2025 Town of Easton Candidate Survey | Talbot Thrive

2025 Town of Easton Candidate Questionnaire

The Town of Easton is holding a General Election for the following Town Council Positions:

President of the Council
Councilperson from the Second Ward
Councilperson from the Fourth Ward

WHEN: Tuesday, May 6, 2025 – from 7am-8pm

WHERE: The Easton Firehouse, located at 315 Leonard Rieck Drive, Easton, MD 21601

Talbot Thrive contacted all candidates running for office to ask them to respond to a series of questions regarding issues that are important to the mission of our organization.

Below are the answers they gave us, in the order they were received as of 11 a.m. on April 14.

Would you be willing to support adding pedestrian (push button) signals to all current signalized intersections with pedestrian crossings?

Nombre	Office You Are Seeking	Answer	Explanation
Cameron Keefe	Town Council Ward IV	NONE	NONE
Lynn Keefe	Ward 2 Easton Town Council	Yes	Working for safety is always a plus.
Moonyene Jackson-Amis	Easton Town Councilmember Ward IV	Yes	It’s a reasonable precautionary measure for both pedestrian and motorist.
Rev. Elmer Neal Davis	Re-election for the Ward 4 Council Seat	Yes	I fully support the initiative to add push button signals at all current signaling intersections that feature pedestrian crossings. Ensuring the safety of pedestrian is paramount, and these signals can significantly enhance their ability to cross streets safely. By implementing this measure, we can help reduce incidents involving pedestrian, cyclists,and motor vehicles. I believe that prioritizing safety at all crossings is essential, and I am in favor of any measures that contribute to a safer environment for all road users.
Frank Gunsallus	Re-election as Council President	Yes	Adding pedestrian push-button signals at existing signalized intersections with crosswalks is a practical safety improvement. It provides clearer communication between pedestrians and traffic, reduces confusion, and helps prevent accidents—all with relatively low implementation cost.
Don Abbatiello	Easton Town Council President	Yes	I would support pedestrian signals with the understanding that the process might need to be phased in over a period of time due to cost.
Robert Rankin	Easton Town Council, Ward 2	Yes	I would be willing to support this, budget depending. Having worked for many years in Washington DC, where virtually every signalized intersection downtown has crosswalks and pedestrian signals, I have seen the benefits of these tools. In coming to Easton, I felt at times there was a lack of priority given pedestrians when crossing signalized intersections. I think the current pedestrian signals at the intersections of Harrison & Dover and Route 50 & Dutchmans Lane, as well as the flashing lights on the Rails to Trails, are helpful for pedestrians and encourage drivers to be more aware before entering intersections. I think more pedestrian signals would be helpful for our residents, as well as the many visitors Easton welcomes throughout the year. That said, I anticipate pedestrian signals and related construction would be costly so we would need to ensure the expenses are appropriately funded through the town budget, potentially through a phased-in process over several years.

Would you be willing to support the removal of signalized intersections to be replaced with 4-way stops to slow the flow of speeders in the downtown area – even without historical crash data?

Nombre	Office You Are Seeking	Answer	Explanation
Cameron Keefe	Town Council Ward IV	NONE	NONE
Lynn Keefe	Ward 2 Easton Town Council	Maybe	It depends on the intersection. I live 3 houses away from a 4 way stop and it hasn’t slowed down the speeders.
Moonyene Jackson-Amis	Easton Town Councilmember Ward IV	N/A	It is impossible for me to provide a response without consulting the data that you referenced and a current study that supports one methodology over the other.
Rev. Elmer Neal Davis	Re-election for the Ward 4 Council Seat	Maybe	I appreciate the consideration of replacing signalized intersections with four-way stops in the downtown area as a means to slow down speeding traffic. However, before making any decisions, I would like to see comprehensive data that supports this change, particularly in terms of its effectiveness in reducing speeds and improving safety.
Frank Gunsallus	Re-election as Council President	Yes	In certain locations, replacing signalized intersections with 4-way stops can be an effective traffic-calming measure. Even without a history of accidents, proactive steps to slow speeding in the downtown area can improve safety and walkability, especially in high-foot-traffic zones. Each change should still be evaluated carefully for overall impact.
Don Abbatiello	Easton Town Council President	Maybe	I would need to see data that would support changing an intersection to a 4-way stop.
Robert Rankin	Easton Town Council, Ward 2	Maybe	Without having data showing the current signalized intersections are negatively impacting public safety, I am challenged to support this proposal. The stoplights help with the flow of traffic and I would be concerned that making all of the intersections into four-way stops would significantly bottleneck traffic downtown and potentially push drivers to the narrower side streets and/or speeding around the area altogether, thus increasing the overall risk of accidents on Easton’s streets. If data exist that show speeding is in fact a problem, I would prefer to consider other options to address the issue.

