This morning Councilmember Trachtenberg, along with Council President Nancy Floreen and Councilmembers Marc Elrich, George Leventhal and Mike Knapp had breakfast with the leaders of the Greater Goshen Civic Association (GGCA) to discuss issues of particular concern to the citizens of Up-County. Reports concerning the future of the M83 road project and concerns about problems with storm water run off were presented to the Councilmembers.
The group said that because of encroaching development, especially in the last ten years since Clarksburg was established, their country roads were being used heavily as “cut through” routes for people in the surrounding areas. The group urged the Councilmembers to approve the M83 road project as the best option to deal with the increasing traffic without compromising the rural quality of their country roads.
Storm water run off has also been of particular concern to the community due to the serious erosion that has occurred in the stream beds and the increased in chemical levels in well water. All the Councilmembers expressed concern over this information and said they would look into this issue further.
The Councilmembers assured the GGCA that with the current budget challenges facing Montgomery County no road projects would be approved for quite some time so the concerns about their rural roads being widened should be relieved. The group said that they understood the present challenges but wanted the Councilmembers to understand that once funds began to increase again that they wanted them to vote for the M83 option rather than widening the local rural roads.
Naomi Bloch, Community Liaison for Councilmember Trachtenberg, also attended this meeting.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg Launches Blog in Spanish
"Duchy Trachtenberg en Español’ Will Be First Montgomery Councilmember Blog for Spanish-Speaking Community
January 28, 2010—Montgomery County Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg (D—at large) has launched the County Council’s first blog for the County’s Spanish-speaking community.
The blog, “Duchy Trachtenberg en Español” is edited by Wil Gutierrez, a graduate of Goucher College and Silver Spring resident, who recently joined the Trachtenberg Office.
“I am very grateful to Councilmember Trachtenberg for giving me an opportunity to serve the residents of Montgomery County and to help the County Council in its work,” said Gutierrez, who manages Councilmember Trachtenberg’s “new media” program. “I welcome the opportunity to use my technical skills to help get her message out to our neighbors. I think we can provide a very useful public function with the various social networking tools.”
Councilmember Trachtenberg’s Spanish language blog includes links to important local, state and federal Internet Web Sites including Montgomery County Public Schools, the Montgomery County Library system, the County’s Family Justice Center and the Latino Health Initiative. It also includes links to key Spanish language media such as El Tiempo Latino, El Zol Radio, Telemundo and Univision.
“I am a strong believer of using all types of new media and the social networking tools that we have to reach out to our citizens,” said Councilmember Trachtenberg. “Montgomery County is home to a diverse population of nearly one million people and we need to do whatever we can to educate and inform all the people. I think using Facebook, Twitter and our blogs to communicate our messages and to get feedback from the community is wonderful and very exciting. I hope we can do much more.”
In addition to the Spanish language and a blog in English, the Trachtenberg Office also uses the social networking vehicles of Twitter and Facebook to connect to Montgomery County residents.
Councilmember Trachtenberg’s new media sites can be accessed at www.twitter.com/duchy_t (Twitter); http://www.duchytrachtenberg.blogspot.com/ (English language), http://duchytrachtenberg-espanol.blogspot.com/ (Spanish language), and http://fbpage.com/duchy-trachtenberg (Facebook).
For more information, contact Alan S. Bowser in Councilmember Trachtenberg’s office at 240-777-7965.
January 28, 2010—Montgomery County Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg (D—at large) has launched the County Council’s first blog for the County’s Spanish-speaking community.
The blog, “Duchy Trachtenberg en Español” is edited by Wil Gutierrez, a graduate of Goucher College and Silver Spring resident, who recently joined the Trachtenberg Office.
“I am very grateful to Councilmember Trachtenberg for giving me an opportunity to serve the residents of Montgomery County and to help the County Council in its work,” said Gutierrez, who manages Councilmember Trachtenberg’s “new media” program. “I welcome the opportunity to use my technical skills to help get her message out to our neighbors. I think we can provide a very useful public function with the various social networking tools.”
Councilmember Trachtenberg’s Spanish language blog includes links to important local, state and federal Internet Web Sites including Montgomery County Public Schools, the Montgomery County Library system, the County’s Family Justice Center and the Latino Health Initiative. It also includes links to key Spanish language media such as El Tiempo Latino, El Zol Radio, Telemundo and Univision.
“I am a strong believer of using all types of new media and the social networking tools that we have to reach out to our citizens,” said Councilmember Trachtenberg. “Montgomery County is home to a diverse population of nearly one million people and we need to do whatever we can to educate and inform all the people. I think using Facebook, Twitter and our blogs to communicate our messages and to get feedback from the community is wonderful and very exciting. I hope we can do much more.”
In addition to the Spanish language and a blog in English, the Trachtenberg Office also uses the social networking vehicles of Twitter and Facebook to connect to Montgomery County residents.
Councilmember Trachtenberg’s new media sites can be accessed at www.twitter.com/duchy_t (Twitter); http://www.duchytrachtenberg.blogspot.com/ (English language), http://duchytrachtenberg-espanol.blogspot.com/ (Spanish language), and http://fbpage.com/duchy-trachtenberg (Facebook).
For more information, contact Alan S. Bowser in Councilmember Trachtenberg’s office at 240-777-7965.
Residents call for large-scale development supervisor - Gazette
White Flint Sector Plan would be in crosshairs
by Jen Beasley - Staff Writer
Residents of the White Flint area are praising a proposal to create an overseer for the county's long-term development projects as a needed step toward accountability.
The bill, sponsored Jan. 19 by County Councilwoman Duchy Trachtenberg (D-At Large) of North Bethesda, would allow the county executive to designate a person in the executive's office to keep tabs on progress when sector plans — like the White Flint Sector Plan and the Gaithersburg-West Master Plan currently before the council — call for large-scale development. The overseer would monitor financing and infrastructure development in such areas.
Trachtenberg, who lives in White Flint, said problems that arose when development in Clarksburg happened slowly and off-track from the way it was planned, coupled with concerns from her neighbors about accountability, led her to introduce the legislation.
"I know from comments from my neighbors they have questions about who is going to be in charge, and how do we know that the money will be there," Trachtenberg said. "It gives people a sense of assurance."
To view the complete article in the Gazette, click here.
by Jen Beasley - Staff Writer
Residents of the White Flint area are praising a proposal to create an overseer for the county's long-term development projects as a needed step toward accountability.
The bill, sponsored Jan. 19 by County Councilwoman Duchy Trachtenberg (D-At Large) of North Bethesda, would allow the county executive to designate a person in the executive's office to keep tabs on progress when sector plans — like the White Flint Sector Plan and the Gaithersburg-West Master Plan currently before the council — call for large-scale development. The overseer would monitor financing and infrastructure development in such areas.
Trachtenberg, who lives in White Flint, said problems that arose when development in Clarksburg happened slowly and off-track from the way it was planned, coupled with concerns from her neighbors about accountability, led her to introduce the legislation.
"I know from comments from my neighbors they have questions about who is going to be in charge, and how do we know that the money will be there," Trachtenberg said. "It gives people a sense of assurance."
To view the complete article in the Gazette, click here.
The Trachtenberg Office Attends the Fifth and Final County Executive’s FY 11 Operating Budget Forum
Naomi Bloch represented the Trachtenberg office last night at the fifth and final County Executive’s FY 11 Operating Budget Forum. Last night’s forum was co-sponsored by the Western Montgomery County Citizens Advisory Board and held at the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center, located at 4805 Edgemoor Lane in Bethesda.
This event was broadcast LIVE on County Cable Montgomery and was heavily attended with many people having to stand. After an overview presentation of the FY 11 Operating Budget by Ms. Beryl Feinberg from the County Executive’s Office of Management and Budget, County Executive Ike Leggett took questions from the audience as well as one question that was emailed in during the live broadcast.
The questions and concerns expressed covered a wide range of topics from pedestrian safety to saving bus routes and cuts to library funding. Several audience members advocated for the continuation of funding for critical health services. There were advocates for people and families dealing with mental illness as well as comments from several people who have received significant help from the Latino Health Initiative. Many of the people who spoke told personal stories that related directly to programs sponsored by the County. At least three of the speakers made their comments via a Spanish-speaking translator provided by County Cable Montgomery.
While discussing the serious challenges facing the County, the Executive brought up once again his belief that if an Ambulance Fee had been implemented when he first urged it three years ago, the County would today have $45 million more in revenues that could have been used to help save some of the very programs and services the audience had been advocating for. Mr. Leggett explained that Montgomery County is the only jurisdiction in the Washington, D.C. Region that hasn’t imposed this fee which would be paid for by billing the insurance companies.
This event was broadcast LIVE on County Cable Montgomery and was heavily attended with many people having to stand. After an overview presentation of the FY 11 Operating Budget by Ms. Beryl Feinberg from the County Executive’s Office of Management and Budget, County Executive Ike Leggett took questions from the audience as well as one question that was emailed in during the live broadcast.
The questions and concerns expressed covered a wide range of topics from pedestrian safety to saving bus routes and cuts to library funding. Several audience members advocated for the continuation of funding for critical health services. There were advocates for people and families dealing with mental illness as well as comments from several people who have received significant help from the Latino Health Initiative. Many of the people who spoke told personal stories that related directly to programs sponsored by the County. At least three of the speakers made their comments via a Spanish-speaking translator provided by County Cable Montgomery.
While discussing the serious challenges facing the County, the Executive brought up once again his belief that if an Ambulance Fee had been implemented when he first urged it three years ago, the County would today have $45 million more in revenues that could have been used to help save some of the very programs and services the audience had been advocating for. Mr. Leggett explained that Montgomery County is the only jurisdiction in the Washington, D.C. Region that hasn’t imposed this fee which would be paid for by billing the insurance companies.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg Speaks at the Wednesday Morning Group in Bethesda
Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg, Chair of the Management and Fiscal Policy (MFP) Committee and member of the Health and Human Services (HHS) Committee, spoke this morning at the Wednesday Morning Group (WMG) in Bethesda. WMG is a weekly meeting of professional women, men and parents who gather in a spirit of mutual support, camaraderie, and intellectual curiosity. The meeting takes place at the Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church. The group was founded nearly 50 years ago to provide a discussion group for mothers. The WMG has been featured on "60 Minutes."
The meeting took place in an intimate chapel within the Church and approximately 40 women attended. Councilmember Trachtenberg focused on her personal history which included her activist roots and rise to elected office. Moreover, she spoke about her life as a wife and mother and her decision to raise her kids in Montgomery County. Councilmember Trachtenberg also discussed the Montgomery County budget and its impact on our community, the Family Justice Center and the soon-to-be released report on reproductive health. Some of the questions focused on Montgomery County Public Schools. Many of the women stayed after the meeting to speak privately with Councilmember Trachtenberg.
Legislative Aide Laurie Edberg attended the meeting as well.
The meeting took place in an intimate chapel within the Church and approximately 40 women attended. Councilmember Trachtenberg focused on her personal history which included her activist roots and rise to elected office. Moreover, she spoke about her life as a wife and mother and her decision to raise her kids in Montgomery County. Councilmember Trachtenberg also discussed the Montgomery County budget and its impact on our community, the Family Justice Center and the soon-to-be released report on reproductive health. Some of the questions focused on Montgomery County Public Schools. Many of the women stayed after the meeting to speak privately with Councilmember Trachtenberg.
Legislative Aide Laurie Edberg attended the meeting as well.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Montgomery County Council to Hold Public Hearing on Proposed RideOn Fare Increase
January 26, 2010—The Montgomery County Council will hold a public hearing on proposed RideOn fare increases at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 4, in Rockville. County Executive Isiah Leggett has proposed increasing RideOn fares by 10 to 20 cents.
The hearing will be held in the Third Floor Hearing Room of the Council Office Building at 100 Maryland Avenue in Rockville. The hearing will be televised live by County Cable Montgomery (CCM—Cable Channel 6 on Comcast and RCN, Channel 30 on Verizon). The live broadcast also can be viewed via streaming through the County Web site at http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/.
Individuals and representatives of organizations who would like to speak at the public hearing should register by calling 240-777-7803 on or before Feb. 3 by 5 p.m. Speakers will be asked to provide a name, address, telephone number and the name of the organization, if any, they represent. Sign language interpreter services will be provided only upon request with notice as far in advance as possible, but not less than 72 hours prior to the date of the hearing. Large print format is also available upon request.
Comments on the proposed Ride On fare changes may be written or e-mailed to the Montgomery County Council by the close of business on Feb. 5. Comments can be mailed to: Montgomery County Council, 100 Maryland Avenue, Rockville, Maryland 20850. Comments also can be e-mailed to county.council@montgomerycountymd.gov.
The hearing will be held in the Third Floor Hearing Room of the Council Office Building at 100 Maryland Avenue in Rockville. The hearing will be televised live by County Cable Montgomery (CCM—Cable Channel 6 on Comcast and RCN, Channel 30 on Verizon). The live broadcast also can be viewed via streaming through the County Web site at http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/.
