Berlin, Md. – The Coastal Association of REALTORS® (CAR) hosted a public forum on Wednesday, September 7, 2016 at its Berlin facility for the candidates in the upcoming Berlin Municipal Election.

Roughly 40 local residents and elected officials attended the forum, held in CAR’s Training Center on Franklin Avenue. Refreshments were provided by CAR.

Each candidate had the opportunity to answer a variety of questions during the forum, with some questions prepared ahead of time by CAR and some written by residents in attendance. The topics discussed included economic development, annexation, town spending, and street and sidewalk repair, among others.

“We heard that no other local business or organization was having a forum for this election, and since we are headquartered in Berlin, it made sense for us to host an opportunity for the residents to interact with these candidates,” said CAR President Linda Moran. “It was a very positive event. The candidates were respectful of one another and we got some great questions from the audience. We look forward to making this event a tradition in future town elections.”

WEB EXTRA: Click here to watch the candidates' closing remarks.

Prior to the forum, CAR representatives conducted individual interviews with each candidate in order to determine the association’s endorsements. The morning after the forum, CAR notified the candidates of these endorsements.

In the race for mayor, CAR endorses incumbent Mayor Gee Williams, whose wealth of experience and successful previous terms make him an excellent candidate. During Williams’ tenure, the town has decreased its property tax rate, making it the second lowest property tax rate in the area, behind Ocean City. Also throughout Williams’ tenure, the number of homes sold in Berlin has increased by 254 percent and its sales volume has increased by 170 percent. Additionally, Berlin was named America’s Coolest Small Town by Budget Travel and the downtown has seen near complete revitalization.

“Gee has always been a friend to our industry because he understands that if REALTORS® are successful, the town is successful,” said Joseph Wilson, chair of CAR’s Government Affairs & RPAC Committees. “We are at the front lines selling Berlin’s charm to potential new residents, and Williams’ efforts over the past eight years has made that much easier for us. We look forward to seeing that momentum carry on into another four years.”

In the race for the District 2 seat on the Town Council, CAR endorses Zackery Tyndall, who is a REALTOR® with Beach Real Estate Inc. in Berlin. Tyndall grew up in Berlin and continues to live and work in the town. He is plugged into the town’s issues and needs and, as a REALTOR®, he is focused on the success of the industry and aims to provide quality services for the town’s current housing stock, while also building on hundreds of vacant lots. Tyndall understands the importance of maintaining Berlin’s historic charm, without implementing strict impediments that make building and renovating a home too costly. With a background in finance, Tyndall has the knowledge to ensure fiscal responsibility and accountability.

“We do not endorse candidates just because they are REALTORS®, but we’re thrilled that Zackery is a REALTOR® and is obviously qualified for this seat,” Wilson said. “He is smart, enthusiastic, and loves Berlin deeply. We believe he will make a great councilman.”

For more information about CAR, visit www.coastalrealtors.org.

More about Coastal Association of REALTORS®

Coastal Association of REALTORS® is the leading local advocacy group in the real estate industry on the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland.  Coastal REALTORS® works in partnership with its members to promote home ownership and preserve, protect, and advocate private property rights. The organization supports 1,000 REALTORS® who serve Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester counties. For more information on Coastal REALTORS®, visit www.coastalrealtors.org. The term REALTOR® is a registered collective membership mark unique to real estate professionals who are members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and subscribe to its strict Code of Ethics.

MEDIA CONTACT: Sarah Rayne / 410-641-4409 / sarah@coastalrealtors.org