Would you be willing to support seeking funding to ensure curb ramps and sidewalks in the Town of Easton are ADA compliant?

Nombre	Office You Are Seeking:	Answer	Explanation
Cameron Keefe	Town Council Ward IV	NONE	NONE
Lynn Keefe	Ward 2 Easton Town Council	Yes	I have 2 special needs relatives with one in a wheelchair. We want all people to have sidewalk use.
Moonyene Jackson-Amis	Easton Town Councilmember Ward IV	Yes	Of course. It is important for citizens to be able to access and enjoy all that Easton has to offer. t
Rev. Elmer Neal Davis	Re-election for the Ward 4 Council Seat	Yes	I am fully supportive of seeking funding to ensure that all curb ramps and sidewalks in the Town of Easton are compliant with the ADA. It is essential that our community is accessible to everyone, and having ADA -compliant infrastructure is a critical step in achieving that goal. I believe that investing in this project not enhances safety and mobility for individuals with disabilities but also benefits the entire community. I am committed to advocating for the necessary funding to make our town more inclusive and accessible for all residents and visitors.
Frank Gunsallus	Re-election as Council President	Yes	Ensuring that curb ramps and sidewalks are ADA compliant is a basic responsibility that improves accessibility for all residents. Seeking funding to address these needs is a fiscally responsible way to meet legal obligations and enhance mobility throughout the town.
Don Abbatiello	Easton Town Council President	Yes	The town needs to be accessible to all. Whether through grants or capital project funding, the town needs to make a concerted effort to ensure Easton’s walkability for everyone. Again this may take time to achieve, but it should be an ongoing process. Also, we need to make sure that when a new development or redevelopment project comes to town, we are requiring the developer to invest in walkability for all.
Robert Rankin	Easton Town Council, Ward 2	Yes	I support the Town being ADA compliant and think seeking funding outside the town budget is a great way to accomplish the objective.

The County has recently established a Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission to complete a Bicycle and Pedestrian Master plan for the County. Would you be supportive of working with a consultant to create a similar plan for the Town of Easton? If yes, would you follow the prescribed guidance in that plan to make our streets safer for all users?

Nombre	Office You Are Seeking:	Answer	Explain:
Cameron Keefe	Town Council Ward IV	NONE	NONE
Lynn Keefe	Ward 2 Easton Town Council	Yes	I don’t know about the no right turn on red. I think that would be confusing and perhaps cause accidents.
Moonyene Jackson-Amis	Easton Town Councilmember Ward IV		I would support a Joint Commission for this purpose.
Rev. Elmer Neal Davis	Re-election for the Ward 4 Council Seat	Yes	I am fully supportive of collaborating with a consultant to develop a comprehensive bicycle and pedestrian plan for the Town of Easton. This initiative is crucial for enhancing the safety and accessibility of our streets for all users, including cyclists and pedestrians. Additionally, I would actively seek funding to implement this plan and ensure that we follow through on its recommendations. By prioritizing the safety and mobility of all residents, we can create a more vibrant and connected community that encourages active transportation and promotes a healthier lifestyle.
Frank Gunsallus	Re-election as Council President	Yes	Developing a Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan specific to the Town of Easton would help ensure that future infrastructure decisions are strategic and coordinated. Working with a consultant would provide the necessary expertise, and I would support following the guidance of the plan—provided it is grounded in sound data, public input, and fiscal responsibility—to improve safety for all users.
Don Abbatiello	Easton Town Council President	Maybe	I’d be happy to work with anyone who is suggesting ways to make the town safer. Just like with the comprehensive plan or small area plans that the town has done, it would require input from all the stakeholders in town. I would look forward to seeing and prescribed guidance that the plan offered, of course placing into action would be impacted by a variety of factors including cost and labor.
Robert Rankin	Easton Town Council, Ward 2	Maybe	Before agreeing to hire a consultant to create a plan for the town, I would like to know more about the benefits of such a plan, the anticipated costs, and the level of interest among townspeople in having a plan. If there are real benefits and there is genuine interest from residents, I could support having a consultant develop a plan if it fits in the budget. I’m also interested in whether the county plan being developed could include towns like Easton, Oxford, and St. Michaels. Regarding the second part of the question, I would need to see what the plan recommends before agreeing to follow any suggested guidance.

