Hagerstown Under Siege? A Critical Look at Senator Corderman’s Claims

As someone born and raised in Hagerstown, Maryland, I have a deep and personal connection to the City.

Like many Hagerstownians, I was born at the “old” Washington County Hospital on East Antietam Street and was delivered by Dr. George Manger, like most ’80s babies born in Washington County.

My grandparents – my mom and dad’s parents – were born in Hagerstown. My late grandfather, Carroll Richard Hann, dedicated over thirty years of his life to the Hagerstown Municipal Electric Light Plant. He passed away in December 2020 and is interred at Rest Haven Cemetery, where most of my immediate family is buried.

I grew up on Dunn Irvin Drive – just across the street from Hagerstown City Park. We lived in that apartment until we moved to Halfway in 1995. I remember riding my bike on Summit, Guilford Avenue, and Chestnut Street.

In high school and throughout college, I played the saxophone in the Hagerstown Municipal Band. I enjoyed countless Sunday summer evenings at the City Park, followed by an ice cream trek to the Dual Highway’s Dairy Queen, Superior Dairy, or The Big Dipper. And I’ll soon watch Maestro Lynn Lewrew hand over the baton to a new generation after spending fifty years conducting the best municipal band in America.

I’m proud to say that I’m still very much connected to the Hagerstown community in my professional healthcare role and spend several days a week in the city core with older adults and adults with disabilities.

I feel compelled to address Maryland state Senator Paul Corderman’s recent letter to the Hagerstown mayor and City Council, which I believe paints an overblown and inaccurate picture of our beloved City.

In Response to Senator Paul Corderman’s Letter

I will address the eight points raised in Paul Corderman’s July 2024 letter addressed to the Hagerstown mayor and City Council.

While his concerns reflect genuine issues within the City of Hagerstown, the tone and content of Mr. Corderman’s letter deserve a critical examination, particularly in how they align with or diverge from the facts and debilitate constructive dialogue.

Click the link below to read Sen. Corderman’s letter to Hagerstown officials:

Paul Corderman Hagerstown Letter

Point 1: Recognition of Violence and Public Denouncement

Mr. Corderman’s first point asserts that the City has failed to recognize and denounce violence.

This claim does not reflect reality.

Hagerstown Mayor Tekesha Martinez and the five City Council members have publicly acknowledged the City’s challenges during recent council meetings.

The mayor’s emphasis on collaborative solutions and public discussions recognizes Hagerstown’s challenges.

Senator Corderman’s suggestion that City leaders have remained silent is stunningly inaccurate.

His notion disregards the ongoing efforts to address these complex problems through dialogue, community engagement, and collaboration between Hagerstown and Washington County officials.

Point 2: Resources and Direction for the Hagerstown Police Department

While Mr. Corderman calls for additional policing resources and a specialized police unit, he fails to mention the Hagerstown Police Department’s (HPD) current capacity and ongoing daily efforts to address violent crime and drug use.

The HPD is acutely engaged in proactive measures to address the City’s crime issues; collaboration with regional law enforcement agencies is an established practice.

The senator is aware of the Hagerstown City Police’s collaboration with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the Maryland State Police.

However, his letter categorically fails to consider the broader context of resource allocation and the need for state and county support.

Simply increasing police presence is not a panacea; it must be part of a comprehensive strategy that includes social services, mental health support, and community engagement.

Point 3: Development of Ordinances and Legal Frameworks

Mr. Corderman’s suggestion to implement new City ordinances, such as those targeting panhandling and trespassing, is worth exploring.

But the senator’s comparison to Martinsburg’s drug ordinances requires a nuanced understanding of local public policy and an analytical comparison of both cities.

One can reasonably conclude that when Mr. Corderman was elected to the Hagerstown City Council in 2016, he would have proposed a “viable path forward” for such measures.

Instead, Mr. Corderman was seemingly more focused on elevating his political career rather than advancing serious and consequential public policy solutions, which he now demands.

Point 4: Coordination with the State’s Attorney

The senator’s call for the Washington County State’s Attorney to more robustly support the Hagerstown Police Department raises questions about his understanding of the judicial process and prosecutorial discretion.

Notably, Mr. Corderman’s late father, Jack Corderman, served as a deputy state’s attorney in Washington County in the 1970s and was later a judge on the Washington County Circuit Court from 1977 to 1993. It’s difficult to believe that Mr. Corderman lacks a basic understanding of our judicial process.

Perhaps a phone call to the state’s attorney may have resolved Mr. Corderman’s concerns.

While collaboration is essential, respecting the judicial system’s independence is crucial.

The plea bargaining process, for instance, often involves complex considerations, including case strength, resource limitations, and broader justice goals. A more productive approach might involve open dialogue among Hagerstown officials, law enforcement, and the State’s Attorney’s office to align on shared goals and strategies.

I urge Mr. Corderman to focus on strengthening his relationships with area law enforcement and fostering collaboration among all parties.

