CHESAPEAKE BEACH, Md. – Bruce Wahl announced he was coming out of retirement and running for Chesapeake Beach mayor. This announcement came soon after current Mayor Pat “Irish” Mahoney stated he would not run for another term as the town’s mayor. Wahl is no stranger to Chesapeake Beach. He grew up in Northern Virginia, but after serving in the Vietnam War as an Army 1st lieutenant, he settled with his first wife in Fairfax, Virginia.
Wahl married his current wife of 37 years after his first marriage ended in divorce. The two knew each other in high school and had even attended each other’s first weddings. The couple settled in Chesapeake Beach in 1985 and have remained in the same house since.
Prior to joining the Army, Wahl had an interest in broadcasting. He broadcasted a radio station out of his bedroom at only 12 years old! It was quickly shut down by the FCC. His love for broadcasting didn’t diminish. Wahl was honorably discharged upon his return from Vietnam and landed a job with NPR in its infancy.
Wahl was considered a major contributor to its success after helping build its first broadcast facility. Wahl left NPR in 1984 and was a subcontractor for major projects as a software developer. Prior to returning to NPR in 2003, Wahl had worked with ABC, Sirius Radio, and other big projects.
In addition to his service in the Army and contribution to the broadcasting industry, Wahl served the community of Chesapeake Beach. In 1989, Wahl served on the Town Council for 20 years. He became mayor in 2008 and, after eight years, announced he would not serve again due to health reasons.
Since retiring in 2019, Wahl took control of his health and lost 150 pounds. However, Wahl stated he is not done serving Chesapeake Beach. He received a heart transplant in 2022. Fully recovered and feeling great, he exclaims, “I am young at heart, literally!” Wahl is ready to put his whole heart into serving his beloved town.
Wahl expressed his disappointment with the closing of the water park. He hopes to have it reopened by next summer. However, this will depend on the damage caused by this summer’s neglect. Wahl disagrees that the park is too old, as reported by the Town Council. He pointed out Dunn Loring Swim Club in Vienna, Va., which opened in 1963, where he served as its vice president. The swim club continues to serve its community to this date.
Wahl also disagrees with any tax hikes. There is $25 million of taxpayer money in the bank, and residents deserve lower taxes.
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