Individuals and representatives of organizations who would like to speak at the public hearing should register by calling 240-777-7803 on or before Feb. 3 by 5 p.m. Speakers will be asked to provide a name, address, telephone number and the name of the organization, if any, they represent. Sign language interpreter services will be provided only upon request with notice as far in advance as possible, but not less than 72 hours prior to the date of the hearing. Large print format is also available upon request.
Comments on the proposed Ride On fare changes may be written or e-mailed to the Montgomery County Council by the close of business on Feb. 5. Comments can be mailed to: Montgomery County Council, 100 Maryland Avenue, Rockville, Maryland 20850. Comments also can be e-mailed to county.council@montgomerycountymd.gov.
Management and Fiscal Policy (MFP) Committee Meetings Today
The Management and Fiscal Policy (MFP) and the Planning, Housing, and Economic Development (PHED) committees are meeting jointly today to discuss financial issues of the White Flint Sector Plan. For more info, click here.
Following this joint meeting, the MFP will meet at 3:30 p.m to discuss Bill 46-09: Hiring Preference for Persons with Disabilities.
Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg is the chair of the MFP Committee.
Following this joint meeting, the MFP will meet at 3:30 p.m to discuss Bill 46-09: Hiring Preference for Persons with Disabilities.
Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg is the chair of the MFP Committee.
Comparative Data on Montgomery and Fairfax Counties Now Online
Montgomery County and Fairfax County are cited frequently as regional peers and competitors. The two jurisdictions are often compared and contrasted, and each is separately touted as the “best” place to live and work in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.
The Office of Legislative Oversight (OLO) report contains comparative data that evidences key similarities and differences between Montgomery and Fairfax counties.
The report contains data on the following topic areas:
For the complete report, click here.
The Office of Legislative Oversight (OLO) report contains comparative data that evidences key similarities and differences between Montgomery and Fairfax counties.
The report contains data on the following topic areas:
- Demographics
- Tax rates and budget information
- Economic development
- Transportation
- Housing
- Education
- Public safety
- Public health and vital statistics
For the complete report, click here.
Report Comparing Data on Montgomery and Fairfax Counties at today's Council Session
The Montgomery County Council on Tuesday, Jan. 26, will receive a unique report from its Office of Legislative Oversight (OLO) containing comparative data on Montgomery and Fairfax counties. The Council will hold a worksession on the report immediately afterward.
The OLO report will be released and then discussed during the Council’s regular session that begins at 10:30 a.m. in the Third Floor Hearing Room of the Council Office Building at 100 Maryland Ave. in Rockville.
After it is released Tuesday morning, the complete report will be available at http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/olo.
For other topics for today's Council Session include, please click here.
The OLO report will be released and then discussed during the Council’s regular session that begins at 10:30 a.m. in the Third Floor Hearing Room of the Council Office Building at 100 Maryland Ave. in Rockville.
After it is released Tuesday morning, the complete report will be available at http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/olo.
For other topics for today's Council Session include, please click here.
Live Broadcast of County Executive Budget Forum in Bethesda on Wednesday, January 27 at 7 p.m.
Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett will attend a budget forum on Wednesday, January 27 that will be broadcast live on County Cable Montgomery. During the forum, residents can call or text their questions to 301-525-2229. Or, residents can email their question to publicinformation@montgomerycountymd.gov before 5 p.m. on Wednesday.
The forum will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center, 4805 Edgemoor Lane, Bethesda, and residents from any part of the County are encouraged to attend.
Wednesday’s forum is the last of five Leggett is sponsoring in January to seek input from residents about the challenges facing the County in the upcoming fiscal year 2011 operating budget. Staff from the County’s Office of Management and Budget will make presentations and also be available to answer questions.
The forum will be broadcast live on County Cable Montgomery, Channel 6 for RCN and Comcast subscribers and Channel 30 for Verizon subscribers. The show can also be viewed live on the County’s website by going to www.montgomerycountymd.gov and clicking on County Cable 6.
For more information, call 240-777-6507.
Click here for the media advisory.
The forum will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center, 4805 Edgemoor Lane, Bethesda, and residents from any part of the County are encouraged to attend.
Wednesday’s forum is the last of five Leggett is sponsoring in January to seek input from residents about the challenges facing the County in the upcoming fiscal year 2011 operating budget. Staff from the County’s Office of Management and Budget will make presentations and also be available to answer questions.
The forum will be broadcast live on County Cable Montgomery, Channel 6 for RCN and Comcast subscribers and Channel 30 for Verizon subscribers. The show can also be viewed live on the County’s website by going to www.montgomerycountymd.gov and clicking on County Cable 6.
For more information, call 240-777-6507.
Click here for the media advisory.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Management and Fiscal Policy Committee (MFP) will meet today at 2 p.m.
Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg is Chair of the Management and Fiscal Policy Committee (MFP). The MFP Committee will meet today at 2 p.m. on the following agenda items:
Agenda Item #1: Spending Affordability Guidelines for the FY11 Capital Budget and other general CIP assumptions
Agenda Item #2: Spending Affordability Guidelines for FY11 Operation Budget
Agenda Item #3: Expedited Bill 41-09, Taxation--Property Tax Credit--Business Incubator
Agenda Item #4: Resolution to approve the designation of Enterprise Zones and Priority Funding Areas as a "Recovery Zone" for issuance of Recovery Zone Bonds.
Agenda Item #1: Spending Affordability Guidelines for the FY11 Capital Budget and other general CIP assumptions
Agenda Item #2: Spending Affordability Guidelines for FY11 Operation Budget
Agenda Item #3: Expedited Bill 41-09, Taxation--Property Tax Credit--Business Incubator
Agenda Item #4: Resolution to approve the designation of Enterprise Zones and Priority Funding Areas as a "Recovery Zone" for issuance of Recovery Zone Bonds.
"Montogmery's Growth Policy in Challenging Times"
Naomi Bloch represented the Trachtenberg office at the Sunday, January 24th discussion: “Montgomery’s Growth Policy in Challenging Times” that took place in the Roseborough Building Community Room on the Asbury Methodist Village campus off of Odendhal Road, in Gaithersburg.
The guest speakers/panelists were: Mr. Rollin Stanley, the Planning Commission Director; County Council President, Nancy Floreen and Councilmember Marc Elrich. This program was hosted by and was the inaugural event of four cooperating Democratic Clubs: D-15, D-17, D-39 and the Asbury Democratic Club.
Mr. Stanley was the lead speaker and his presentation offered up an overview of the history and future vision for Montgomery County. Mr. Stanley touched on how Montgomery County needs to change with regard to development density and also touched on the very real shifts with regard to the over all demographic make up of Montgomery County in the years ahead and the very real impacts these changes will have on our local economy.
Council President Floreen followed and focused her remarks on the need to look beyond mere “plans” and how critical it was for Montgomery County to figure out how to create more jobs because without jobs Montgomery County wouldn’t have the necessary economic resources to fund all these exciting plans.
Councilmember Elrich provided a sobering sense of the realities facing the County with regard to the present, ongoing and future infrastructure needs of our schools, roads, water, etc, and how Montgomery County needed to do a better job of getting all the interested parties to work together in order to fund these critical needs. He felt that ultimately this was a quality of life issue and that all the various vested interests had to work collectively in order to properly fund and maintain these infrastructure needs.
The event was very well attended and a good discussion took place during the Q&A period after each of the speakers had made their initial presentations.
The guest speakers/panelists were: Mr. Rollin Stanley, the Planning Commission Director; County Council President, Nancy Floreen and Councilmember Marc Elrich. This program was hosted by and was the inaugural event of four cooperating Democratic Clubs: D-15, D-17, D-39 and the Asbury Democratic Club.
Mr. Stanley was the lead speaker and his presentation offered up an overview of the history and future vision for Montgomery County. Mr. Stanley touched on how Montgomery County needs to change with regard to development density and also touched on the very real shifts with regard to the over all demographic make up of Montgomery County in the years ahead and the very real impacts these changes will have on our local economy.
Council President Floreen followed and focused her remarks on the need to look beyond mere “plans” and how critical it was for Montgomery County to figure out how to create more jobs because without jobs Montgomery County wouldn’t have the necessary economic resources to fund all these exciting plans.
Councilmember Elrich provided a sobering sense of the realities facing the County with regard to the present, ongoing and future infrastructure needs of our schools, roads, water, etc, and how Montgomery County needed to do a better job of getting all the interested parties to work together in order to fund these critical needs. He felt that ultimately this was a quality of life issue and that all the various vested interests had to work collectively in order to properly fund and maintain these infrastructure needs.
The event was very well attended and a good discussion took place during the Q&A period after each of the speakers had made their initial presentations.
Friday, January 22, 2010
January Newsletter
Click here to view my January 2010 Newsletter.
Topics in this month's newsletter include:
Development Oversight
Looking Back: The Council in 2009
Revised Savings Plan
Land Use and Planning
Census 2010
Free H1N1 Vaccinations
Alert Montgomery
Duchy's Recipe: Grandmas's Passover Matzo Meat Pie
Duchy's Pledge
Topics in this month's newsletter include:
Development Oversight
Looking Back: The Council in 2009
Revised Savings Plan
Land Use and Planning
Census 2010
Free H1N1 Vaccinations
Alert Montgomery
Duchy's Recipe: Grandmas's Passover Matzo Meat Pie
Duchy's Pledge
Trachtenberg Office Attends County Executive Budget Forum in Long Branch
The Trachtenberg Office was represented at County Executive Isiah Leggett’s fourth Budget Forum at the Long Branch Community Center in Silver Spring.
At the Budget Forum, the County’s Director of the Office of Management and Budget, Joe Beach, outlined the challenging budget environment confronting the County for the FY11 fiscal year.
The County Executive discussed the range of revenue and expenditure options that he will consider before he transmits the FY11 Operating Budget to the County Council in mid-March. He reiterated his budget priorities as support for public safety, schools and aid to the most vulnerable.
The Executive also responded to a number of questions from residents regarding support of the MCPS budget, sports academies, the Old Blair Auditorium project, proposed cuts to library services, and a pedestrian bridge to the Silver Spring library.
Our Chief of Staff Alan Bowser attended the Budget Forum on behalf of Councilmember Trachtenberg.
At the Budget Forum, the County’s Director of the Office of Management and Budget, Joe Beach, outlined the challenging budget environment confronting the County for the FY11 fiscal year.
The County Executive discussed the range of revenue and expenditure options that he will consider before he transmits the FY11 Operating Budget to the County Council in mid-March. He reiterated his budget priorities as support for public safety, schools and aid to the most vulnerable.
The Executive also responded to a number of questions from residents regarding support of the MCPS budget, sports academies, the Old Blair Auditorium project, proposed cuts to library services, and a pedestrian bridge to the Silver Spring library.
Our Chief of Staff Alan Bowser attended the Budget Forum on behalf of Councilmember Trachtenberg.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Development Oversight Press Conference Video
Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg hosted a press event yesterday to discuss newly introduced legislation to require the Montgomery County Executive to designate an official to coordinate developments regarding new master-planned development. Representatives from the civic, development and business community joined Councilmember Trachtenberg to discuss the proposed legislation.
Click here to see the video of the press conference.
Click here to see the video of the press conference.
The Trachenberg Office Attends Community Outreach Forum
Yesterday afternoon, Naomi Bloch, representing the Trachtenberg office, attended the Community Outreach Forum. This meeting takes place every month at the Executive Office Building, in Rockville and is organized and hosted by the office of Community Partnerships.
The goals of the Community Outreach Forum include:
At yesterday’s meeting Karen Plucinski and Shyana Taqi, the Human Resources Specialist Change Management Team, from the office of Human Resources gave us a very detailed overview of the soon-to-be-launched MC 311 system.
After the MC 311 presentation the meeting talked again about the upcoming 2010 Census and how everyone in the room could help spread the word in order to help make this project as successful as humanly possible. For more information about the Census: www.montgomerycountymd.gov/census.
The goals of the Community Outreach Forum include:
- Exchange and coordinate County Government outreach efforts.
- Help build relationships among County staff and partners in order to foster collaboration
- Inform ourselves about community issues and best practices.
At yesterday’s meeting Karen Plucinski and Shyana Taqi, the Human Resources Specialist Change Management Team, from the office of Human Resources gave us a very detailed overview of the soon-to-be-launched MC 311 system.
After the MC 311 presentation the meeting talked again about the upcoming 2010 Census and how everyone in the room could help spread the word in order to help make this project as successful as humanly possible. For more information about the Census: www.montgomerycountymd.gov/census.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Duchy Trachtenberg Holds Press Event for Development Oversight Legislation
Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg (At-Large) hosted a press event today to discuss newly introduced legislation to require the Montgomery County Executive to designate an official to coordinate developments regarding new master-planned development. Representatives from the civic, development and business community joined Councilmember Trachtenberg to discuss the proposed legislation.
“With this legislation, we can provide all of the stakeholders in the development process—neighbors, taxpayers, labor, business owners, the development community, and County officials—with the assurances that our critically important development efforts will move forward, efficiently, effectively, expediously, and at reasonable cost to our County,” said Trachtenberg. "With this legislation, we can bring much needed oversight and coordination to the complex development process—something that I think we can all agreed is welcome and needed.”