Would you be willing to support adding sidewalks, bicycle lanes, trails, and pathways to our jurisdiction if prescribed by a Complete Streets Plan?

Nombre	Office You a Seeking:	Answer	Explanation
Cameron Keefe	Town Council Ward IV	NONE	NONE
Lynn Keefe	Ward 2 Easton Town Council	Yes	If it approved by the community.
Moonyene Jackson-Amis	Easton Town Councilmember Ward IV		First, there needs to be agreement on “prescribed streets”, with community input, as well as a professional study to determine the feasibility..
Rev. Elmer Neal Davis	Re-election for the Ward 4 Council Seat	Yes	I am committed to supporting the addition of sidewalks, bicycle lanes, trails and pathways in the Town of Easton, particularly as outlined by the Complete Streets plan. I believe that these enhancements are vital for promoting safe and accessible transportation options for all residents. Additionally, I am open to seeking funding for this project to ensure its successful implementation. By investing in these improvements, we can significantly enhance the quality of life in our town and create a more connected and vibrant community.
Frank Gunsallus	Re-election as Council President	Yes	I would support adding sidewalks, bicycle lanes, trails, and pathways if recommended by a Complete Streets Plan, provided each project is backed by data, fits within budget priorities, and is coordinated with public safety and traffic flow considerations.
Don Abbatiello	Easton Town Council President	Yes	I have been supportive of sidewalks and have pushed for them in my ward during my time on the council. I still am working with SHA to improve the walkability/ bikeability of Route 328 for the neighborhoods that border it with a multi modal trail. My only concern from this list would be bicycle lanes. I’d like to see more information about how they are working in other communities, like Salisbury, before moving forward with them on some of our narrow streets in town.
Robert Rankin	Easton Town Council, Ward 2	Maybe	Other than sidewalks, I cannot commit to supporting these interventions without having concrete information on what gaps currently exist, specific actions and locations of where work would be proposed, what it would cost, and how it would benefit residents. Perhaps this would all come out of a plan that would need to be funded and developed through the Town, in which case it would be helpful to have data showing current threats/risks of the current system and how a plan could provide benefit. We already have a lot of sidewalks throughout the town as well as excellent pedestrian pathways through the Rails to Trails. I think adding sidewalks where they don’t currently exist is the most obvious step given the good work the Town recently completed on South Aurora Street, and this could likely be accomplished without a complete streets plan.

Would you be willing to support reducing motor vehicle speeds where prescribed by a Complete Streets Plan?

Nombre	Office You Are Seeking:	Answer	Explanation
Cameron Keefe	Town Council Ward IV	NONE	NONE
Lynn Keefe	Ward 2 Easton Town Council	Yes
Moonyene Jackson-Amis	Easton Town Councilmember Ward IV		The issue is compliance with the existing speed limits.
Rev. Elmer Neal Davis	Re-election for the Ward 4 Council Seat	Yes	I am fully supportive of efforts to reduce motor vehicle speeds in the Town of Easton, provided that these initiatives are backed by data from the Easton Police Department and are in compliance with Maryland regulations. Ensuring the safety of all residents is a priority, and I believe that reducing speed limits is a crucial step towards creating a safer environment for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists alike. I am committed to advocating for measures that enhance safety and promote a community where everyone can travel with confidence.
Frank Gunsallus	Re-election as Council President	Yes	I would support reducing motor vehicle speeds where recommended by a Complete Streets Plan, as long as the changes are supported by traffic data, improve safety, and are implemented in a way that maintains reasonable traffic flow and access for residents and businesses.
Don Abbatiello	Easton Town Council President	Yes	Speeding through neighborhoods where children play is one of the most common concerns that I hear from residents. Due to increased traffic and increased pedestrian volume, the town should look into lowering speed limits in certain areas of town from 35 to 25. I’ve also asked for a greater police presence to enforce existing limits, as well as, more speed cameras to help control speed around schools where many children walk everyday.
Robert Rankin	Easton Town Council, Ward 2	Maybe	I would need to see where in town the recommendations would be prescribed as well as the suggested speeds. The in-town speed limit of 25 MPH is a good place to start to ensure public safety.

Would you be willing to work with the Police department to provide increased speed limit enforcement in the Town of Easton?

