The "Safari at the Quarry" off-road event ignited a year-long debate in Wicomico County, highlighting resident concerns over transparency, executive decision-making, and community impact. The event's origins and execution drew significant public scrutiny.
Residents first learned of the event not through official channels, but via a Facebook post in September 2023. This immediately raised flags, as the land had been donated to the county partly to stop nuisance off-roading. It soon emerged that the County Executive's office had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Live Wire Media, bypassing public notice and County Council approval (by making the agreement 364 days).
Initial concerns focused on the use of county resources (manpower, equipment) detailed in the MOU, unclear reimbursement plans, and the county receiving only 10% of net profits. Residents, including former law enforcement officials, questioned the MOU's legal soundness and the apparent conflict of interest stemming from the Executive's admitted long acquaintance with the event organizer.
A December 2023 County Council work session intended to clarify matters only deepened confusion. Live Wire presented his plans but admitted they hadn't initially spoken with the community. The County Executive suggested the Sheriff was onboard, but the Sheriff later stated they never supported the event and was merely informed it would happen.
Frustration mounted. In March 2024, testimony from a resident about receiving a hostile and intimidating phone call from the Executive, who allegedly dismissed resident concerns and declared the event would proceed "whether you like it or not." Other residents voiced concerns about environmental damage, noting the creation of miles of new trails and obstacles on the property.
Even after the event, questions lingered regarding the financial outcome – specifically, whether the county recouped its expenses or saw any profit, given unofficial reports that the event lost money. The "Safari at the Quarry" became a focal point for broader discussions about executive authority, transparency, and the need for checks and balances in Wicomico County governance, serving as a case study for resident engagement and accountability.