Attending today’s press event were: Duchy Trachtenberg, Montgomery County Councilmember; Rollin Stanley, Director, Montgomery County Planning Department Paul Meyer, Friends of White Flint; Rod Lawrence, representing JBG Companies and the White Flint Partnership; Suzanne Hudson, a Garrett Park resident; Francine Waters, representing the Lerner Companies and the White Flint Partnership; Barnaby Zall, representing Friends of White Flint; Ed Rich, a resident of Old Farm; Vance Ayres, Executive Secretary-Treasurer, Washington, DC Building and Construction Trades Council; Dan Hoffman, Randolph Civic Association; Della Stollsworth, Luxmanor Civic Association
The press event was broadcast live on County Cable Montgomery (CCM).
Attending the event on behalf of Councilmember Trachtenberg were Naomi Bloch, Laurie Edberg, Wil Gutierrez and Chief of Staff Alan Bowser.
Click here for the County Council Press Release.
“With this legislation, we can provide all of the stakeholders in the development process—neighbors, taxpayers, labor, business owners, the development community, and County officials—with the assurances that our critically important development efforts will move forward, efficiently, effectively, expediously, and at reasonable cost to our County,” said Trachtenberg. "With this legislation, we can bring much needed oversight and coordination to the complex development process—something that I think we can all agreed is welcome and needed.”
Attending today’s press event were: Duchy Trachtenberg, Montgomery County Councilmember; Rollin Stanley, Director, Montgomery County Planning Department Paul Meyer, Friends of White Flint; Rod Lawrence, representing JBG Companies and the White Flint Partnership; Suzanne Hudson, a Garrett Park resident; Francine Waters, representing the Lerner Companies and the White Flint Partnership; Barnaby Zall, representing Friends of White Flint; Ed Rich, a resident of Old Farm; Vance Ayres, Executive Secretary-Treasurer, Washington, DC Building and Construction Trades Council; Dan Hoffman, Randolph Civic Association; Della Stollsworth, Luxmanor Civic Association
The press event was broadcast live on County Cable Montgomery (CCM).
Attending the event on behalf of Councilmember Trachtenberg were Naomi Bloch, Laurie Edberg, Wil Gutierrez and Chief of Staff Alan Bowser.
Click here for the County Council Press Release.
Statement of Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg at the Press Event for Development Oversight
Statement of Montgomery County Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg
January 20, 2010
Yesterday morning, I joined with my colleagues—Councilmembers Mike Knapp, Phil Andrew, and Roger Berliner—to introduce a bill that will require important oversight of our County’s future development efforts.
Our bill requires that the County Executive to designate an employee in the Office of the Executive or in the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer as the development coordinator for each planning area for which a newly revised master or sector plan has authorized intensive new development or redevelopment.
The coordinator would oversee the financing and development of County infrastructure in the planning area. The coordinator also would serve as the primary point of contact for residents and businesses located in the planning area and the developer of any development located in the area.
With this legislation, we can provide all of the stakeholders in the development process—neighbors, taxpayers, labor, business owners, the development community, and County officials—with the assurances that our critically important development efforts will move forward, efficiently, effectively, expediously, and at reasonable cost to our County.
With this legislation, we can bring much needed oversight and coordination to the complex development process—something that I think we can all agreed is welcome and needed.
I am particularly proud of the coalition of stakeholders who are present with me today.
The business community is represented so ably by many, many individuals and groups. While our legislation would apply to all future master-planned development in the County, I want to particularly acknowledge the work of the White Flint Partnership with regard to the discussions regarding the White Flint Sector Plan. I commend their hard work and their outreach to the community.
The civic community is well represented today by the Friends of White Flint and leading civic organizations. I have benefited from many conversations with our very well informed neighbors and have attended many meetings where important development issues have been discussed and debated. I thank them as well for their interest in these matters and their support.
And, I am particularly proud of the support that this concept has received from working men and women. Mr. Vance Ayers, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Washington, D.C. Building and Construction Trades Council, is here with us today—heralding a valuable and “constructive” new partnership with all of the individuals and groups who are interested in the development of new walkable urban environments that will provide housing, new businesses, jobs, access to transit, and attractive public amenities.
I look forward to our future conversations about economic development and growth, the coordination of our development efforts, and the financing of infrastructure, among others.
This is the beginning of an important discussion, not the end of it. I am confident that, at the end of the day, we will forge an impressive and important partnership between all of these stakeholders that will work in the best interests of Montgomery County.
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For more information, contact Alan S. Bowser, Office of Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg, 240-777-7965.
January 20, 2010
Yesterday morning, I joined with my colleagues—Councilmembers Mike Knapp, Phil Andrew, and Roger Berliner—to introduce a bill that will require important oversight of our County’s future development efforts.
Our bill requires that the County Executive to designate an employee in the Office of the Executive or in the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer as the development coordinator for each planning area for which a newly revised master or sector plan has authorized intensive new development or redevelopment.
The coordinator would oversee the financing and development of County infrastructure in the planning area. The coordinator also would serve as the primary point of contact for residents and businesses located in the planning area and the developer of any development located in the area.
With this legislation, we can provide all of the stakeholders in the development process—neighbors, taxpayers, labor, business owners, the development community, and County officials—with the assurances that our critically important development efforts will move forward, efficiently, effectively, expediously, and at reasonable cost to our County.
With this legislation, we can bring much needed oversight and coordination to the complex development process—something that I think we can all agreed is welcome and needed.
I am particularly proud of the coalition of stakeholders who are present with me today.
The business community is represented so ably by many, many individuals and groups. While our legislation would apply to all future master-planned development in the County, I want to particularly acknowledge the work of the White Flint Partnership with regard to the discussions regarding the White Flint Sector Plan. I commend their hard work and their outreach to the community.
The civic community is well represented today by the Friends of White Flint and leading civic organizations. I have benefited from many conversations with our very well informed neighbors and have attended many meetings where important development issues have been discussed and debated. I thank them as well for their interest in these matters and their support.
And, I am particularly proud of the support that this concept has received from working men and women. Mr. Vance Ayers, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Washington, D.C. Building and Construction Trades Council, is here with us today—heralding a valuable and “constructive” new partnership with all of the individuals and groups who are interested in the development of new walkable urban environments that will provide housing, new businesses, jobs, access to transit, and attractive public amenities.
I look forward to our future conversations about economic development and growth, the coordination of our development efforts, and the financing of infrastructure, among others.
This is the beginning of an important discussion, not the end of it. I am confident that, at the end of the day, we will forge an impressive and important partnership between all of these stakeholders that will work in the best interests of Montgomery County.
###
For more information, contact Alan S. Bowser, Office of Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg, 240-777-7965.
Statement by Francine Waters at the Press Event for Development Oversight Legislation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Craig Sutherland
(813) 787-0525
January 20, 2010
Statement by Francine Waters on Behalf of
Lerner Enterprises and the White Flint Partnership
"The White Flint Partnership, a unique collaboration of property owners in the White Flint area of Bethesda, released the following statement today in support of legislation introduced by County Councilmembers Duchy Trachtenberg and Mike Knapp to advance infrastructure improvements as part of a new White Flint Sector Plan.
“In a time of severe economic uncertainty, the redevelopment of the White Flint area has the potential to create almost 8 million square feet of net new office and retail space. This would become home to as many as 30,000 new workers in well-paying jobs, as well as entry level service jobs, all within walking distance of the existing Metro station.
“It will require bold action to transform the current hodge-podge of retail sprawl with $500M of targeted infrastructure improvements --10 new East/West roads and 6 new North/ South roads creating a new network grid of streets, dedicated bike lanes, dedicated transit way all to make a new livable, walkable and safe White Flint community.
“That degree of public and private investment requires a dedicated senior-level official to ensure that the infrastructure planning, funding and construction are well coordinated with open lines of communication within the community. This oversight will give residents and property owners alike the security to invest in a new White Flint community.
“We applaud Councilmembers Trachtenberg and Knapp for their efforts to move the residents of a New White Flint closer to the development of a community that residents, and the whole county, can be proud to call our own.”
Contact: Craig Sutherland
(813) 787-0525
January 20, 2010
Statement by Francine Waters on Behalf of
Lerner Enterprises and the White Flint Partnership
"The White Flint Partnership, a unique collaboration of property owners in the White Flint area of Bethesda, released the following statement today in support of legislation introduced by County Councilmembers Duchy Trachtenberg and Mike Knapp to advance infrastructure improvements as part of a new White Flint Sector Plan.
“In a time of severe economic uncertainty, the redevelopment of the White Flint area has the potential to create almost 8 million square feet of net new office and retail space. This would become home to as many as 30,000 new workers in well-paying jobs, as well as entry level service jobs, all within walking distance of the existing Metro station.
“It will require bold action to transform the current hodge-podge of retail sprawl with $500M of targeted infrastructure improvements --10 new East/West roads and 6 new North/ South roads creating a new network grid of streets, dedicated bike lanes, dedicated transit way all to make a new livable, walkable and safe White Flint community.
“That degree of public and private investment requires a dedicated senior-level official to ensure that the infrastructure planning, funding and construction are well coordinated with open lines of communication within the community. This oversight will give residents and property owners alike the security to invest in a new White Flint community.
“We applaud Councilmembers Trachtenberg and Knapp for their efforts to move the residents of a New White Flint closer to the development of a community that residents, and the whole county, can be proud to call our own.”
Statement of Friends of White Flint at the Press Event for Development Oversight
Friends of White Flint
Promoting a Sustainable, Walkable, and Engaging Community
P.O. Box 2222, White Flint Station, Kensington, MD 20891-2222 301-984-1200
http://www.whiteflint.org/
Contact: Barnaby Zall 301-231-6943
Immediate Release
Statement on the Introduction of Legislation to Coordinate and Expedite the Implementation of the White Flint Sector Plan
January 20, 2010
In the four-year development of the White Flint Sector Plan, Friends of White Flint and other organizations held hundreds of meetings with thousands of Montgomery County residents. Most people agree with the vision for a transit-oriented, sustainable, walkable White Flint. But there was some opposition; what was surprising was the nature of that opposition.
Why did people oppose the White Flint Plan? It wasn’t, as we predicted, because we were proposing a new kind of urban model – transit-oriented, walkable, sustainable.
Much of the opposition to the White Flint Plan sprang from fear that Montgomery County would not follow-through on its promises. The 1992 North Bethesda-Garrett Park Master Plan, for example, promised transit-oriented development. But what it produced was . . . Rockville Pike today.
Today County Councilmembers Duchy Trachtenberg and Mike Knapp will introduce legislation to resolve that problem. The bill would designate a county employee to coordinate the financing and development of County infrastructure in White Flint, advise the County and State about “any action needed to expedite the financing and development of County infrastructure,” “serve as primary point of contact for residents and businesses,” and “take or recommend any other action needed to assure that County infrastructure keeps pace with private development.” There would be one person with the responsibility for infrastructure, and the accessibility for residents and businesses (who often get lost in the shuffle of complicated planning processes).
Accountability, accessibility, action. A good prescription. Would it be a guarantee of success? No, but it’s a good start, and it’s precisely what’s needed to resolve many peoples’ concerns.
A confidence booster. Because a lack of confidence is generating a lot of the opposition to the White Flint Plan. So something that boosts confidence in the likelihood of success will go far in resolving fears about the White Flint Plan.
At its meeting on January 14, the Board of Directors of Friends of White Flint voted to endorse the Trachtenberg/Knapp bill.
Friends of White Flint is a non-profit corporation promoting a sustainable, walkable and engaging community in White Flint. Its Board is divided evenly between residents, businesses and property owners. http://www.whiteflint.org/.
Promoting a Sustainable, Walkable, and Engaging Community
P.O. Box 2222, White Flint Station, Kensington, MD 20891-2222 301-984-1200
http://www.whiteflint.org/
Contact: Barnaby Zall 301-231-6943
Immediate Release
Statement on the Introduction of Legislation to Coordinate and Expedite the Implementation of the White Flint Sector Plan
January 20, 2010
In the four-year development of the White Flint Sector Plan, Friends of White Flint and other organizations held hundreds of meetings with thousands of Montgomery County residents. Most people agree with the vision for a transit-oriented, sustainable, walkable White Flint. But there was some opposition; what was surprising was the nature of that opposition.
Why did people oppose the White Flint Plan? It wasn’t, as we predicted, because we were proposing a new kind of urban model – transit-oriented, walkable, sustainable.
Much of the opposition to the White Flint Plan sprang from fear that Montgomery County would not follow-through on its promises. The 1992 North Bethesda-Garrett Park Master Plan, for example, promised transit-oriented development. But what it produced was . . . Rockville Pike today.
Today County Councilmembers Duchy Trachtenberg and Mike Knapp will introduce legislation to resolve that problem. The bill would designate a county employee to coordinate the financing and development of County infrastructure in White Flint, advise the County and State about “any action needed to expedite the financing and development of County infrastructure,” “serve as primary point of contact for residents and businesses,” and “take or recommend any other action needed to assure that County infrastructure keeps pace with private development.” There would be one person with the responsibility for infrastructure, and the accessibility for residents and businesses (who often get lost in the shuffle of complicated planning processes).