Point 5: Distribution of Social Services

In his fifth point, Mr. Corderman argues for geographic diversification of social services, suggesting that their concentration in the city core contributes to urban challenges.

Bottom line: The concentration of social services in central areas is often a matter of accessibility.

It’s hard to fathom that a Maryland state senator would suggest simply moving social services to a different location – as long as the recipients are kept outside of the city core – especially without offering any actual data to support the notion that these recipients are responsible for increased crime in the City.

Many individuals who rely on these services, such as those experiencing homelessness, addiction, or poverty, are likely to benefit from centralized locations where they can access multiple resources without extensive travel. Decentralization could lead to service fragmentation and increased difficulties for vulnerable populations.

Furthermore, zoning changes aimed at limiting services in downtown Hagerstown should not come at the expense of those who rely on these essential services.

Comprehensive urban planning and stakeholder engagement must accompany such changes to avoid unintended negative consequences. While the intent to alleviate perceived burdens on downtown Hagerstown is understandable, the senator’s proposal seemingly overlooks these services’ critical role in supporting vulnerable populations and the practicalities of service delivery.

This proximity of social services to the City’s core reduces barriers to support, ensuring that those in need can receive timely assistance, whether it be food, shelter, healthcare, or counseling.

Enhancing Washington County Social Services

Here are some critical components of a balanced public policy solution:

• Integrated Service Hubs: Develop integrated service hubs in critical locations where multiple services are co-located and coordinated. These hubs can provide comprehensive support, including healthcare, housing assistance, job training, and addiction services. By centralizing services in well-designed hubs, the City can ensure accessibility and improve coordination without compromising support effectiveness.
• Community Involvement and Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with community members, local businesses, and service providers to address concerns about the concentration of services. Open forums, community advisory boards, and public consultations can help ensure that the placement and operation of social services reflect the needs and preferences of the entire community. This engagement fosters understanding and cooperation, reducing potential conflict or opposition.
• Investment in Preventive Measures: Increase investment in preventive measures that address the root causes of social challenges, such as poverty, lack of education, and inadequate healthcare. Programs focused on early intervention, job training, affordable housing, and mental health support can reduce the need for emergency social services, easing the perceived burden on downtown areas.
• Balanced Zoning and Urban Planning: Implement policies that support a balanced mix of social services, housing, and commercial development. This approach ensures that the city core remains vibrant and economically healthy while supporting vulnerable populations. Mixed-use developments can incorporate social services in ways that are unobtrusive and integrated into the broader urban landscape.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Establish systems to monitor and evaluate the impact of social services on the community. Regular assessments can help identify any negative consequences and guide adjustments to service delivery. This data-driven approach ensures that policies remain responsive to changing needs and conditions.

Point 6: City Cleanup and Accountability

Mr. Corderman’s sixth point suggests that the presence of needles and waste in the City’s core is primarily the responsibility of the Public Works Department and the Washington County Health Department.

He implies that the Health Department’s harm reduction initiatives, such as needle exchange programs, contribute to this issue and should bear the responsibility of cleaning up the City.

This perspective is fundamentally misguided – frankly, it’s an unserious policy proposal – in its misunderstanding of public health strategies.

Needle exchange programs are a critical component of public health, designed to reduce the spread of infectious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis C. These programs are not “promoting” drug use; they are mitigating the harm associated with it, protecting both individuals who use drugs and the broader community.

The suggestion that the Health Department and the City’s Public Works Department should be solely responsible for cleaning up the City is a gross oversimplification. It ignores the complex realities of urban health challenges.

Moreover, Mr. Corderman offers no evidence that these programs are the City’s primary cause of visible waste. It’s like finding a condom on the street and assigning blame to the City’s Health and Public Works Departments for the decline of moral values.

Assigning the burden strictly to the Health Department diverts attention from the underlying issues, such as addiction, poverty, and lack of mental health support, that contribute to these problems. It also unfairly stigmatizes individuals who rely on these services, further marginalizing an already vulnerable population.

A More Constructive Approach to City Cleanup

A more constructive approach could involve a coordinated effort between public health officials, the Public Works Department, law enforcement, and community organizations to address the symptoms and root causes of urban waste and public health concerns.

This collaboration could include:

• Enhanced Waste Management and Public Sanitation: Increased funding and resources for waste management and sanitation services in high-need areas can help address immediate cleanliness issues. The responsibility could be shared among city departments and not placed solely on public health agencies.
• Community Education and Engagement: Public education campaigns can help residents understand the purpose and benefits of harm reduction programs, reducing stigma and encouraging responsible disposal of needles. Community engagement initiatives can also involve residents in keeping their neighborhoods clean and safe.
• Support for Comprehensive Public Health Strategies: Rather than undermining harm reduction programs, city and state officials should support comprehensive public health strategies that include needle exchange programs, substance abuse treatment, mental health services, and social support systems. These programs are proven to reduce harm and improve public health outcomes.
• Integrated Services for People Who Use Drugs: Offering integrated services that combine harm reduction with access to healthcare, housing, and social services can help address the broader needs of individuals who use drugs, promoting recovery and reintegration into the community.

