I have spent many years working as an unpaid volunteer on water and sewer planning in Wicomico County because reliable infrastructure is one of the most basic responsibilities of local government. It affects public health, environmental protection, housing, and economic development, and it depends on technical expertise and public trust.
Before County Executive Julie Giordano was elected, I met with her to discuss water and sewer issues. At that time, she agreed these issues were a priority and made them a focus of her campaign. Based on that commitment, and my prior work chairing the Greater Salisbury Committee’s Water and Sewer Task Force, I took seriously her later request that I serve on the county’s Water and Sewer Technical Advisory Committee.
After careful reflection, I withdrew my name from consideration following the county’s decision to enter into an agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
My concern is not only about governance, but also about moral considerations and community trust. Regardless of how narrowly the agreement is described, it raises serious ethical concerns for many residents and has had a chilling effect on trust between local government and parts of the community. That loss of trust matters, particularly when long-term, collaborative public work is required.
I am a professional engineer, and Wicomico County currently has no professional engineers on staff, making it especially reliant on experienced volunteers to guide complex infrastructure decisions. At the same time, property owners are already dealing with failing septic systems, rising groundwater, and homes that may become difficult or impossible to sell.
Water and sewer failures don’t care about politics. They deserve focused, practical attention supported by public trust and ethical local governance.
Matt Drew, P.E.
Salisbury resident
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