Accountability, accessibility, action. A good prescription. Would it be a guarantee of success? No, but it’s a good start, and it’s precisely what’s needed to resolve many peoples’ concerns.
A confidence booster. Because a lack of confidence is generating a lot of the opposition to the White Flint Plan. So something that boosts confidence in the likelihood of success will go far in resolving fears about the White Flint Plan.
At its meeting on January 14, the Board of Directors of Friends of White Flint voted to endorse the Trachtenberg/Knapp bill.
Friends of White Flint is a non-profit corporation promoting a sustainable, walkable and engaging community in White Flint. Its Board is divided evenly between residents, businesses and property owners. http://www.whiteflint.org/.
Development Oversight Director Proposed For Future Montgomery County Projects
Montgomery County Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg, chair of the Council’s Management and Fiscal Policy Committee, joined residents and members of the development community on Wednesday, Jan. 20, at the Council Office Building in Rockville to detail plans of proposed legislation that would create a new County position to oversee future development projects and ensure that plans are followed as envisioned. Councilmember Mike Knapp, chair of the Planning, Housing and Economic Committee, is a co-sponsor of the legislation.
Bill 1-10 was introduced before the Council at its meeting of Tuesday, Jan. 19. The bill amends the County’s laws governing coordination of development and “provides further coordination and oversight of master-planned development … and further coordination and oversight of development districts.”
The bill directs the county executive to designate an employee in the Office of the Executive or in the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer as the development coordinator for each planning area for which a newly revised master or sector plan has authorized intensive new development or redevelopment. The coordinator would oversee the financing and development of County infrastructure in the planning area. The coordinator also would serve as the primary point of contact for residents and businesses located in the planning area and the developer of any development located in the area.
For the complete press release, click here.
Bill 1-10 was introduced before the Council at its meeting of Tuesday, Jan. 19. The bill amends the County’s laws governing coordination of development and “provides further coordination and oversight of master-planned development … and further coordination and oversight of development districts.”
The bill directs the county executive to designate an employee in the Office of the Executive or in the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer as the development coordinator for each planning area for which a newly revised master or sector plan has authorized intensive new development or redevelopment. The coordinator would oversee the financing and development of County infrastructure in the planning area. The coordinator also would serve as the primary point of contact for residents and businesses located in the planning area and the developer of any development located in the area.
For the complete press release, click here.
Statement of Vance T. Ayers, Washington, DC Building and Construction Trades Council, at the Press Event for Development Oversight Legislation
Vance T. Ayers
Executive Secretary-Treasurer
January 20, 2010
I am delighted to be here today, with Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg, and representatives of the development community, the business community and the civic community.
On behalf of the thousands of members of the Washington DC Building Trades Council, I want to say that we are impressed with the forward-thinking that this proposed legislation represents.
Like others, we believe that coordinated planning and oversight of proposed new development in Montgomery County will have a myriad of positive developments for the community, business and labor.
New development, properly planned and supervised, means good jobs for thousands of working men and women.
Of course, we are particularly interested in the good construction jobs for our members that will be created as the new White Flint takes shape.
We look forward to join with all of the County’s stakeholders to help build new, exciting, environmentally friendly livable communities.
For over 100 years, the Washington DC Building and Construction trade unions— elevator constructors, iron workers, painters, electrical workers, UA, insulators, sheet metal workers, among others—have been strong partners in this region’s growth.
It is our great hope and expectation that we will be strong partners for the next 100 year.
For more information about the Washington, DC Building and Construction Trades Council, click here.
Statement of Duchy Trachtenberg on the Capital Improvements Program (CIP) Budget Proposed by Executive
"I was absolutely thrilled to see the County Executive's strong support for Montgomery County schools in the CIP. This is the right time to be making these types of visionary decisions. We have a world-class school system that has earned Montgomery County the reputation of being one of the best, if not the best, place for children to grow, learn and achieve their potential. I strongly support the County Executive's CIP," stated Duchy Trachtenberg.
County Executive Ike Leggett transmitted to the County Council the Recommended FY11-16 Capital Improvements Program on January 15, 2010. The recommendation maintains Montgomery County's commitment to quality education by supporting critical school capacity, modernization, capital maintenance, and health and safety projects in our public schools. The County Executive increased the local share of school funding by $220.4 million, over a 21% increase. Moreover, the general obligation bond funding for school facilities increased by over $217 million, a 29.4% increase which reflects the high priority given to the Montgomery County school system. The $1.485 billion CIP budget for schools represents a 16.8% increase from the most recent $1.271 billion six year program. It should be noted that the County Executive funded 99.1% of the Board of Education's original six-year request. This shows solid support for our county's public education system in light of the economic recession.
Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg is Chair of the Management and Fiscal Policy Committee.
To view the complete FY11-16 CIP, click here.
County Executive Ike Leggett transmitted to the County Council the Recommended FY11-16 Capital Improvements Program on January 15, 2010. The recommendation maintains Montgomery County's commitment to quality education by supporting critical school capacity, modernization, capital maintenance, and health and safety projects in our public schools. The County Executive increased the local share of school funding by $220.4 million, over a 21% increase. Moreover, the general obligation bond funding for school facilities increased by over $217 million, a 29.4% increase which reflects the high priority given to the Montgomery County school system. The $1.485 billion CIP budget for schools represents a 16.8% increase from the most recent $1.271 billion six year program. It should be noted that the County Executive funded 99.1% of the Board of Education's original six-year request. This shows solid support for our county's public education system in light of the economic recession.
Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg is Chair of the Management and Fiscal Policy Committee.
To view the complete FY11-16 CIP, click here.
The Trachtenberg Office Attends County Executive’s Budget Forum at Leisure World
Naomi Bloch represented the Trachtenberg office last evening at the County Executive’s Budget Forum that was hosted by the Mid-County Citizens’ Advisory Board at Leisure World in Silver Spring. This was the third in a series of five budget forums that County Executive Ike Leggett has been conducting throughout out the County during the month of January.
After a presentation of the budget by Beryl Feinberg of the Executive’s office of Management and Budget, Mr. Leggett took questions from the audience. There were questions about the critical need not to cut the libraries budgets any further as use of the libraries is on the rise in these tough economic times; questions about the ambulance fees and concerns about the elimination of some bus routes in Olney, are just a few of the key questions the audience had for Mr. Leggett. The turn out was good and several in the audience expressed their appreciation to Mr. Leggett for holding these budget forums.
After the budget discussion ended the Mid-County Citizens’ Advisory Board conducted a brief Board meeting. After brief remarks from Sharon Dooley concerning bus Route 52 and Route 53 in Olney being slated for elimination, the Board voted to testify in support of those two bus routes at the Public Hearing to be held on Monday, February 1st in the cafeteria of the Executive Office Building. The Board also voted to have the Traffic Committee study the five other routes under threat and then present their findings to the full board at the next meeting.
After a presentation of the budget by Beryl Feinberg of the Executive’s office of Management and Budget, Mr. Leggett took questions from the audience. There were questions about the critical need not to cut the libraries budgets any further as use of the libraries is on the rise in these tough economic times; questions about the ambulance fees and concerns about the elimination of some bus routes in Olney, are just a few of the key questions the audience had for Mr. Leggett. The turn out was good and several in the audience expressed their appreciation to Mr. Leggett for holding these budget forums.
After the budget discussion ended the Mid-County Citizens’ Advisory Board conducted a brief Board meeting. After brief remarks from Sharon Dooley concerning bus Route 52 and Route 53 in Olney being slated for elimination, the Board voted to testify in support of those two bus routes at the Public Hearing to be held on Monday, February 1st in the cafeteria of the Executive Office Building. The Board also voted to have the Traffic Committee study the five other routes under threat and then present their findings to the full board at the next meeting.
The Trachtenberg Office Attends Performing Arts Workshop at the Women’s Unit of the Clarksburg Correctional Facility
Naomi Bloch and Wil Gutierrez, representing Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg, attended a performing arts workshop at the women’s unit of the Clarksburg Correctional Facility on Tuesday, January 19th. The Workshop is part of Class Acts Arts’ Project Youth ArtReach, a program partially funded by Montgomery County Council grants. Many of the approximately 40 women in the facility are young teenage girls. Tuesday’s workshop was the last of a six-week program lead by renowned artists Cecilia Esquivel and Patricia Vergara from the group Cantare. Students worked in groups and in a supportive, non-judgmental environment in which to share feelings.
Project ArtReach promotes positive youth development by providing juvenile offenders in detention, corrections, and probation settings with arts programs taught by master artists to enhance youth's cognitive, linguistic, social, and civic development. As youth engage with a diverse group of professional artists, they acquire skills in visual, literary, and performing arts. By exploring themes of respect and values from other cultures, youth learn lessons in tolerance, problem solving, and conflict resolution. Programs like the one at the Clarksburg Correctional Facility also help each student's re-entry and become more productive members of society.
For more information about Class Acts Arts and Project Youth ArtReach, click here.
For more information about Cantare, click here.
Project ArtReach promotes positive youth development by providing juvenile offenders in detention, corrections, and probation settings with arts programs taught by master artists to enhance youth's cognitive, linguistic, social, and civic development. As youth engage with a diverse group of professional artists, they acquire skills in visual, literary, and performing arts. By exploring themes of respect and values from other cultures, youth learn lessons in tolerance, problem solving, and conflict resolution. Programs like the one at the Clarksburg Correctional Facility also help each student's re-entry and become more productive members of society.
For more information about Class Acts Arts and Project Youth ArtReach, click here.
For more information about Cantare, click here.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Duchy Trachtenberg Hosts MC311 Briefing for Council Members and Staff
As Chair of the MFP Committee, Duchy Trachtenberg hosted a MC311 Briefing for Council Members and their staff. Representatives from the Office of Human Resources as well as the Executive Branch led the well-attended presentation.
MC311 is a customer-focused initiative that uses automated systems to improve how customers receive information as well as non-emergency services. Residents of Montgomery County will be able to dial 3-1-1 to receive non-emergency information from the Montgomery County Government. It is anticipated that most questions from residents involving county government will be answered in one call. A call to 3-1-1 can be use for general information, referrals, service requests, etc.
Montgomery County's goal for the MC311 system is to transform the way the county does business as well as improve service to our residents. Constituents will be notified by e-mail that their request for service has been registered. In addition, a constituent will be notified when service has been completed. Another advantage is that constituents will be able to rate county services online. Data from MC311 will be sorted by council district, zip code, department, school cluster or other relevant breakdown.
There will be approximately 5 call center staffers with language abilities for non-English speakers. This exciting endeavor is already in use by cities such as Chicago and New York and will be launched in Montgomery County in mid-March.
The goal of MC311 is to enhance County employees’ ability to quickly and effectively respond to resident requests for services and information. (Click here for the County Executive's press release on the Capital Improvements Project, where the MC311 has been budgeted)
Duchy Trachtenberg as well as the entire Trachtenberg office attended the briefing.
MC311 is a customer-focused initiative that uses automated systems to improve how customers receive information as well as non-emergency services. Residents of Montgomery County will be able to dial 3-1-1 to receive non-emergency information from the Montgomery County Government. It is anticipated that most questions from residents involving county government will be answered in one call. A call to 3-1-1 can be use for general information, referrals, service requests, etc.
Montgomery County's goal for the MC311 system is to transform the way the county does business as well as improve service to our residents. Constituents will be notified by e-mail that their request for service has been registered. In addition, a constituent will be notified when service has been completed. Another advantage is that constituents will be able to rate county services online. Data from MC311 will be sorted by council district, zip code, department, school cluster or other relevant breakdown.
There will be approximately 5 call center staffers with language abilities for non-English speakers. This exciting endeavor is already in use by cities such as Chicago and New York and will be launched in Montgomery County in mid-March.
The goal of MC311 is to enhance County employees’ ability to quickly and effectively respond to resident requests for services and information. (Click here for the County Executive's press release on the Capital Improvements Project, where the MC311 has been budgeted)
Duchy Trachtenberg as well as the entire Trachtenberg office attended the briefing.
Leggett and Metro Kick Off Search for Development Partners for Wheaton Revitalization
County Executive Ike Leggett today announced that the County is issuing a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to select development partners to develop and execute mixed-use, public-private projects for downtown Wheaton.
“Wheaton’s time has come,” says County Executive Isiah Leggett. “With Silver Spring the County selected a highly qualified development team to work with community stakeholders to develop and execute a redevelopment concept that changed the face of downtown Silver Spring. In Wheaton we will do the same.
“This is exactly the best time to lay the foundation so we can catch the next up-swing in the economy. Wheaton is a unique community with lots of strengths. We want to build on those strengths and some efforts already underway to create a vibrant, prospering central business district anchored by Metro.”
