By james art 
CHESAPEAKE BEACH, Maryland – Chesapeake Beach’s upcoming mayoral election has sparked controversy as a series of public statements and campaign letters highlighted tensions between local government, the city’s largest business, and candidates vying for office.
On Thursday, Chesapeake Beach residents received a letter from mayoral candidate and current Councilwoman Valerie Bodin, who accused the city’s largest business, The Rod ‘N’ Reel Resort, of owing “millions of dollars to the city for water and sewer use.” This claim prompted a swift response from the resort, which denied the claim on social media.
In a public statement, The Rod ‘N’ Reel Resort said, “The postman falsely claimed that we have not paid our bills to the city and owe millions of dollars. This couldn’t be further from the truth. We take this allegation very seriously as it is an attack on our credibility, character and integrity. The resort added that it has “had multiple meetings with the city attorney and city staff, sent letters to the city council and spent countless hours with our attorney trying to resolve the city’s misconceptions.”
The resort’s statement continued: “These claims are completely false and have also caused unnecessary fear among our employees who are worried about the security of their jobs due to this misinformation. About 1/3 of our team members live within the city limits and deserve an apology directly from the candidate.”
Former Mayor Bruce Wall, who is running against Bodine, addressed issues with the city’s recent utility rate hikes in his campaign materials. Wall stated his intention to “reduce the 48 percent increase in the utility fund budget” and replace the city attorney, who he claims should have advised against certain actions taken by the city.
The issue of utility fees has emerged as a major theme in the race. Bodine’s mailer also included a message directed at Wall, thanking him for the “fury-filled letter of 10/28” and claiming she intended to “sweep under the rug” what she called “threatening letters” sent by the city to The Rod ‘N’ Reel Resort regarding utility payments. Bodine argued that Wall’s position on the issue could be influenced by the resort, which she described as his “longtime campaign supporter.”
Aside from the dispute between the applicants and the resort, residents also raised concerns about rising utility costs. A recent 48 percent increase in water and sewer rates has affected households and businesses throughout Chesapeake Beach, adding to community tensions. Some residents have shared their accounts publicly on social media to illustrate their frustration.
Property owner Olga Peterfalvi shared a bill reflecting what she described as a significant increase, including a $60,000 “Capital Connection Fee” adjustment. She stated: “My fixed sewerage charge has gone up by $250 and I have an unexplained ‘adjustment’ of $60,000 which was a capital connection charge from who knows when.”
Recent years have seen a series of high-profile decisions in Chesapeake Beach, including the closure of the water park for the first time since it opened in 1995, a moratorium on housing development and restrictions placed on the local youth soccer team, The Beach Bucs. In addition, comments made by current Mayor Pat Mahoney in 2023 drew criticism; the mayor later read a statement clarifying his words.
The mayoral race has brought these issues of the past back into the public eye as candidates seek to align themselves with community concerns or promise change. Discussions on social media have largely reflected anti-incumbency sentiment this election cycle, with many residents calling for greater transparency and accountability from city leaders.
As Election Day approaches, residents are urged to critically review election materials and verify information whenever possible. Rod ‘N’ Reel Resort emphasized, “It is extremely important for all of us to rely on accurate information as we cast our ballots on Election Day.” The statement concluded, “This unwarranted stain on our business is not our interpretation of small town charm. “
With strong opinions on both sides and questions about the future direction of Chesapeake Beach, the outcome of this election could set the tone for city governance and community relations for years to come.
Contact our news desk at [email protected]