Randy Taylor sworn in as Salisbury Mayor

SALISBURY, Md. – Randy Taylor is sworn in as the newest mayor of Salisbury Monday evening. Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Bill Chambers says the business community is closely watching what developments he may bring.

“Making sure the progress that the city has enjoyed the last eight years continues is the key element that business leaders are concerned about with the new administration,” Chamber said.

With Mayor Taylor’s swearing-in, business community leaders say there are a lot of concerns to address on the city’s agenda during his first term. Mayor Taylor says his first goal in office is to build his team and keep up on the promises made during his campaign.

“Progress with transparency because I just want to bring about a little different approach to government,” Mayor Taylor said. “Making it much more transparent, much more open, much more approachable.”

Chambers agrees, and says that being a team player and working with the county is important to further Salisbury as a city.

“The business community is prepared to support the mayor and the chamber is going to support the mayor and his administration and the council,” Chambers said “But they need to be on the same page as much as possible to keep moving Salisbury forward.”

One issue Chambers says he hopes is worked out is that “the county would love to see the water and sewer service expanded using the capacity the city has,” he said.

Mayor Taylor says this is an issue that will be addressed.

“We have septic systems that are failing all around the city footprint, so we have to work up a plan. A lot of good work has been done already. As new mayor, I will certainly take that up,” said Mayor Taylor.

Mayor Taylor also plans to tackle mental health and the housing crisis, while balancing a fiscally responsible budget. “We are talking with organizations like the Salisbury Neighborhood Housing service and partnering with them to try and make the city a more attractive place and financially more affordable,” he said.

Business leaders say as Salisbury is the capital of the Eastern Shore, success in the city means success for Delmarva. They’re also hoping to see more investment in the Salisbury port, which is the second largest in the state of Maryland.

Another top issue is improving the city’s fire service agreement with the county, which has yet to see a final resolution.