The County is joining forces with Metro (the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority) to issue the RFQ. “This is an excellent opportunity for talented developers to help plan for the future of Wheaton without the need for heavy capital outlays in today’s constrained market,” says Steven E. Goldin, Metro’s Director of Real Estate. “We have one completed project in Wheaton as part of our Joint Development program, and look forward to adding this one to the list of 30 projects completed or underway at Metrorail stations throughout the metropolitan area.”
For the complete press release, click here.
“Wheaton’s time has come,” says County Executive Isiah Leggett. “With Silver Spring the County selected a highly qualified development team to work with community stakeholders to develop and execute a redevelopment concept that changed the face of downtown Silver Spring. In Wheaton we will do the same.
“This is exactly the best time to lay the foundation so we can catch the next up-swing in the economy. Wheaton is a unique community with lots of strengths. We want to build on those strengths and some efforts already underway to create a vibrant, prospering central business district anchored by Metro.”
The County is joining forces with Metro (the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority) to issue the RFQ. “This is an excellent opportunity for talented developers to help plan for the future of Wheaton without the need for heavy capital outlays in today’s constrained market,” says Steven E. Goldin, Metro’s Director of Real Estate. “We have one completed project in Wheaton as part of our Joint Development program, and look forward to adding this one to the list of 30 projects completed or underway at Metrorail stations throughout the metropolitan area.”
For the complete press release, click here.
Councilmember Trachtenberg Introduces Development Oversight Legislation
At this morning’s County Council session, Councilmember Trachtenberg introduced new legislation to require oversight and coordination of new complex development in Montgomery County. Trachtenberg is Chair of the Council’s Committee on Management and Fiscal Policy.
Joining Councilmember Mike Knapp, Chairman of the Committee on Planning, Housing and Economic Development as original co-sponsors are Councilmembers Phil Andrews (D-District 3) and Roger Berliner (D-District 1)
Bill 1-10 amends the County’s laws governing coordination of development and “provides further coordination and oversight of master-planned development … and further coordination and oversight of development districts.”
The bill directs the county executive to designate an employee in the Office of the Executive or in the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer as the development coordinator for each planning area for which a newly revised master or sector plan has authorized intensive new development or redevelopment. The coordinator would oversee the financing and development of County infrastructure in the planning area. The coordinator also would serve as the primary point of contact for residents and businesses located in the planning area and the developer of any development located in the area.
In her remarks during the Council session, Councilmember Trachtenberg discussed the need for oversight and coordination for complex. “I am looking forward to the conversation with the community, homeowners, business and developers about this proposal,” said Trachtenberg. She said that the proposal would be discussed in a joint work session of the Committee on Management and Fiscal Policy and Committee on Planning, Housing and Economic Development.
A press event with representatives of the business community, developer community and civic community is scheduled for Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 11 a.m. in the Council Office Building in Rockville, Maryland.
Joining Councilmember Mike Knapp, Chairman of the Committee on Planning, Housing and Economic Development as original co-sponsors are Councilmembers Phil Andrews (D-District 3) and Roger Berliner (D-District 1)
Bill 1-10 amends the County’s laws governing coordination of development and “provides further coordination and oversight of master-planned development … and further coordination and oversight of development districts.”
The bill directs the county executive to designate an employee in the Office of the Executive or in the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer as the development coordinator for each planning area for which a newly revised master or sector plan has authorized intensive new development or redevelopment. The coordinator would oversee the financing and development of County infrastructure in the planning area. The coordinator also would serve as the primary point of contact for residents and businesses located in the planning area and the developer of any development located in the area.
In her remarks during the Council session, Councilmember Trachtenberg discussed the need for oversight and coordination for complex. “I am looking forward to the conversation with the community, homeowners, business and developers about this proposal,” said Trachtenberg. She said that the proposal would be discussed in a joint work session of the Committee on Management and Fiscal Policy and Committee on Planning, Housing and Economic Development.
A press event with representatives of the business community, developer community and civic community is scheduled for Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at 11 a.m. in the Council Office Building in Rockville, Maryland.
Councilmember Trachtenberg Attends Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Breakfast
Councilmember Trachtenberg attended the 34th annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Breakfast, held at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center. The Memorial Breakfast was sponsored by the Montgomery County, Maryland Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc's.
Since its founding on December 4, 1906, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. has supplied voice and vision to the struggle of African-Americans and people of color around the world. Alpha Phi Alpha, the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African-Americans, was founded at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York by seven college men who recognized the need for a strong bond of Brotherhood among African descendants in this country. The visionary founders, known as the “Jewels” of the Fraternity, are Henry Arthur Callis, Charles Henry Chapman, Eugene Kinckle Jones, George Biddle Kelley, Nathaniel Allison Murray, Robert Harold Ogle, and Vertner Woodson Tandy.
The Fraternity initially served as a study and support group for minority students who faced racial prejudice, both educationally and socially, at Cornell. The Jewel founders and early leaders of the Fraternity succeeded in laying a firm foundation for Alpha Phi Alpha's principles of scholarship, fellowship, good character, and the uplifting of humanity. Alpha Phi Alpha chapters were established at other colleges and universities, many of them historically black institutions, soon after the founding at Cornell. The first Alumni Chapter was established in 1911. While continuing to stress academic excellence among its members, Alpha also recognized the need to help correct the educational, economic, political, and social injustices faced by African-Americans. Alpha Phi Alpha has long stood at the forefront of the African-American community's fight for civil rights through leaders such as: W.E.B. DuBois, Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., Edward Brooke, Martin Luther King, Jr., Thurgood Marshall, Andrew Young, William Gray, Paul Robeson, and many others. True to its form as the “first of firsts,” Alpha Phi Alpha has been interracial since 1945.
Since its founding on December 4, 1906, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. has supplied voice and vision to the struggle of African-Americans and people of color around the world. Alpha Phi Alpha, the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African-Americans, was founded at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York by seven college men who recognized the need for a strong bond of Brotherhood among African descendants in this country. The visionary founders, known as the “Jewels” of the Fraternity, are Henry Arthur Callis, Charles Henry Chapman, Eugene Kinckle Jones, George Biddle Kelley, Nathaniel Allison Murray, Robert Harold Ogle, and Vertner Woodson Tandy.
The Fraternity initially served as a study and support group for minority students who faced racial prejudice, both educationally and socially, at Cornell. The Jewel founders and early leaders of the Fraternity succeeded in laying a firm foundation for Alpha Phi Alpha's principles of scholarship, fellowship, good character, and the uplifting of humanity. Alpha Phi Alpha chapters were established at other colleges and universities, many of them historically black institutions, soon after the founding at Cornell. The first Alumni Chapter was established in 1911. While continuing to stress academic excellence among its members, Alpha also recognized the need to help correct the educational, economic, political, and social injustices faced by African-Americans. Alpha Phi Alpha has long stood at the forefront of the African-American community's fight for civil rights through leaders such as: W.E.B. DuBois, Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., Edward Brooke, Martin Luther King, Jr., Thurgood Marshall, Andrew Young, William Gray, Paul Robeson, and many others. True to its form as the “first of firsts,” Alpha Phi Alpha has been interracial since 1945.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday Celebrations
Montgomery County will be celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday this year throughout the weekend of January 16 – 18. On Saturday, January 16 and Sunday, January 17, there will be a food collection drive for Manna Food Center at 20 different Giant Food Stores across Montgomery County. On Monday, January 18, the County's Volunteer Center is coordinating volunteer activities at four locations around the County throughout the day. Also, on January 18, the County will host its annual musical tribute to Dr. King at the Music Center at Strathmore. Click here for more information on all of these activities.
County Executive Unveils Six-year Capital Construction Budget
Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett today unveiled his six-year capital construction budget that significantly enhances school construction in Montgomery County. Leggett’s recommendation funds more than 99 percent of the Board of Education’s request, which in FY11 draws on about 58 percent of all general obligation bonds issued for that year. This represents a 16.8 percent increase for schools to nearly $1.5 billion. Education is Leggett’s highest priority, and he has reprioritized available resources to maximize support of public education. This Capital Improvements Project (CIP) will add 118 classrooms for nine schools, build a new elementary and new middle school, and reopen two holding schools. The announcement was made at Paint Branch High School, where, in 2012, a new building will replace the current 1940s school.
Despite the difficult economic times, exceptionally low construction prices have allowed the County Executive to take a long-term view on critically needed school infrastructure. By funding investments now, the County will save millions of dollars in future construction costs as the economy recovers.
Leggett is proposing a $3.9 billion fiscal year (FY) 2011-2016 CIP budget that keeps an overall spending increase of 4.5 percent while accelerating replacement of the County’s critical Traffic Management System and moving important public safety, affordable housing, infrastructure preservation, transportation, economic development and environmental protection projects forward. The proposed CIP mirrors the shared priorities of the Executive and the community.
“Our region is facing continuing tough economic times that demand a prudent approach to budgeting,” said Leggett. “We have had to make hard choices and make every dollar count to meet the challenges of today while investing in the future. Despite these constraints, this CIP supports my priorities for excellence in local education at the K-12 levels. I am increasing funding for school construction and modernization by nearly 17 percent, while staying within the County Council’s Spending Affordability Guidelines.
“We had to make some tough choices in this CIP, and there are many needs that remain unmet. However, our operating budget, which depends not on the County’s borrowing program, but on tax revenues, remains a huge challenge during this economic downturn. Already, I have sent savings plans for this fiscal year totaling $100 million to the County Council and in March, the operating budget for the upcoming year will propose further cuts to close a $608 million gap.”
For the complete press release, click here.
Despite the difficult economic times, exceptionally low construction prices have allowed the County Executive to take a long-term view on critically needed school infrastructure. By funding investments now, the County will save millions of dollars in future construction costs as the economy recovers.
Leggett is proposing a $3.9 billion fiscal year (FY) 2011-2016 CIP budget that keeps an overall spending increase of 4.5 percent while accelerating replacement of the County’s critical Traffic Management System and moving important public safety, affordable housing, infrastructure preservation, transportation, economic development and environmental protection projects forward. The proposed CIP mirrors the shared priorities of the Executive and the community.
“Our region is facing continuing tough economic times that demand a prudent approach to budgeting,” said Leggett. “We have had to make hard choices and make every dollar count to meet the challenges of today while investing in the future. Despite these constraints, this CIP supports my priorities for excellence in local education at the K-12 levels. I am increasing funding for school construction and modernization by nearly 17 percent, while staying within the County Council’s Spending Affordability Guidelines.
“We had to make some tough choices in this CIP, and there are many needs that remain unmet. However, our operating budget, which depends not on the County’s borrowing program, but on tax revenues, remains a huge challenge during this economic downturn. Already, I have sent savings plans for this fiscal year totaling $100 million to the County Council and in March, the operating budget for the upcoming year will propose further cuts to close a $608 million gap.”
For the complete press release, click here.
Duchy Trachtenberg Discusses Health Care Reform at Leisure World
Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg was a featured speaker at a “Health Care Reform” forum in Leisure World. Almost 90 people attended the session that discussed health care reform, pending congressional action, women’s health, County health initiatives, and the importance of preventive care. Also participating in the forum was John Nugent from Planned Parenthood who discussed health care as a moral and ethical imperative.
Trachtenberg Office Attends African American Advisory Group Meeting
The Trachtenberg Office was represented at the annual budget meeting of the County Executive’s African American Advisory Group in Rockville, Maryland.
At the meeting, County Executive Isiah Leggett received the AAAG’s recommendations regarding the FY11 Operating Budget to be submitted to the County Council in March 2010. The Group’s recommendations addressed issues of spending reductions; new revenue sources; efficient, effective operations; collaboration on state budget cut mitigation; critical services prioritization; and strategic management of the financial crisis.
The County Executive was accompanied by Bruce Adams, Director of the Office of Community Partnerships, Reverend Timothy Warner, Staff Liaison, Office of Community Partnerships, and Joe Beach, Director of the Office of Management and Budget.
The AAAG is co-chaired by Dr. Sheryl Brissett-Chapman and Julian Norment. Our Chief of Staff Alan Bowser, who is a member of the Executive’s African American Advisory Group, represented Councilmember Trachtenberg.
At the meeting, County Executive Isiah Leggett received the AAAG’s recommendations regarding the FY11 Operating Budget to be submitted to the County Council in March 2010. The Group’s recommendations addressed issues of spending reductions; new revenue sources; efficient, effective operations; collaboration on state budget cut mitigation; critical services prioritization; and strategic management of the financial crisis.
The County Executive was accompanied by Bruce Adams, Director of the Office of Community Partnerships, Reverend Timothy Warner, Staff Liaison, Office of Community Partnerships, and Joe Beach, Director of the Office of Management and Budget.
The AAAG is co-chaired by Dr. Sheryl Brissett-Chapman and Julian Norment. Our Chief of Staff Alan Bowser, who is a member of the Executive’s African American Advisory Group, represented Councilmember Trachtenberg.
Trachtenberg Office Attends African Affairs Advisory Group
Naomi Bloch attended last evening’s meeting of the Montgomery County African Affairs Advisory Group representing the Trachtenberg Office.
The guest speaker was Brenda Lockley, R.N, M.S., and Program Manager of the African American Health Program within the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority & Multicultural Health. Ms. Lockley updated the Group on all of the various efforts being done to address the health disparities that exist within this community with regard to infant mortality rates as well as other life-style related concerns.
