successful and provide that ever important economic role for our city.

5. Why should Havre de Grace Residents vote for you?

Havre de Grace Residents should vote for me because I am focused on taking action in areas that benefit all. I am committed to serving the people of
Havre de Grace and am open and accessible for all citizens to communicate their concerns, comments, and ideas for our city. We, as a community, have
a wealth of talent and my goal is to connect those citizens’ talents to City Hall. With a full time Havre de Grace commitment, I offer open accessibility, committed involvement , good decision making skills, and a positive vision for Havre de Grace.

There is also a question on the ballot for voters to select YES or NO (or leave blank):

Refinance of City Debt

Do you approve of the Mayor and City Council of Havre de Grace refinancing the City’s debt by authorizing the Mayor and City Council to issue and sell bonds in the aggregate principal amount not to exceed $550,000 in connection with the outstanding City Infrastructure Bond Series 1992 A which was in the original principal amount of $886,400 dollars, but which principal debt is now $550,000, for the purpose of reducing the City’s debt obligation?

OFFICIAL BALLOT