Nombre	Office You Are Seeking:	Answer	Explanation
Cameron Keefe	Town Council Ward IV	NONE	NONE
Lynn Keefe	Ward 2 Easton Town Council	Yes
Moonyene Jackson-Amis	Easton Town Councilmember Ward IV		I fully support the Town of Easton’s Police Department’s ability determine and provide necessary speed control measures.
Rev. Elmer Neal Davis	Re-election for the Ward 4 Council Seat	Yes	As the Chairperson of the Town of Easton Police Board, I am committed to advocating for effective speed enforement throughtout the town. Ensuring the safety of our residents is a top priority, and I believe that consistent enforcement of speed limits is essential in promoting safer streets for everyone. I will work closely with law enforcement and community stakeholders to implement strategies that enhance compliance and protect our neighborhoods.
Frank Gunsallus	Re-election as Council President	Yes	I would support working with the Police Department to increase speed limit enforcement where needed. Consistent enforcement is a practical and effective way to address safety concerns and respond to resident feedback, particularly in areas with documented speeding issues.
Don Abbatiello	Easton Town Council President	Yes	There are several locations in Ward 2 that I’ve worked with EPD to ensure a greater monitoring of speed limits. I also believe that we need to increase our use of speed cameras in areas that are approved for their use. A speed camera on Mecklenburg in front of Easton High School will help keep students walking/riding to and from school safe. Also, a speed camera on Route 50 will help control traffic once the two proposed crosswalks are put in by SHA at Dover and Goldsborough.
Robert Rankin	Easton Town Council, Ward 2	Yes	I would be supportive of more speed enforcement in parts of town. I see a lot of speeding where I live and have heard from many residents who witness cars speeding and not completely stopping at stop signs in various neighborhoods.

Would you support adding shared lane markings to (1) some of the more heavily trafficked roads in town and (2) designate some neighborhood streets as a bicycle routes?

Nombre	Office You Are Seeking:	Answer	Explanation
Cameron Keefe	Town Council Ward IV	NONE	NONE
Lynn Keefe	Ward 2 Easton Town Council	Maybe	It depends on where. Some of our older historic areas, the roads are just so narrow. We want all to remain safe.
Moonyene Jackson-Amis	Easton Town Councilmember Ward IV		I believe that this goes along with the “prescribed streets ” determination.
Rev. Elmer Neal Davis	Re-election for the Ward 4 Council Seat	Maybe	I would like to see the data regarding shared lane markings and a traffic design for designated neighborhood streets as potential bicycle routes. Having access to this information will enable me to make an informed decision about traffic and safety concerns in the designated area. Understanding the effectiveness of these designs in promoting safe cycling and improving overall traffic flow is essnetial for ensuring the well-being of all road users.
Frank Gunsallus	Re-election as Council President	Yes	I would support adding shared lane markings to heavily trafficked roads and designating some neighborhood streets as bicycle routes. These measures can improve safety and connectivity for cyclists while promoting alternative transportation options, provided they are carefully implemented with input from traffic experts and the community.
Don Abbatiello	Easton Town Council President	Maybe	I’d like to see more information about how these work in other communities. I would also defer to the engineering department for their input on what streets would this even be feasible.
Robert Rankin	Easton Town Council, Ward 2	Maybe	I cannot support this without having data showing not having such markings and routes is a problem and that there is resident interest in adding them. I would be willing to review any data and related proposals before making any final decisions.

Would you support road closures with appropriate detours for motorists, to allow for significant bicycling criteriums and running events as is done in Dorchester County for the Eagleman Triathlon and for the Sea Gull Century in Wicomico?

