Democrat for Montgomery County Council District 5
Montgomery
County, Maryland has been my home for over 65 years. I love the diverse
communities and how we enjoy an urban, suburban and rural lifestyle. As a
civic activist for the past 40 years, I fought to protect the livability of Montgomery County. I've worn many hats in our community - husband,
father and civic activist. I was a member of the State Highway
Administration Advisory Group for the Route 28/198 Improvement Study for almost
two decades, and also participated in transit groups to review potential transit
options for our residents. I have been a member of the Mid-County Citizens Advisory Board. I
worked my way up to be a former President of the Montgomery County Civic
Federation receiving the Star Cup and the Greater Olney Civic Association
Presidents Award, for my public service and much more. I am committed to a
lifetime of service - for my family, friends and neighbors.
We have waited for
improvements, only to see them pushed back. Today we are told Thrive 2050 is
the solution for the lack of jobs, affordable housing and infrastructure
(schools, roads and services).
The question: Does Thrive 2050 make the substantive changes needed?
The East County has been neglected. CIP money has been diverted to Silver
Spring, Bethesda, Rockville and Gaithersburg, while residents of the East
County are told to wait. This lack of public interest and County Investment
leaves our schools in dire need for improvements. Housing has become
increasingly more expensive, yet we have the same old solutions for
affordable housing. And they do not meet the demands of our residents. Our
County needs to do better!
Crime has risen, and our complement of
police
has dwindled. Today we have half the complement of police most counties our size
rely on. And we ask them to do more with less. They continue to adapt and
persevere to their situation without the necessary support of the County
Council while people who struggle with mental health needs are neglected.
*Residents deserve better*.
I will fight for all this as the District 5
County Councilmember. I worked with Marilyn Praisner for many years during
my civic life, but especially during my term as President of the Montgomery
County Civic Federation. I shared and remain committed to the same values
and vision she had for our residents. In past attempts to win a seat on the
County Council I was endorsed by people like Blair Ewing and Rose Crenca. It
is my opinion they had faith in my commitment to the residents of the former
District 4 now District 5 and knew I was a fighter.
I believe a councilmember should listen to the residents, they work for you. I feel that
constituent service should be their main concern. They should fight for
opportunities for their constituents - adequate
infrastructure, jobs, as well as educational excellence, and affordable, and at
least two years free, higher education or vocational training. We also must
protect those in need. We need new approaches to affordable housing like
Community Land Trusts, more public investment in affordable housing and
restrictions from exceptions to the MPDU laws. And we cannot neglect the
needs of seniors. We owe a debt to our senior population and they are today
becoming an under-represented voice in our county. We can do better.



