Crisfield candidates going head to head for mayor position

In Crisfield, the city is less than a month residents will elect a new mayor. Among those candidates are two long-time Crisfield residents who believe they're what the city needs to make Crisfield a thriving place to live. Crisfield's current Mayor, Kim Lawson, isn't running for re-election which means voters have a choice between Barry Dize, and current city council member Charlotte Scott. 

"It's time to thrive and that's the next step for the new Crisfield," said Scott.

"I love the city, I'm a lifelong resident of the city of Crisfield," said Dize.

As far as what their stances are, both candidates want to bring more jobs and tourism to the area.

"Everybody talks about we need jobs and we do. I think one of the things to help that is to grow small businesses, try to bring some tourism in, but in order to get tourism in we have to have a safe city, so we have to have a strong police force," said Dize.

"Our biggest opportunity is with tourism. We're quite a unique little town, we're quaint and charming. And we already have put our best foot forward in some avenues but we've got a lot of potential here. I look forward to working up to our full potential and that will create the growth that will give us the economic development," said Scott.

Although Scott and Dize agree on similar issues, they each believe their unique background gives them a leg up in the race. Starting with Dize who believes his 47 years in Crisfield along with his management skills are crucial to holding the top spot. 

"One of my strong points is getting a group of people to work well together to a point to where you can make something happen," said Dize.

While Scott, who's currently a city council member, believes her experience serving the city will help her get ahead.

"I'm not interested in just working with the business people or just working with any one group of people, I want to work with the whole town and I want to pull all the talent together for the benefit of Crisfield. I know it's there, and I know there's power in unity," said Scott.

Crisfield's municipal race will take place on Wednesday, June 20th. Residents who have not registered to vote have until Wednesday, May 30th  to register at the Somerset County office in Princess Anne.