Stand Against Domestic Violence: Remove Austin Durrer from the Waterfowl Festival Board
Stand Against Domestic Violence: Remove Austin Durrer from the Waterfowl Festival Board
The Issue
Warning: This petition discusses domestic violence and violence against women.
As a resident of Maryland and a long time visitor of the Waterfowl Festival, I was heartbroken and distraught to find that they recently appointed Austin Durrer, a man charged with domestic violence, to their board of directors. This serious allegation involves an incident where he reportedly hit his partner Jackie Whisman. According to Amanda Leonard, the interim state’s attorney from Dorchester County “She [the alleged victim] indicated that there had been an argument that had turned physical with the father of her child who is identified as Austin Durrer. There were signs of physical injury to her face, consistent with what she reported”. Such behavior is unacceptable.
Domestic violence is not simply a personal issue; it is a societal concern that affects families, children, and entire communities. By allowing someone with such charges to remain on the board, the Waterfowl Festival is complicit in this.
I urge the board to take immediate action to remove Austin Durrer from his position. It is crucial that organization representing our community demonstrates a commitment to fostering a safe and respectful environment for all individuals. It is imperative that the Waterfowl Festival stands against violence in any form and upholds its commitment to the people it serves.
Tell the Waterfowl Festival Board that domestic violence has no place in our leadership!
Sources
Caputo, Marc. “Before Resigning, Charlie Crist’s Campaign Manager Was Arrested in Domestic Violence Case.” NBC News, 21 Oct. 2022, www.nbcnews.com/politics/2022-election/resigning-charlie-crists-campaign-manager-was-arrested-domestic-violen-rcna53443 Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
Contorno, Steve. “Top Crist Aide Who Resigned Charged with Assault.” CNN, 22 Oct. 2022, www.cnn.com/2022/10/21/politics/austin-durrer-crist-aide-charged-assault-florida/index.html Accessed 22 Apr.Waterfowl Festival. “Waterfowl Festival Inc. Welcomes Austin Durrer to Board of Directors - Waterfowl Festival.” Waterfowl Festival, 19 Feb. 2025, waterfowlfestival.org/waterfowl-festival-inc-welcomes-austin-durrer-to-board-of-directors/. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
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The Issue
Warning: This petition discusses domestic violence and violence against women.
As a resident of Maryland and a long time visitor of the Waterfowl Festival, I was heartbroken and distraught to find that they recently appointed Austin Durrer, a man charged with domestic violence, to their board of directors. This serious allegation involves an incident where he reportedly hit his partner Jackie Whisman. According to Amanda Leonard, the interim state’s attorney from Dorchester County “She [the alleged victim] indicated that there had been an argument that had turned physical with the father of her child who is identified as Austin Durrer. There were signs of physical injury to her face, consistent with what she reported”. Such behavior is unacceptable.
Domestic violence is not simply a personal issue; it is a societal concern that affects families, children, and entire communities. By allowing someone with such charges to remain on the board, the Waterfowl Festival is complicit in this.
I urge the board to take immediate action to remove Austin Durrer from his position. It is crucial that organization representing our community demonstrates a commitment to fostering a safe and respectful environment for all individuals. It is imperative that the Waterfowl Festival stands against violence in any form and upholds its commitment to the people it serves.
Tell the Waterfowl Festival Board that domestic violence has no place in our leadership!
Sources
Caputo, Marc. “Before Resigning, Charlie Crist’s Campaign Manager Was Arrested in Domestic Violence Case.” NBC News, 21 Oct. 2022, www.nbcnews.com/politics/2022-election/resigning-charlie-crists-campaign-manager-was-arrested-domestic-violen-rcna53443 Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
Contorno, Steve. “Top Crist Aide Who Resigned Charged with Assault.” CNN, 22 Oct. 2022, www.cnn.com/2022/10/21/politics/austin-durrer-crist-aide-charged-assault-florida/index.html Accessed 22 Apr.Waterfowl Festival. “Waterfowl Festival Inc. Welcomes Austin Durrer to Board of Directors - Waterfowl Festival.” Waterfowl Festival, 19 Feb. 2025, waterfowlfestival.org/waterfowl-festival-inc-welcomes-austin-durrer-to-board-of-directors/. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
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The Decision Makers
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Petition created on April 21, 2025