Ray may be referring to the public hearing held by Mathias and Conway. However, I don't think Ray was there.

Maybe.  Unfortunately I wasn't at the public hearing either.  I have had several phone conversations with both Jim Mathias and Mr. Conway.  I know they are both politicians but both have always been cordial, interested in my comments and never appeared contentious.  I know that sometimes large crowds get excited and overwhelm politicians but it would be hard for me to believe that either gentleman would consider Ocean Pines residents "hostile".  Anxious, crotchety and sometimes rude, but "hostile", NAAAAH.