Ms. Lockley also said that, due to the current budgetary challenges facing the Department, they have also decided to develop a new strategy will be more sustainable toward achieving and maintaining good health in this community. The five points emphasized in this new approach are: 1) Social Determinants; 2) Access to Competent Care; 3) Wellness & Prevention; 4) Ways to Increase Community Involvement; and 5) Better Data Collection & Monitoring
Ms. Lockley gave the website for getting further information: http://www.onehealthylife.org/
Other topics discussed in the meeting were the importance of developing better outreach strategies into the various African communities in order to get everyone counted in the 2010 Census.
There is presently one Census outreach program scheduled for January 31, 2010 to take place at: Bethel World Outreach Ministries, 8242---52 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910, Phone 301 588 8099, fax 301 588 4947
Finally, they revisited an ongoing discussion and goal of the Group’s to eventually be able to open an African Community Center somewhere in Montgomery County. It was decided that they needed to form a small sub-committee to develop both a short-term and long-term strategy to be presented to the Group in a future meeting. The attendees voted on three members as a start to this committee with the goal to reach out and add additional partners as the plan developed further on this project.
The guest speaker was Brenda Lockley, R.N, M.S., and Program Manager of the African American Health Program within the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority & Multicultural Health. Ms. Lockley updated the Group on all of the various efforts being done to address the health disparities that exist within this community with regard to infant mortality rates as well as other life-style related concerns.
Ms. Lockley also said that, due to the current budgetary challenges facing the Department, they have also decided to develop a new strategy will be more sustainable toward achieving and maintaining good health in this community. The five points emphasized in this new approach are: 1) Social Determinants; 2) Access to Competent Care; 3) Wellness & Prevention; 4) Ways to Increase Community Involvement; and 5) Better Data Collection & Monitoring
Ms. Lockley gave the website for getting further information: http://www.onehealthylife.org/
Other topics discussed in the meeting were the importance of developing better outreach strategies into the various African communities in order to get everyone counted in the 2010 Census.
There is presently one Census outreach program scheduled for January 31, 2010 to take place at: Bethel World Outreach Ministries, 8242---52 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910, Phone 301 588 8099, fax 301 588 4947
Finally, they revisited an ongoing discussion and goal of the Group’s to eventually be able to open an African Community Center somewhere in Montgomery County. It was decided that they needed to form a small sub-committee to develop both a short-term and long-term strategy to be presented to the Group in a future meeting. The attendees voted on three members as a start to this committee with the goal to reach out and add additional partners as the plan developed further on this project.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Trachtenberg Office Attends JCRC Nonprofit Training in Rockville
The Trachtenberg Office was represented at the JCRC Nonprofit Training which took place on the morning of January 14th at the Jewish Council for the Aging in Rockville. The training was the first training in a series of three trainings for the Montgomery County nonprofit community.
This morning's training focused on the Nonprofit Board. Some of the topics included types of nonprofit boards, fiduciary responsibility of board members, the composition of nonprofit boards as well as recruitment of new board members. Approximately 50 people attended the training. Questions ranged from term limits for board members to types of insurance to purchase for board members. The training emphasized the importance of board members to communicate the nonprofit's mission to the community at large.
The Trachtenberg Office as represented by Legislative Aide Laurie Edberg.
This morning's training focused on the Nonprofit Board. Some of the topics included types of nonprofit boards, fiduciary responsibility of board members, the composition of nonprofit boards as well as recruitment of new board members. Approximately 50 people attended the training. Questions ranged from term limits for board members to types of insurance to purchase for board members. The training emphasized the importance of board members to communicate the nonprofit's mission to the community at large.
The Trachtenberg Office as represented by Legislative Aide Laurie Edberg.
The Trachtenberg Office Attends Annual Workshop on Council Grant Applications
The Trachtenberg Office was represented at the annual Workshop on Council Grant Applications which took place on Wednesday, January 13th at 7 pm at the County Council Building in Rockville. Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg gave opening remarks at the workshop and welcomed all attendees.
The workshop was an opportunity for potential grant applicants to hear more about the grants process as well as get questions answered in an informal setting. Moreover, the applicants heard from representatives from the Department of Health and Human Services as well the Council Grants Advisory Panel. There were approximately 75-100 people in attendance.
In addition to Councilmember Trachtenberg, her Chief of Staff, Alan Bowser, and Legislative Aide Laurie Edberg were also in attendance at the meeting.
To view more information about the Council Grant application process, click here.
The workshop was an opportunity for potential grant applicants to hear more about the grants process as well as get questions answered in an informal setting. Moreover, the applicants heard from representatives from the Department of Health and Human Services as well the Council Grants Advisory Panel. There were approximately 75-100 people in attendance.
In addition to Councilmember Trachtenberg, her Chief of Staff, Alan Bowser, and Legislative Aide Laurie Edberg were also in attendance at the meeting.
To view more information about the Council Grant application process, click here.
Councilmember Trachtenberg Meets with Asian American Business Leaders
Councilmember Trachtenberg met yesterday afternoon with a group of Asian American business leaders to talk about the community’s concerns regarding job growth and the need for a more comprehensive over-all vision for the Gaithersburg West/”Science City”. The group emphasized the need for attracting and retaining Asian businesses and Asian science and medical research professionals and their families in Maryland and Montgomery County, in particular.
Councilmember Trachtenberg explained that she also felt a desire for more specificity in the over-all plan being advanced and asked that these leaders write up a very clear proposal of their needs, ideas and concerns regarding this development project and make sure that all the Councilmembers received such proposal.
Councilmember Trachtenberg explained that she also felt a desire for more specificity in the over-all plan being advanced and asked that these leaders write up a very clear proposal of their needs, ideas and concerns regarding this development project and make sure that all the Councilmembers received such proposal.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Trachtenberg Offices Attends County Executive Budget Forum in Silver Spring
The Trachtenberg Office was represented at Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett’s Budget Forum which took place at the East County Regional Services Center on Briggs Cheney Road in Silver Spring. This was the second of five budget briefings by the County Executive around the County.
At the event, audience members discussed a broad range of concerns about the County Executive’s Revised Savings Plan, recently transmitted to the County Council, as well as suggestions for the FY11 Operating Budget which will be transmitted to the Council on March 15, 2010. Among the subjects discussed were the impact on schools, mental health, library services, and public safety. Montgomery County Police Chief Tom Manger was present. The Trachtenberg Office was represented by our Chief of Staff Alan Bowser.
At the event, audience members discussed a broad range of concerns about the County Executive’s Revised Savings Plan, recently transmitted to the County Council, as well as suggestions for the FY11 Operating Budget which will be transmitted to the Council on March 15, 2010. Among the subjects discussed were the impact on schools, mental health, library services, and public safety. Montgomery County Police Chief Tom Manger was present. The Trachtenberg Office was represented by our Chief of Staff Alan Bowser.
Ride On to Hold Public Forum about Proposed Service Cuts
Montgomery County invites residents to attend an upcoming public forum and provide comment on proposed changes to Ride On’s bus service. Montgomery County is faced with a projected budget shortfall of $600 million for Fiscal Year 2011. To help close the gap, the County is proposing to reduce and/or eliminate Ride On routes that have the fewest riders or those where other alternative service is available. All comments will be considered before any route changes are finalized.
The forum will be held on Monday, February 1, starting at 6:30 p.m., at the Executive Office Building Cafeteria, Terrace Level, located at 101 Monroe Street, Rockville, Maryland. In case of inclement weather, the public forum will be held on Tuesday, February 2 at the same location.
Proposed route changes include discontinuing weekday routes 3, 21, 30, 33, 36, 52, 53 and 81; discontinuing Saturday routes 14, 23, 29, 43, 45, 83, 98, L8, T2, Z2; discontinuing Sunday routes 29, 38, 83, L8, T2; discontinuing weekday route segments on Route 7: west of Georgia Avenue and reverse of rush hour east of Georgia Avenue, Route 22: Elton Road extension, Route 32: Woodrock extension and Route 43: Fallsgrove branch; and weekday rush hour trip reductions to Routes 22, 43 and 93.
By close of business on January 25, individuals and representatives of organizations who wish to speak at the public forum should provide, in writing, their name, home address, telephone number, e-mail address and organization to the Division of Transit Services, Ride On Public Forum, 101 Monroe Street, 5th Floor, Rockville, Maryland 20850. Those who have signed up to speak must bring two printed copies of their testimony for the record. Sign language interpreter services will be provided only upon request with notice as far in advance as possible, but no later than January 27. Large print format is available upon request.
Comments on the proposed service changes and reductions may be provided to the Division of Transit Services by 5 p.m. on January 29 in writing, by emailing mcdot.rideonpublicforums@montgomerycountymd.gov, by calling 240-777-5800 or faxing 240-777-5801. For additional information on the proposed changes, go to the Ride On website at www.rideonbus.com and click “visit here” under “Riders’ News.”
The forum will be held on Monday, February 1, starting at 6:30 p.m., at the Executive Office Building Cafeteria, Terrace Level, located at 101 Monroe Street, Rockville, Maryland. In case of inclement weather, the public forum will be held on Tuesday, February 2 at the same location.
Proposed route changes include discontinuing weekday routes 3, 21, 30, 33, 36, 52, 53 and 81; discontinuing Saturday routes 14, 23, 29, 43, 45, 83, 98, L8, T2, Z2; discontinuing Sunday routes 29, 38, 83, L8, T2; discontinuing weekday route segments on Route 7: west of Georgia Avenue and reverse of rush hour east of Georgia Avenue, Route 22: Elton Road extension, Route 32: Woodrock extension and Route 43: Fallsgrove branch; and weekday rush hour trip reductions to Routes 22, 43 and 93.
By close of business on January 25, individuals and representatives of organizations who wish to speak at the public forum should provide, in writing, their name, home address, telephone number, e-mail address and organization to the Division of Transit Services, Ride On Public Forum, 101 Monroe Street, 5th Floor, Rockville, Maryland 20850. Those who have signed up to speak must bring two printed copies of their testimony for the record. Sign language interpreter services will be provided only upon request with notice as far in advance as possible, but no later than January 27. Large print format is available upon request.
Comments on the proposed service changes and reductions may be provided to the Division of Transit Services by 5 p.m. on January 29 in writing, by emailing mcdot.rideonpublicforums@montgomerycountymd.gov, by calling 240-777-5800 or faxing 240-777-5801. For additional information on the proposed changes, go to the Ride On website at www.rideonbus.com and click “visit here” under “Riders’ News.”
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
The Trachtenberg Office Attends Silver Spring Citizens Advisory Board Meeting
Naomi Bloch represented the Trachtenberg office at last evening’s meeting of the Silver Spring Citizens Advisory Board. The meeting was held at the Long Branch Community Center at 8700 Piney Branch Road, in Silver Spring. The Board meets every second Monday of each month. For information on locations, click here.
The current budget challenges facing Montgomery County were the primary focus of last night’s meeting and both Darian Unger’s, the Board Chair, and Reemeberto Rodriguez’, the Silver Spring Regional Director, focused on this topic.
After their reports were presented the Board members, along with three citizens in attendance, broke up into groups of three each to discuss how they might deal with the budget challenges facing the County. The primary questions these groups had to consider were: Budget Priorities, Potential Revenue and Potential cuts that they would suggest.
The County Executive will conduct a budget forum on Thursday, January 21, 2010 for Silver Spring citizens. This meeting is tentatively scheduled to take place at the Long Branch Recreation Center at the above address.
For more information on both the County Executive’s budget forums; the Silver Spring Regional Service Center and Citizens’ Advisory Board, click here.
The current budget challenges facing Montgomery County were the primary focus of last night’s meeting and both Darian Unger’s, the Board Chair, and Reemeberto Rodriguez’, the Silver Spring Regional Director, focused on this topic.
After their reports were presented the Board members, along with three citizens in attendance, broke up into groups of three each to discuss how they might deal with the budget challenges facing the County. The primary questions these groups had to consider were: Budget Priorities, Potential Revenue and Potential cuts that they would suggest.
The County Executive will conduct a budget forum on Thursday, January 21, 2010 for Silver Spring citizens. This meeting is tentatively scheduled to take place at the Long Branch Recreation Center at the above address.
For more information on both the County Executive’s budget forums; the Silver Spring Regional Service Center and Citizens’ Advisory Board, click here.
County Executive’s Budget Forum in Germantown
The Trachtenberg Office was represented at County Executive Isiah Leggett’s first 2009 Budget Forum in Germantown. The meeting was held at the Upcounty Regional Services Center on Middlebrook Road. This is the first of five budget forums being held in January that are open to residents from any part of the county. The forums are hosted by the Regional Services Center Directors and the Regional Services Center Citizen Advisory Boards. The meeting was very well attended, with impressive participation of members of the Upcounty Citizens Advisory Board. Our Chief of Staff Alan Bowser attended on behalf of Councilmember Trachtenberg.