To reiterate, the senator’s call for the Washington County Health Department to “clean up” the City reflects a lack of understanding of the role and benefits of public health initiatives.

Rather than assigning blame and responsibility to a single entity, the City of Hagerstown could begin to adopt a comprehensive, collaborative approach that addresses the root causes of public health challenges while maintaining the dignity and well-being of all community members.

Point 7: Evaluation of the City’s Nonprofit Support

The senator’s seventh point of criticism is particularly egregious.

He boldly criticizes nonprofit organizations, implying that they perpetuate community degradation, and suggests reevaluating the City’s financial support for these entities.

This particular perspective is nonsensical and demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding of nonprofits’ vital role in the Hagerstown community. Nonprofits are often the unsung heroes in addressing societal issues that government services cannot fully cover.

They provide essential support to individuals and families, including food assistance, housing support, mental health services, and education programs. Additionally, these organizations operate with limited resources and rely heavily on generous donations and grants, often stretching every dollar to maximize their impact.

Suggesting that these organizations thrive on community degradation is a gross mischaracterization that ignores their mission-driven work, the positive changes they facilitate, and the tangible benefits they provide.

These organizations fill critical service gaps, offering support that might otherwise be unavailable to vulnerable populations. They are often on the front lines, tackling issues like homelessness, addiction, and poverty, providing not just immediate relief but also pathways to long-term stability and improvement.

Corderman Critizes City Nonprofits Without Providing Data

Moreover, criticizing nonprofits without acknowledging their crucial role in the social safety net is misguided and counterproductive. It is akin to blaming a firefighter for the fire they are working to extinguish.

The bottom line is that nonprofits do not create the problems they address; they respond to them, often with more agility and compassion than government programs can manage.

If Mr. Corderman is concerned about city nonprofits’ effectiveness or efficiency, the solution is not to withdraw support or withhold resources but to engage in constructive dialogue. Instead of casting aspersions, the senator and his staff should consider ways to educate themselves about these organizations and ensure they have the resources and support necessary to fulfill their missions.

What specific nonprofits is Mr. Corderman referring to? His page-and-a-half public relations letter didn’t include specifics or provide additional context.

A collaborative approach involving city officials, nonprofit leaders, and community members can help better understand these organizations’ challenges and contributions. It can also help identify areas for improvement and additional support, ensuring nonprofits can continue serving their communities effectively.

Point 8: A Call for Genuine Collaboration

Mr. Corderman’s final point urges an end to “antagonistic challenging” in favor of true collaboration.

This call, however, seems at odds with the tone and public dissemination of his letter, which some city officials have described as politically motivated and divisive.

His public letter, posted on social media before being formally addressed to the mayor and council, is a prime example of antagonistic behavior masquerading as a call for collaboration.

True collaboration begins with respectful and direct communication, not public grandstanding that sows division and distrust. If the Maryland state senator genuinely wished to foster a collaborative atmosphere, he would have initiated a private dialogue with city officials, expressing his concerns and seeking to understand their challenges.

Instead, his approach has been more about making a public spectacle than finding solutions.

Mr. Corderman’s critique of “sitting idly by” is particularly ironic given the lack of concrete action and solutions in his communication.

It’s easy to criticize from the perch of an Annapolis office – but authentic leadership requires rolling up one’s sleeves and working alongside others to address complex issues. Collaboration is not just about calling for it; it requires active participation, mutual respect, and a willingness to engage constructively.

Furthermore, the claim that the city leadership has been inactive is false.

The city council and Mayor Martinez have actively engaged with community members, law enforcement, and other stakeholders to address Hagerstown’s issues. This includes public meetings, policy discussions, and initiatives to improve public safety and address social challenges.

These are not the actions of a leadership “sitting idly by” but of one committed to the difficult work of governance and community building.

Paul Corderman is Disconnected from Reality

Mr. Corderman’s statements reflect a troubling disconnect between his rhetoric and the reality of his actions. If he genuinely wishes to collaborate, he should start by aligning his actions with his words.

He should engage directly and respectfully with city officials, contributing concrete ideas and resources to the discussion and refraining from undermining the efforts of those working tirelessly to improve Maryland’s sixth most populous incorporated City.

The real measure of collaboration is not in public proclamations but in the behind-the-scenes work of building partnerships, understanding diverse perspectives, and crafting shared solutions. It requires humility, patience, and a genuine commitment to the common good – qualities that are all too often absent in political discourse.

In calling for an end to antagonism, Paul Corderman should also reflect on how his actions and words contribute to the very atmosphere he decries.

Only through a genuine, respectful, and consistent effort can true collaboration be achieved, leading to meaningful progress for Hagerstown. It’s time to move beyond empty rhetoric and towards the real, substantive work of improving our City together.