Talbot County, Maryland

01/18/2024

Category: County Council

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Council Members provided former Mayor Willey with a Council Commendation. Photo Credit: Greg Mueller, Town of Easton

On Saturday, January 13, the Town of Easton held a surprise retirement party to honor former Mayor Bob Willey for his 32 years of service to our Town. 

The party was held at the Easton Volunteer Fire Department banquet hall, and saw over 200 people turn out to honor the former mayor with several awards, speeches, and the sharing of fond memories. Hors d' oeuvres including crab dip, meatballs, and charcuterie were offered along with an open bar serving beer, wine, and a signature cocktail aptly named the 'Silly Willey.'

Former Mayor Willey received recognition from numerous local leaders and dignitaries. His awards included a proclamation from the Talbot County Council, a proclamation and 'Shadowbox' from the Town of Easton, a framed plaque of recognition from Easton Utilities, and citations from Delegate Chris Adams and Senator Johnny Mautz. 

Easton Volunteer Fire Department commended former Mayor Willey by dedicating their new fire engine, Engine 63, to the Mayor; including a plaque in his honor affixed to the side of the engine. Additionally, the Town of Easton unveiled a concept for an engraved plaque inlaid on a large boulder to be placed along a stretch of Rails to Trails. 

During the event, Willey commented on how pleased he was with the reception and the awards. “It means a lot,” he said. “It’s more than I ever could’ve hoped for. I’m really glad to see everyone out here enjoying themselves and having a good time…It really was a surprise.”  

Willey served as an Easton Town Council member for six years before serving as mayor for 20 (1993-2023). His impact on the Town of Easton was immense, and he oversaw the completion of numerous important projects including (but certainly not limited to) the acquisition of Mistletoe Hall Industrial Park, the development of Rails to Trails, the construction of the EVFD substation, the purchase and restoration of Easton Point Park and its waterfront, and the purchase of Easton Woodland Park.

Discussing Willey’s contributions over the years, Mayor Megan Cook said, “It's heartening to see Mayor Willey get recognition for all he’s done for our Town and region. Knowing him, and many of the dignitaries that have come to present, it’s easy to see the positive impact and impression he’s made to each of them, from the local fire department to the Senate floor.” 

In addition to serving on the Town Council and as Mayor, Willey has been a member of the Easton Volunteer Fire Department for over 60 years serving as secretary, treasurer, trustee and fire fighter; a member of the Easton Elks Lodge for over 50 years; a past president of the Easton Kiwanis Club; a past member of the Board of Directors of the Safety Council of Maryland, and a life-long member of the First Baptist Church of Easton. Willey held the position of President of the Eastern Shore Association of Municipalities in 2002; and has served on the MML Legislative Committee for 13 years. He was inducted into MD Municipal League Hall of Fame in 2012. Willey also coached Little League baseball and football for 14 years.

Press Release provided by Town of Easton. Photo Credit: Greg Mueller, Town of Easton

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