A few evenings ago, the Spy tuned into the Town of St. Michaels Commissioners meeting to hear more about a proposed business registration process for retail and commercial enterprises in that town. To our surprise, a significant number of business owners rose to speak, in person or on Zoom, to oppose this new piece of legislation.
The tone and concern expressed that evening reminded us of a recent interview we had with the representatives of the St. Michaels Restaurant Association. In that conversation, Chris Agharabi, owner of Ava’s and Theo’s, and Jennifer Stevens, the general manager of Bistro St. Michaels, felt confused and disappointed with the town’s Commissioners ongoing discussions about such critical things like parking, garbage removal, and their decision to reduce the town’s marketing budget without reaching out to the business owners most impacted in those categories.
In short, they sensed an unexpressed anti-business sentiment on the part of the town’s leadership.
Bob Hockaday, who co-owns the Guilford and Company jewelers with his wife, as well as a number of commercial spaces in town, suggests in his interview with the Spy that he has the same vibe related to the newly proposed registration, and inspections and fees of all St. Michaels businesses with the exception of lodging facilities.
On the other hand, St. Michaels Commissioner David Breimhurst, a advocate for the new regulation, believes that this regulation will significantly enhance the public’s safety. While he rejected the premise that the Commissioners are anti-business, David notes that he heard loud and clear from business owners that issues regarding to inspections and fines need to be far more clear as the proposal moves forward.
Bob Hockaday
David Breimhurst
Bob Hockaday’s comments are approximately five minutes in length. David Breimhurst’s remarks are approximately ten minutes in length.
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