After introductions by the Director of the Upcounty Regional Services Center and the Chair of the Citizens Advisory Board, and an overview of the budget presented by an official in the Office of Management and Budget, the County Executive answers a broad range of questions from members of the audience and from online and telephone participants. Among the issues addressed were the impact of budget cuts on education, Montgomery College, affordable housing, transportation, library services and public safety. Participants also asked about taxes, and the County’s competitiveness vis-a-vis neighboring jurisdictions.
The Forum was broadcast live on Cable Channel Montgomery, and will be rebroadcast occasionally over the next several weeks.
After introductions by the Director of the Upcounty Regional Services Center and the Chair of the Citizens Advisory Board, and an overview of the budget presented by an official in the Office of Management and Budget, the County Executive answers a broad range of questions from members of the audience and from online and telephone participants. Among the issues addressed were the impact of budget cuts on education, Montgomery College, affordable housing, transportation, library services and public safety. Participants also asked about taxes, and the County’s competitiveness vis-a-vis neighboring jurisdictions.
The Forum was broadcast live on Cable Channel Montgomery, and will be rebroadcast occasionally over the next several weeks.
Monday, January 11, 2010
The Silver Spring and Upcounty Citizens Advisory Boards Will Meet Tonight
The Silver Spring Citizens Advisory Board will meet at 7 p.m. at the Long Branch Recreation Center, 8700 Piney Branch Road, Silver Spring.
The Upcounty Citizens Advisory Board will meet at 7 p.m. in the Up-County Regional Services Center, located at 12900 Middlebrook Road in Germantown.
The Upcounty Citizens Advisory Board will meet at 7 p.m. in the Up-County Regional Services Center, located at 12900 Middlebrook Road in Germantown.
Something Else Within...
"Wishes"
Wishes are like snowflakes
Falling in the winter
Each one different
Fragile, beautiful.
Touch it, and it disappears.
-S.J.
The above poem is found in Project Youth ArtReach’s most recent anthology of poetry entitled Something Else Within. The poems were written between 2003 and 2008 in Rockville by court-involved young people in workshops led by internationally-recognized Bulgarian poet, Lyubomir Nikolov. Writing within a supportive, non-judgmental environment in which to share feelings, these students in many cases learned to appreciate poetry for the first time.
Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg met with the director of Poject Youth ArtReach, Claire Schwadron, today to discuss future funding opportunities for the program.
Project Youth ArtReach (PYA) is a program of Class Act Arts, Inc., a Maryland-based non-profit arts organization dedicated to bringing diverse arts experiences to schools and communities.
PYA facilitates visual, literacy and performing arts residencies and performances for youth in correctional facilities and probation management programs. These arts based experiences provide incarcerated and high risk youth with opportunities to achieve success.
To learn more about Class Act Arts, Inc. and Project ArtReach, click here.
Wishes are like snowflakes
Falling in the winter
Each one different
Fragile, beautiful.
Touch it, and it disappears.
-S.J.
The above poem is found in Project Youth ArtReach’s most recent anthology of poetry entitled Something Else Within. The poems were written between 2003 and 2008 in Rockville by court-involved young people in workshops led by internationally-recognized Bulgarian poet, Lyubomir Nikolov. Writing within a supportive, non-judgmental environment in which to share feelings, these students in many cases learned to appreciate poetry for the first time.
Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg met with the director of Poject Youth ArtReach, Claire Schwadron, today to discuss future funding opportunities for the program.
Project Youth ArtReach (PYA) is a program of Class Act Arts, Inc., a Maryland-based non-profit arts organization dedicated to bringing diverse arts experiences to schools and communities.
PYA facilitates visual, literacy and performing arts residencies and performances for youth in correctional facilities and probation management programs. These arts based experiences provide incarcerated and high risk youth with opportunities to achieve success.
To learn more about Class Act Arts, Inc. and Project ArtReach, click here.
Councilmember Trachtenberg Attends Montgomery County Mental Health Advisory Committee
Councilmember Trachtenberg attended the January meeting of the Montgomery County Mental Health Advisory Committee in Rockville.
The State of Maryland mandates that each county shall establish a mental health advisory committee. The purpose of the committee is to serve as a strong advocate for a comprehensive mental health system for consumers of all ages.
The committee is responsible for advising the County Council, County Executive and DHHS on behavioral health related issues. The committee meets monthly.
Ms. Trachtenberg, herself a licensed health clinician, has been an active member of the national public health community through the American Public Health Association (APHA), having had numerous journal articles published on addiction, integrative medicine practice and women's health. She has recently participated in Obama administration task forces, including a key work group on mental health issues.
Over the years, Councilmember Trachtenberg has been honored by many advocacy groups, including APHA, the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI), and the National Center for Children and Families (NCCF).
Councilmember Trachtenberg has served on the County Council since 2006, as the Chair of the Management & Fiscal Policy Committee and Member of the Health and Human Services Committee.
The State of Maryland mandates that each county shall establish a mental health advisory committee. The purpose of the committee is to serve as a strong advocate for a comprehensive mental health system for consumers of all ages.
The committee is responsible for advising the County Council, County Executive and DHHS on behavioral health related issues. The committee meets monthly.
Ms. Trachtenberg, herself a licensed health clinician, has been an active member of the national public health community through the American Public Health Association (APHA), having had numerous journal articles published on addiction, integrative medicine practice and women's health. She has recently participated in Obama administration task forces, including a key work group on mental health issues.
Over the years, Councilmember Trachtenberg has been honored by many advocacy groups, including APHA, the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI), and the National Center for Children and Families (NCCF).
Councilmember Trachtenberg has served on the County Council since 2006, as the Chair of the Management & Fiscal Policy Committee and Member of the Health and Human Services Committee.
Friday, January 8, 2010
Youth Town Hall Meeting
For the first time, on Wednesday, Feb. 3, the Montgomery County Council will be holding a Youth Town Hall Meeting in effort to hear concerns and opinions directly from students. This is an opportunity for Councilmembers to hear directly from a wide representation of high school and middle school students from across the County.
The meeting will be held at the Council Office Building, with an informal reception at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting from 7-8 p.m. It will be broadcast live on County Cable Montgomery and rebroadcast at later times.
The students will be free to ask questions and join in discussions on any topic they deem important to them and other residents of the County. Among topics expected to be discussed are:
-Class size and other school issues
-Opportunities for activities and programs outside of school
-Safety concerns inside and outside of school
-Public transportation needs
-Pedestrian safety
The Council Office Building is a three-block walk from the Rockville Metrorail Station, which also is a stop of many significant Ride On bus routes. For those who will be driving to the meeting, we have arranged for free parking in the building's adjacent garage, which can be entered from Fleet Street.
All students who will be attending are kindly asked to RSVP by calling 240-777-7931 or by e-mailing delphine.harriston@montgomerycountymd.gov. They should provide their name, school and their grade.
If you or any students have any questions about this meeting, please call 240 777-7931.
The meeting will be held at the Council Office Building, with an informal reception at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting from 7-8 p.m. It will be broadcast live on County Cable Montgomery and rebroadcast at later times.
The students will be free to ask questions and join in discussions on any topic they deem important to them and other residents of the County. Among topics expected to be discussed are:
-Class size and other school issues
-Opportunities for activities and programs outside of school
-Safety concerns inside and outside of school
-Public transportation needs
-Pedestrian safety
The Council Office Building is a three-block walk from the Rockville Metrorail Station, which also is a stop of many significant Ride On bus routes. For those who will be driving to the meeting, we have arranged for free parking in the building's adjacent garage, which can be entered from Fleet Street.
All students who will be attending are kindly asked to RSVP by calling 240-777-7931 or by e-mailing delphine.harriston@montgomerycountymd.gov. They should provide their name, school and their grade.
If you or any students have any questions about this meeting, please call 240 777-7931.
Duchy Trachtenberg Meets with White Flint Partnership Representatives
Councilmember Trachtenberg met with representatives of the White Flint Partnership to discuss developments related to the White Flint Sector Plan, which is currently being considered by the County Council. Among the subjects discussed were the needs for pro-active community outreach, community partnerships, a sustainable fiscal plan, timely transportation infrastructure, and a transparent oversight framework for redevelopment.
The White Flint Partnership was begun in 2008 by a collaboration of local landowners working to together to transform the White Flint area into an accessible, engaging and vibrant community.
The Partnership’s website is located at http://www.whiteflintpartnership.com/.
To review the draft White Flint Sector Plan, click here.
The White Flint Partnership was begun in 2008 by a collaboration of local landowners working to together to transform the White Flint area into an accessible, engaging and vibrant community.
The Partnership’s website is located at http://www.whiteflintpartnership.com/.
To review the draft White Flint Sector Plan, click here.
Trachtenberg Office Discusses Veterans Issues at Easter Seals in Silver Spring
The Trachtenberg Office discussed veterans issues with representatives of Easter Seals and the Montgomery County Commission on Veterans Affairs.
After a tour of the Easter Seals’ new complex in Silver Spring, meeting participants discussed the critical needs of the County’s veterans and the resources that are available to meet them. There are over 60,000 veterans in the County and, currently, there is no VA-certified community-based outpatient clinic or County veterans service office to address veterans needs.
The Easter Seals Greater Washington-Baltimore Region has an increasingly robust program to meet the needs of veterans and military families. Among their active programs are an Air force and Navy Respite program and a “Little Warrior” program. This year, East Seals will initiative a program called “Veterans Count,” that will help wounded service members, veterans and their families navigate the multitude of public and private support systems.
The meeting was held at the The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Inter-Generational Center on Spring Street in Silver Spring.
Trachtenberg Chief of Staff Alan Bowser represented our office.
For the website of the Easter Seals Greater Washington-Baltimore Region, click here.
For information on their services for veterans and military families, click here.
After a tour of the Easter Seals’ new complex in Silver Spring, meeting participants discussed the critical needs of the County’s veterans and the resources that are available to meet them. There are over 60,000 veterans in the County and, currently, there is no VA-certified community-based outpatient clinic or County veterans service office to address veterans needs.
The Easter Seals Greater Washington-Baltimore Region has an increasingly robust program to meet the needs of veterans and military families. Among their active programs are an Air force and Navy Respite program and a “Little Warrior” program. This year, East Seals will initiative a program called “Veterans Count,” that will help wounded service members, veterans and their families navigate the multitude of public and private support systems.
The meeting was held at the The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Inter-Generational Center on Spring Street in Silver Spring.
Trachtenberg Chief of Staff Alan Bowser represented our office.
For the website of the Easter Seals Greater Washington-Baltimore Region, click here.
For information on their services for veterans and military families, click here.
Duchy Attends Annual Legislative Reception of the Montgomery County Volunteer Fire-Rescue Association
Councilmember Trachtenberg attended the Annual Legislative Reception of the Montgomery County Volunteer Fire-Rescue Association which was held at the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad in Bethesda. In attendance were all of the 19 local volunteer fire and rescue departments’ leadership including chiefs, assistant chiefs, presidents, directors and managers. In addition, many federal, state, County officials and their staff members attended as well.
Their website is located at http://www.mcvfra.org/.
Their website is located at http://www.mcvfra.org/.
County Launches Online Appointments for H1N1 Vaccinations
County officials announced today that residents can now make appointments for H1N1 vaccinations online (www.montgomerycountymd.gov/h1n1flu). The H1N1 vaccination is FREE and clinics are open to all County residents. Both nasal spray and injectable vaccine will be available.
“It’s not too late to be vaccinated against the H1N1 flu virus,” said Dr. Ulder J. Tillman, County health officer. “The typical season for influenza is the winter months and the best way to prevent illness is to be vaccinated. There is ample vaccine available and I urge all residents to get vaccinated.”
Those who prefer to make appointments by telephone can call the flu appointment line (240-777-4040) on Monday, January 11 and Monday, January 25 from 1 to 4 p.m.
The clinics will be held:
Tuesday, January 12
4 to 7 p.m.
Davis Library
6400 Democracy Blvd., Bethesda
8:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m.
Germantown Health Center
12900 Middlebrook Rd., Germantown
Wednesday, January 13
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
White Oak Library
11701 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring
Thursday, January 14
3 to 6 p.m.
Gaithersburg Library
18330 Montgomery Village Ave., Gaithersburg
Wednesday, January 20
4 to 7 p.m.
Damascus Library
9701 Main Street, Damascus
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Davis Library
6400 Democracy Blvd., Bethesda
Thursday, January 21
4 to 7 p.m.
Marilyn J. Praisner Library (Fairland)
14910 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville
Tuesday, January 26
1 to 4 p.m.
Germantown Library
19840 Century Blvd., Germantown
Wednesday, January 27
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Wheaton Library
11701 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring
Thursday, January 28
5 to 8 p.m.
Rockville Library
21 Maryland Ave., Rockville
Clinics will be cancelled in case of inclement weather based on the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) schedule. If schools have a delayed opening, clinics that begin before noon will be cancelled. If school is cancelled, all clinics will be cancelled.
