As the county seat, Salisbury sets the tone for Wicomico County. Its policies shape not just local outcomes, but the broader cultural and economic climate of the Shore. Since 2018, that rainbow crosswalk has stood as a visible affirmation that LGBTQ+ residents are reasonably safe, valued, and seen in this community. It has never been a political symbol. It has always been a statement of legal and moral clarity: that discrimination has no place here. Inclusion is not an ideology; it is the foundation of public neutrality. We should recall that the LGBTQ+ community is our community.
Mayor Randy Taylor’s recent proposal to replace the Pride crosswalk with a so-called “neutral design” is not a neutral act. It is a coward’s retreat. The LGBTQ+ community is not something that can be neutralized. Our presence, rights, and visibility are not negotiable. We must recall that removing symbols of inclusion is an act of exclusion, and such actions may contribute to compelling legal arguments that include the words “personal liability” and “patterns of discrimination.”
Let’s be honest about what’s happening. This is not an isolated policy decision. It fits into a broader narrative concerning public behavior. Salisbury’s mayor has repeatedly made erratic decisions without public engagement or transparent dialogue. We must recall that this lack of transparency from public officials undermines public trust and diminishes the credibility of the mayor’s leadership.
More importantly, these actions are acts of hostility and aggression against his own constituency, especially those already vulnerable. The mayor’s behavior must be recognized for what it is: not just a failure of inclusion but an active attempt at exclusion. This active attempt must be met with action, not passivity. We must recall that public leadership comes with a responsibility to represent and protect all people.
When I moved back to Wicomico County, I hoped Mayor Taylor might grow into his role. He campaigned as “pro-development” and “pro-Downtown,” speaking of transforming “seas of parking” into opportunity. We must recall his statements are on public record and ask what motivations could justify reversing alignment with these past promises.
This moment still offers a chance for Mayor Taylor to demonstrate true leadership. Like any private business owner in elected office, Mayor Taylor can teach us more about the opportunities and challenges of ethically balancing personal private interests with the responsibilities of public office. He can show us how learning more about an issue and empowering public servants with knowledge and empathy can lead to reversing ill-advised proposals and recommitting to serving all residents with dignity and fairness. If he does not, we must recall this moment as one where leadership failed to rise to the occasion.
The Pride crosswalk is more than paint. It is a line in the sand. We will not abide its removal, or the effects of its removal on Wicomico families. We know that visibility is not a threat. It is a right. We must recall that we all deserve to be seen and heard.
Mayor Taylor must reverse course. And we must recall the values of this community and demand nothing less.
Will Fries
Wicomico County resident
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
