Calvert County Sheriff Mike Evans presents outgoing Chesapeake Beach Mayor Bruce Wahl with a “Sheriff’s Salute.”
Chesapeake Beach, MD – In Chesapeake Beach the transition couldn’t have been smoother. After two four-year terms, Mayor Bruce Wahl concluded his career in municipal government Thursday, Dec. 15 sounding like a champ. With a budget surplus and a new council that has pledged to work together, Wahl told a packed town hall he truly felt he was leaving the town in better shape than when he was sworn in back in 2008.
Wahl, who served several terms on the bayside town’s council prior to his election as mayor, received proclamations and citations from county and state officials. One of the more unique honors was presented to him by Maryland Secretary of Veterans Affairs George W. Owings III, who was acting on behalf of Governor Larry Hogan. The governor bestowed upon Wahl the title of “Admiral of the Chesapeake.”
With his wife Becky, children and grandchildren in the hearing room, concluded his remarks and received a standing ovation.
After participating in the “Brightest Beacon on the Bay” awards, Wahl shook hands, posed for pictures and departed along with family, friends and a few of his coworkers.
After a brief recess the installation of the town’s new mayor, Pat “Irish” Mahoney, and six council members took place. (Pictured, right) Calvert County Clerk of the Circuit Court Kathy Smith (left) administered the oath of office to Mahoney (right), who in turn swore in the new council and several other municipal officials, including the treasurer and town attorney.
The four new members of the council are Derek Favret, Lawrence P. Jaworski, Greg Morris and Keith Pardiek. Two incumbents on the council are Stewart Cumbo and Dr. Valerie Beaudin. Prior to recessing before starting the December meeting, the council unanimously elected Beaudin the panel’s vice president.
Mahoney served five terms on the council prior to his election as mayor last month.
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com