Check Montgomery County’s website, www.montgomerycountymd.gov/h1n1flu, for up-to-date information about vaccine availability and sign up for email updates about H1N1 by clicking on the “Public Health Alerts” icon. The Flu Information Line— 240-777-4200—is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m
“It’s not too late to be vaccinated against the H1N1 flu virus,” said Dr. Ulder J. Tillman, County health officer. “The typical season for influenza is the winter months and the best way to prevent illness is to be vaccinated. There is ample vaccine available and I urge all residents to get vaccinated.”
Those who prefer to make appointments by telephone can call the flu appointment line (240-777-4040) on Monday, January 11 and Monday, January 25 from 1 to 4 p.m.
The clinics will be held:
Tuesday, January 12
4 to 7 p.m.
Davis Library
6400 Democracy Blvd., Bethesda
8:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m.
Germantown Health Center
12900 Middlebrook Rd., Germantown
Wednesday, January 13
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
White Oak Library
11701 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring
Thursday, January 14
3 to 6 p.m.
Gaithersburg Library
18330 Montgomery Village Ave., Gaithersburg
Wednesday, January 20
4 to 7 p.m.
Damascus Library
9701 Main Street, Damascus
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Davis Library
6400 Democracy Blvd., Bethesda
Thursday, January 21
4 to 7 p.m.
Marilyn J. Praisner Library (Fairland)
14910 Old Columbia Pike, Burtonsville
Tuesday, January 26
1 to 4 p.m.
Germantown Library
19840 Century Blvd., Germantown
Wednesday, January 27
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Wheaton Library
11701 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring
Thursday, January 28
5 to 8 p.m.
Rockville Library
21 Maryland Ave., Rockville
Clinics will be cancelled in case of inclement weather based on the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) schedule. If schools have a delayed opening, clinics that begin before noon will be cancelled. If school is cancelled, all clinics will be cancelled.
Check Montgomery County’s website, www.montgomerycountymd.gov/h1n1flu, for up-to-date information about vaccine availability and sign up for email updates about H1N1 by clicking on the “Public Health Alerts” icon. The Flu Information Line— 240-777-4200—is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Residents in Independent Survey Continue to Endorse Montgomery County As Good Place to Live
Montgomery County residents, despite feeling the impact of the nation’s economic downturn over the past two years, again strongly endorsed the County as an “excellent” or “good” place to live and said they are generally happy with the quality of services the County offers. Those sentiments were expressed in the most recent county-wide survey of residents conducted by the independent National Research Center of Boulder, Colo. The results of the 35-question survey were released today.
88 percent of overall respondents rated Montgomery “as a good place to live” (compared to 86 percent in the 2007 survey); 86 percent said the County is “a good place to raise children” (compared to 81 percent in 2007); and 82 percent were happy with the overall quality of life in the County (compared to 79 percent in 2007).
Responding residents continued to give high marks to significant County services including educational opportunities (84 percent rated them “excellent” or “good” compared to 81 percent in 2007) and recreational opportunities (80 percent excellent or good compared to 81 percent in 2007). The quality of fire service, ambulance service, recycling service, parks and public libraries all received “excellent” or “good” ratings of 87 percent or higher—similar to their ratings in 2007.
For the complete press release, click here.
88 percent of overall respondents rated Montgomery “as a good place to live” (compared to 86 percent in the 2007 survey); 86 percent said the County is “a good place to raise children” (compared to 81 percent in 2007); and 82 percent were happy with the overall quality of life in the County (compared to 79 percent in 2007).
Responding residents continued to give high marks to significant County services including educational opportunities (84 percent rated them “excellent” or “good” compared to 81 percent in 2007) and recreational opportunities (80 percent excellent or good compared to 81 percent in 2007). The quality of fire service, ambulance service, recycling service, parks and public libraries all received “excellent” or “good” ratings of 87 percent or higher—similar to their ratings in 2007.
For the complete press release, click here.
The Trachtenberg Office Staff Attends East County Citizens Advisory Board Meeting
Naomi Bloch, representing the Trachtenberg office, attended last night’s meeting of the East County Citizens Advisory Board.
The Board meets the first Monday of every month at the East County Regional Services Center which is located at 3300 Briggs Chaney Road in Silver Spring.
Citizens in attendance last night expressed concerns about crime rates and traffic safety.
This was followed by presentations from:
Steve Silverman, Director, Department of Economic Development
Jonathan Genn, Executive Vice President & General Counsel, Percontee, Inc. and
Robert Jepson, Associate Vice President, Washington Adventist Healthcare
They presented information of the FDA's important role to the area and how that adds positively to the development plans for a Science Village in the East County. A very lengthy and in-depth discussion took place concerning this project as well as other types of development in Eastern Montgomery County especially with regard to jobs creation.
County Executive, Ike Leggett will be at the East County Regional Services Center on Tuesday, January 12, 2010 from 7:00 to 8:30pm to conduct a budget forum in order to seek input from residents about the challenges facing the County in the upcoming Fiscal Year 2011 Operating Budget. The public is encouraged to attend.
For more information about upcoming meetings and events: www.montgomerycountymd.gov/content/RSC/EASTCO/Newsletters/2010
Or call: 240.777.8400
The Board meets the first Monday of every month at the East County Regional Services Center which is located at 3300 Briggs Chaney Road in Silver Spring.
Citizens in attendance last night expressed concerns about crime rates and traffic safety.
This was followed by presentations from:
Steve Silverman, Director, Department of Economic Development
Jonathan Genn, Executive Vice President & General Counsel, Percontee, Inc. and
Robert Jepson, Associate Vice President, Washington Adventist Healthcare
They presented information of the FDA's important role to the area and how that adds positively to the development plans for a Science Village in the East County. A very lengthy and in-depth discussion took place concerning this project as well as other types of development in Eastern Montgomery County especially with regard to jobs creation.
County Executive, Ike Leggett will be at the East County Regional Services Center on Tuesday, January 12, 2010 from 7:00 to 8:30pm to conduct a budget forum in order to seek input from residents about the challenges facing the County in the upcoming Fiscal Year 2011 Operating Budget. The public is encouraged to attend.
For more information about upcoming meetings and events: www.montgomerycountymd.gov/content/RSC/EASTCO/Newsletters/2010
Or call: 240.777.8400
County Council To Receive Briefing on County's Snow Removal Operations
The Montgomery County Council will be briefed on the County’s snow removal operations at a meeting of the Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy and Environment Committee on Tuesday, January 12, 2010 at 2:30 pm.
The Committee meeting will be held in the seventh floor conference in the Council Office Building at 100 Maryland Avenue, Rockville, Maryland.
The Committee meeting will be held in the seventh floor conference in the Council Office Building at 100 Maryland Avenue, Rockville, Maryland.
Councilmember Trachtenberg Congratulates Ana Lopez, Executive Director of Community Bridges
Councilmember Trachtenberg congratulates Ana Lopez, Executive Director of Community Bridges, for being chosen a Washingtonian of the Year for 2009; an honor given by the Washingtonian Magazine. This award recognizes her leadership and dedication to improving the lives of the diverse girls and families in the Silver Spring area. Lopez is one of 10 recipients who are featured in the January 2010 issue of the Washingtonian.
For the past 37 years, the Washingtonian has honored men and women who give their time and talents to make this a better place for all of us. Lopez has worked hard to enrich the lives of young girls, and strengthen the community even in the midst of economic and social challenges.
Congratulations, Ana! And thank you for serving our community!
Click here to read the article in the Washingtonian.
Click here for Community Bridges' Home Page.
For the past 37 years, the Washingtonian has honored men and women who give their time and talents to make this a better place for all of us. Lopez has worked hard to enrich the lives of young girls, and strengthen the community even in the midst of economic and social challenges.
Congratulations, Ana! And thank you for serving our community!
Click here to read the article in the Washingtonian.
Click here for Community Bridges' Home Page.
Want to Know More About Facilities Under Construction Where You Live and Work?
The Department of General Services created a “Neighborhood Projects” website that includes information about projects underway throughout Montgomery County. Each project page contains essential project information including DGS staff, architect/engineer and contractor contact information. In addition it provides status updates, progress photos (webcams in certain cases), plans, renderings and other general information.
The Neighborhood Projects' website is: www.montgomerycountymd.gov/NeighborhoodProjects.
The Neighborhood Projects' website is: www.montgomerycountymd.gov/NeighborhoodProjects.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
County Executive's Budget Forum Information
The County Executive will hold Citizens FY 2010 Budget Forums throughout Montgomery County. Some of the topics of discussion will be:
-How the budget process works
-Future projections for FY 2010 and beyond and
-Answers to any questions or concerns you may have
The forums are open to residents from any part of Montgomery County.
Upcounty Regional Services Center
12900 Middlebrook Road, Meeting Room A, Germantown
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 (7 - 8:30 p.m.)
Eastern Montgomery County Regional Services Center
3300 Briggs Chaney Road, Silver Spring
Tuesday, January 19, 2010 (7 - 8:30 p.m.)
Leisure World Clubhouse One Ballroom
3700 Rossmoor Blvd., Silver Spring
Thursday, January 21, 2010 (7 - 8:30 p.m.)
Long Branch Community Center
8700 Piney Branch Road, Silver Spring
Monday, January 27, 2010(7 - 8:30 p.m.)
Bethesda-Chevy Chase Regional Services Center
4805 Edgemoor Lane, Bethesda
Duchy Trachtenberg Meets with Latino Health Steering Committee of Montgomery County
Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg met with members of the Latino Health Steering Committee—Fernanda Bianchi, Phd, Richardo Flores, J.D., Evelyn Kelly, MPH, Eduarto Pezo, JD, MA MPH, along with Sonia Mora, MPH, Manager of the Latino Health Initiative (LHI) staff--to discuss the mission of the LHI, its recent accomplishments, community health challenges, and FY11 budget issues.
The Latino Health Initiative of the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services was established in July 2000 with the support of the County Executive and the County Council.
Its mission is to improve the quality of life of Latinos living in Montgomery County by contribution to the development and implementation of an integrated, coordinated, culturally and linguistically competent health wellness system that supports, values, and respects Latino families and communities.
Councilmember Trachtenberg is a member of the Council’s Health and Human Services Committee.
To read LHI’s FY 2009 Annual Report, click here. To visit LHI’s website, click here.
The Latino Health Initiative of the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services was established in July 2000 with the support of the County Executive and the County Council.
Its mission is to improve the quality of life of Latinos living in Montgomery County by contribution to the development and implementation of an integrated, coordinated, culturally and linguistically competent health wellness system that supports, values, and respects Latino families and communities.
Councilmember Trachtenberg is a member of the Council’s Health and Human Services Committee.
To read LHI’s FY 2009 Annual Report, click here. To visit LHI’s website, click here.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Upcounty Citizens Advisory Board Meeting in Germantown
The Trachtenberg Office was represented last night at the Upcounty Citizens Advisory Board meeting that took place at the Up-County Regional Services Center in Germantown.
At the meeting, Advisory Board members discussed CIP Priorities, the Life Sciences/Gaithersburg West Master Plan, and Code Enforcement legislation, pending before the County Council.
The Upcounty Citizens Advisory Board meets monthly at the Upcounty Regional Services Center, located at 12900 Middlebrook Road, Suite 1000, in Germantown, Maryland
At the meeting, Advisory Board members discussed CIP Priorities, the Life Sciences/Gaithersburg West Master Plan, and Code Enforcement legislation, pending before the County Council.
The Upcounty Citizens Advisory Board meets monthly at the Upcounty Regional Services Center, located at 12900 Middlebrook Road, Suite 1000, in Germantown, Maryland
Staff from the Trachtenberg Office Atended the MCCPTA Operating Budget Forum
Staff from the Trachtenberg office attended the MCCPTA Operating Budget forum held at the Board of Education on January 4. Elected officials from the Board of Education and Council provided an overview of the budget challenges facing the county and the school system for FY11. The central message was: This will be a budget year unlike any other in memory and everything will be on the table. In addition, we will not know the full scope of the fiscal shortfall until the General Assembly adopts the state’s budget in mid-April. MCCPTA representatives were encouraged to present suggestions for savings when testifying at BOE worksessions on the operating budget scheduled for January 13 and 20.
For more information on the MCCPTA, please click here.
For more information on the MCCPTA, please click here.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Planning Board Meeting on Long Branch Sector Plan Draft Scope of Work
On Thursday, January 7, 2010, the Planning Board will hold a meeting to review the Draft Scope of Work for the upcoming Long Branch Sector Plan. Public testimony will be taken. The Planning Board’s agenda, Long Branch item number and Draft Scope of Work can be found by clicking the site below:
http://www.montgomeryplanningboard.org/agenda/2010/agenda20100107e.html
For more information on the Long Branch Sector Plan and how to participate in the January 7, 2010 meeting, click on the Long Branch Sector Plan website link below:
http://www.montgomeryplanning.org/community/longbranch/index.shtm
http://www.montgomeryplanningboard.org/agenda/2010/agenda20100107e.html
For more information on the Long Branch Sector Plan and how to participate in the January 7, 2010 meeting, click on the Long Branch Sector Plan website link below:
http://www.montgomeryplanning.org/community/longbranch/index.shtm
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