Tensions Rise In Chesapeake Beach Mayoral Race Days Before Elections

CHESAPEAKE BEACH, Md. – The upcoming mayoral election in Chesapeake Beach has stirred controversy, as a series of public statements and campaign mailers have highlighted tensions between local government, the town’s largest business, and candidates running for office.

On Thursday, residents in Chesapeake Beach received a mailer from mayoral candidate and current councilperson Valerie Beaudin, who accused the town’s largest business, The Rod ‘N’ Reel Resort, of owing “millions of dollars to the town for water and sewer usage.” This allegation prompted a quick response from the resort, which refuted the claim on social media.

In a public statement, The Rod ‘N’ Reel Resort said: “The mailer falsely claims that we have not paid our bills to the town and owe millions of dollars. This could not be further from the truth. We take this allegation very seriously as it is an attack on our credibility, character, and integrity.” The resort added that it has “had multiple meetings with the town attorney and town staff, sent letters to the town council, and have spent countless hours with our attorney trying to resolve the town’s misconceptions.”

The resort’s statement continued, “These statements are completely untrue and have also caused unnecessary fear among our employees, who worry about the security of their jobs due to this misinformation. About 1/3 of our team members live within the town limits, and they deserve an apology from the candidate directly.”

Former Mayor Bruce Wahl, who is running against Beaudin, addressed issues with the town’s recent utility fee increases in his campaign mailer materials. Wahl stated his intention to “reduce the 48% increase in the Utility Fund budget” and replace the town attorney, whom he claims should have advised against certain actions taken by the town.

The issue of utility fees has emerged as a major topic in the race. Beaudin’s mailer also included a message directed at Wahl, thanking him for his “rage-filled mailer of 10/28” and claiming he intends to “sweep under the rug” what she called the “threatening letters” sent by the town to The Rod ‘N’ Reel Resort regarding utility payments. Beaudin argued that Wahl’s stance on the matter could be influenced by the resort, which she described as his “long-time campaign supporter.”

Beyond the dispute between the candidates and the resort, residents have also voiced concerns about rising utility costs. A recent increase of 48% in water and sewer rates has impacted households and businesses across Chesapeake Beach, adding to community tensions. Some residents have shared their bills publicly on social media to illustrate their frustration.

Property owner Olga Peterfalvy shared a bill reflecting what she described as a significant increase, including a $60,000 “Capital Connection Fee” adjustment. She stated, “My fixed sewer charge is up $250, and I have an unexplained $60,000 ‘adjustment’ which was a Capital Connection Fee from who knows when.”

Recent years have seen a series of high-profile decisions in Chesapeake Beach, including the closure of the Water Park for the first time since it opened in 1995, a moratorium on residential development, and limitations placed on the local youth football team, The Beach Bucs. Additionally, comments made by current Mayor Pat Mahoney in 2023 drew criticism; the mayor later read a statement clarifying his remarks.

The mayoral race has brought these past issues back into the public eye, as candidates seek to align themselves with community concerns or pledge change. Social media discussions reflect a largely anti-incumbent sentiment this election cycle, with many residents calling for greater transparency and accountability from town leaders.

As election day approaches, residents are urged to review campaign materials critically and verify information when possible. The Rod ‘N’ Reel Resort emphasized, “It is crucial for all of us to rely on accurate information as we vote on election day.” The statement concluded, “This unjustified smear on our business is not our interpretation of small-town charm.”

With strong opinions on both sides and questions about the future direction of Chesapeake Beach, the outcome of this election may set the tone for the town’s governance and community relations in the coming years.

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