Nombre	Office You Are Seeking:	Answer	Explanation
Cameron Keefe	Town Council Ward IV	NONE	NONE
Lynn Keefe	Ward 2 Easton Town Council	Yes	As long as it is approved by the Police for the hospital usage.
Moonyene Jackson-Amis	Easton Town Councilmember Ward IV		Any event, especially a competitive one, which also brings revenue to local businesses and provides an opportunity for outdoor socialization is something that I could support.
Rev. Elmer Neal Davis	Re-election for the Ward 4 Council Seat	Yes	I believe that the town of Easton should partner with your organization to host the Tour of Easton cyclist event, where the winner receives the prestigious Mayor’s Cup. This event could feature segments of the route on the beautiful Rails to Trails, showcasing our town’s scenic landscapes. By partnering together to organize this event, we can attract cyclists from around the country to experience the charm of Easton, recognized as one of the best towns in Maryland, especially on the Eastern Shore. I am excited about the potential of this event to promote our community and encourage healthy, active lifestyles.
Frank Gunsallus	Re-election as Council President	Yes	I would support road closures with appropriate detours for events like bicycling criteriums and running races. These events can bring significant economic and community benefits, provided the closures are well-planned, with adequate notice to residents and motorists, and minimal disruption to daily life.
Don Abbatiello	Easton Town Council President	Maybe	Jason Chance recently tried to get a half marathon set up in the town of Easton that would utilize our rail trail system. Unfortunately, due to safety concerns it was rejected by the EPD. I would love to work with Talbot Thrive, Jason Chance, or another organization, to bring these types of events to town. They’re great for the community, they promote our town and give a boost to the local economy. But, I would defer to the EPD, as it is their responsibility to keep people safe. My hope though is that we could all work together to come up with a great event for Easton.
Robert Rankin	Easton Town Council, Ward 2	Yes	I would defer to the Easton Police Department to handle any road closures and detours related to petitioned running or biking events.

Tell us how/if you feel that expanded and safer infrastructure for people walking and bicycling can be part of our economic development strategy for the Town of Easton?

Nombre	Office You Are Seeking:	Answer
Cameron Keefe	Town Council Ward IV	NONE
Lynn Keefe	Ward 2 Easton Town Council	I am all for self- sustainable neighborhoods and communities. The less cars on the roads the better, safer and more healthy the community. The ability for people to cross RT 50 and Easton Parkway has always been a concern. Lets fix that to get people out and about more in the community safely.
Moonyene Jackson-Amis	Easton Town Councilmember Ward IV	We are dependent upon Heritage and Eco-tourism for economic growth. Satisfied visitors, return, bring others, refer our Town as a preferred destination. I would support measures making Easton more accessible to visitors.
Rev. Elmer Neal Davis	Re-election for the Ward 4 Council Seat	Enhancing pedestrian and cyclist safety would create a more inviting environment for residents and visitors. Improved walkability and bikeability can attract new businesses, encourage tourism, and increase foot traffic in the commercial area.
Frank Gunsallus	Re-election as Council President	Expanded walking and bicycling infrastructure can play a role in supporting economic activity, particularly in areas where it improves access to businesses and public spaces. When designed and implemented with care, it can enhance mobility/accessibility and encourage local commerce. With that said, infrastructure changes must be evaluated through a practical lens—considering costs, maintenance, traffic impacts, and public safety. Any such investments should be prioritized based on clear need and coordinated with broader planning efforts to ensure they support, rather than complicate, the town’s long-term growth strategy.
Don Abbatiello	Easton Town Council President	There is a growing population that enjoys outdoor activities. If we become a destination for an outdoor biking or running event, then that of course will be a benefit economically to the town. But being a safe town to walk around in means that people won’t mind parking their car in one part of town and walking to stores or restaurants in another part of town. Retailers and eating establishments linked by a safe pedestrian or bike system would be a big economic win for the town.
Robert Rankin	Easton Town Council, Ward 2	I agree expanded and safer infrastructure around walking and biking can support Easton’s economic development strategy. Our shops and businesses downtown rely on residents and visitors alike, and the safer and easier it is for people to walk in and around downtown the better it should be for business. With regard to cycling, I could see how improved infrastructure could help draw races and events to Easton, thus bringing more people to town to spend money.

Do you have any questions, thoughts, or feedback for Talbot Thrive that you’d like us to address or share with the community?

Nombre	Office You Are Seeking:	Answer
Cameron Keefe	Town Council Ward IV	NONE
Lynn Keefe	Ward 2 Easton Town Council	I think the new walking/running meet up at the YMCA in Easton is fantastic! I hope you will be able to expand. Perhaps starting at the North East Sports Complex? Lets all make Easton and Talbot County a healthier and more active area for everyone.
Moonyene Jackson-Amis	Easton Town Councilmember Ward IV	Not at this time. Thank you.
Rev. Elmer Neal Davis	Re-election for the Ward 4 Council Seat	Not at this time
Frank Gunsallus	Re-election as Council President	Thank you for the opportunity!
Don Abbatiello	Easton Town Council President	Thank you for the questions. It was very informative and I look forward to continuing these discussions with you in the future.
Robert Rankin	Easton Town Council, Ward 2	I think the Town Council and Talbot Thrive should continue to exchange ideas on how to improve pedestrian safety and mobility throughout Easton, and would welcome this engagement if elected.

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