HISTORY IN THE MAKING

Easton swears in Megan Cook as first female Mayor, and new Ward 1 and Ward 3 Council Members

On Monday, May 15, 2023, history was made in Easton, MD as Megan Cook was sworn in as the first female Mayor in Town history. After winning the Municipal election held on May 2, Megan Cook took her oath of office at the May 15 Town Council meeting and received a standing ovation from the tightly packed council chambers.

Following the applause, Cook’s first action as Mayor was to swear in Maureen Curry as Ward 1 Council Member and David Montgomery as Ward 3 Council Member. Former council members Al Silverstein and Ron Engle wished their new replace - ments the best of luck, and offered assistance as needed in their transitions.

Former Mayor Willey also addressed the new mayor and council speaking highly of Cook saying, “she’s certainly capable of doing a good job, and I look forward to seeing her do that good job and having the support of the council that she’s going to need,” Willey also added, “buckle up, ‘cause it’s getting ready to take off guys.”

Mayor Cook’s prior role as Town Council President was left vacant due to the change, so the council held a vote to elect an acting president until a new election can be held. Ward 4 Council Member Reverend Davis nominated Ward 2 Council Member Don Abbatiello for the Council President position which was unanimously approved by the new council.

Mayor Cook delivered her first statements to the Council, beginning by expressing her gratitude towards former Mayor Willey and his efforts and accomplishments over the years. Cook said, “your unwavering commitment to public service and tireless efforts have made a lasting impact on this Town. Easton is Easton because of you.”

Mayor Cook continued by addressing the historic moment at hand, “I know people elected me because they see I have the skills, the experience, the insight to lead this great town, but the significance of this moment, of being the first woman elected to Mayor of Easton is not lost on me. Tonight marks a mon - umental milestone in the journey towards equality and progress.”

Before delving into more traditional town business, Cook added, “I hope to make a meaningful impact for the women who will follow.”

Previously, Mayor Megan Cook was elected the Ward 4 Council Member in 2009, where she served for 11 years before being elected as Council President in 2020. She is very active in several communities around Easton including: co-chairing the community built playground “Project Idlewild,” co-founding CarePacks of Talbot County, serving as Project Manager for Play in Color, Assistant Coaching the Easton High School Tennis teams, and working as Tennis League Director for the Y at Washington. Mayor Cook lives in Easton with her Husband Landy and their three children.

OPPOSITE PAGE: Mayor Megan Cook Swears in Ward 3 Council Member David Montgomery and Ward 1 Council Member Maureen Curry. TOP LEFT: Mayor Megan Cook embraces her husband after being sworn in. LEFT: Mayor Megan Cook shakes the hand of Clerk of the Circuit Court Kathi Dulin Duvall after she is sworn in as Mayor of Easton. BOTTOM LEFT: Megan Cook signs the Oath Book after being sworn in as Mayor. ABOVE: The Council applauds the swearing in of Mayor Cook. Below. The newly elected council is seated together for the first time