Remembering Those Who Served - Memorial Day 2010

I couldn't have had a prouder moment being a speaker at the Renaming Ceremony of the Rockville Library on Friday May 28th.  The library will now be called the Rockville Memorial Library in memory of, and tribute to, local Montgomery County armed forces personnel who have fallen in service to our country.

There were at least seventy persons gathered; among them were veterans from various wars, family members, well-wishers, County Executive Isiah Leggett, Senator Jennie Forehand, members of the Montgomery County Commission on Veterans Affairs, Parker Hamilton, Montgomery County Director of Public Libraries and Edward Chow, Jr., Secretary of the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs.

In my speech, I emphasized that the renaming of the library served as a poignant reaffirmation of the County's commitment to our service men and women who live as our neighbors, and to all those who when they were called went "into battle with purpose, conviction, and courage to defend our interests throughout the world."

As the lone trumpet played softly in the open that day, and as I remember our veterans beyond this Memorial Day weekend, a quote by Bill Gray, Chair of the Commission on Veterans Affairs, is worthy of mention, "A veteran is someone who at one point in his or her life wrote a blank check to the U.S. for an amount up to, and including, his or her life."  We will never forget their sacrifices.

Rockville Memorial Library: Remarks of County Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg at the Renaming Ceremony, May 28, 2010

Renaming of the

Rockville Memorial Library

May 28, 2010 

On behalf of Council President Nancy Floreen and my colleagues on the Montgomery County Council, I want to add our very warm welcome to all who are attending this joyful ceremony to rename this library—the Rockville Memorial Library.

County Executive Leggett, Mayor Marcuccio, and Secretary Chow, thank you for your leadership in our community and your steadfast support for those who have served in Nation’s Armed Forces.

All of my colleagues on the County Council are proud of the dedication and service of all members of our Armed Forces and we honor the memories of those who died in the defense of freedom.  We salute their many accomplishments and recognize the many sacrifices they made to protect our Nation’s liberties and our American way of life.

Throughout our long history as a Nation—and as a County—members of America’s Armed Forces have stood guard against all threats to our Nation. And when they were called, they have gone into battle, with purpose, conviction, and courage to defend our interests throughout the world.

Some returned from the battle; some did not.

Our country and our County are stronger because of their service, because of their strength, because of their intelligence, and because of their courage. We owe them everything for their many contributions to America’s greatness.

On Monday, May 31^st, we will observe Memorial Day across the Nation. More than a date on the calendar, it is a special day of remembrance for those who made the ultimate sacrifice and gave their greatest gift to our country. 

Today, as we proudly rename this library, we should reaffirm our commitment to those members of our Armed Forces who live in our community and pledge to do more to help those who have served.

As a County, Montgomery can do more to help our Veterans and their families deal with the issues of health care, homelessness, education, and jobs. We can help Veterans and their families deal with the range of physical and mental illnesses that often are related to military service. And we can help them “navigate” the complex systems of federal and state resources for veterans and their families. And this is what we’ll do. This is our solemn obligation to those who have fought the fight, and for their widows, widowers, and orphans. 

Today, we remember those who died—in our hearts, our memories and our prayers. We must never forget their contribution to our Nation and their protection of the American family. With the Rockville Memorial Library, we will never forget.

Thank you.

Councilmember Trachtenberg to Attend Rockville Library Renaming Ceremony

Library to be named in memory and in tribute to local soldiers who have fallen in service to our country.

On Friday, May 28, 2010 at 11 a.m. in the Rockville Town Square Plaza, there will be a ceremony to formally rename the Rockville Library as the Rockville Memorial Library.

Councilmember Trachtenberg will be participating in the ceremony with Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett, District 17 Senator Jennie Forehand, Montgomery County Public Libraries Director Parker Hamilton, members of the Montgomery County Commission on Veterans Affairs, family members who have lost loved ones in the conflicts, veterans from various wars and the Secretary of the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs Edward Chow Jr.

The color guard, bagpipers and bugler will be provided by the Montgomery County Department of Police.

Participants will unveil the recently installed signage reflecting the library’s new name.

A display of personal memorabilia loaned by families who lost loved ones may be seen in the first floor display cases inside the library.

A continuing presentation of the names (including some photos of those who died in recent conflicts) is being shown on the monitor just inside the front entrance to the library.

Montgomery County Council Approves $4.3 Billion Total Operating Budget for FY11

Excerpts from official Montgomery Council News Release, May 27, 2010


In an austere year caused by the deep recession, the Montgomery County Council today approved a $4.3 billion total County operating budget for Fiscal Year 2011, which begins July 1. The budget is 4.5 percent less than the approved budget for FY10, marking the first decrease in a total budget since the adoption of the current County Charter in 1968.

Since March 15, when County Executive Isiah Leggett presented his recommended budget, the Council has worked to achieve equity in the allocation of limited funds. On May 19, the Council unanimously agreed to reduce the budget for Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) by $19.7 million in the operating budget and $4.7 million in capital budget, for a total reduction of $24.4 million (1.1 percent less than proposed by the Executive). These funds will help mitigate deep cuts in the safety net and other vital services, including Montgomery College. The MCPS share of the total combined agency costs will be 56.6 percent, compared to 55 percent this year.

On May 20, the Council voted to restore a number of significant items to the budget, including key additions that address health and human services needs. Items added include additional funding for the Montgomery Cares, the Patient Navigator program, MCPS school health room aides, residential treatment providers, the Community Vision program, Parent Resource Centers, residential treatment provider supplements and the Mental Health Association suicide hotline. Funds also were restored so that contracts for health and human services would be reduced by 5 percent, instead of the 7 percent recommended by the Executive.

The budget re-establishes the reserve at 6 percent, which should help maintain the County’s AAA bond rating. The reserve was reduced to 5 percent in FY10.

The overall tax-supported budget of $3.66 billion is down $191.0 million from the FY10 adopted budget, a decrease of 5.0 percent. This is the second consecutive year the tax-supported portion of the budget has decreased.

The MCPS budget of $1.9 billion represents 56.6 percent of the budgets for the four agencies (a decrease of 1.1 percent from the FY10 approved budget); the Montgomery College budget of $215.8 million represents 6.4 percent of the budgets for the four agencies (a decrease of 0.8 percent from the FY10 approved budget); the County Government total of $1.2 billion represents 34.3 percent of the budgets for the four agencies (a decrease of 7.0 percent from the FY10 approved budget); and the M-NCPPC budget of $92.7 million represents 2.7 percent of the budget of the budgets for the four agencies (a decrease of 13.0 percent from the FY10 approved budget).
 
In a budget year complicated by the national and regional economic downturn, the Council’s budget protects core services and “safety net” programs, but does not exceed the County’s Charter Limit on property tax revenue. The budget includes a $692 property tax credit for owner-occupants of principal residences. It freezes pay for employees of County Government, Montgomery College, the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) and MCPS.
 
Employees at all agencies (including the County’s public safety sectors)—except MCPS—will take unpaid furloughs in FY11. Furloughs for County Government employees, including elected officials, will be progressive: three days (24 work hours) for employees whose salaries are less than $50,000; five days (40 work hours) for those with salaries of $50,000 to $100,000; and eight days (64 work hours) for those with salaries greater than $100,000.

The Council provided funding for nine Educational Facilities Officers (EFOs) for the outreach program sponsored by the Police Department in partnership with the Montgomery County Public Schools. The officers involved in the program are assigned to a high school and its cluster of middle schools. The officers spend the majority of the day fostering positive interactions with students and school staff.

The budget includes a plan to consolidate all recreation facility and athletic field permitting, all class/program registration and most class/program operation in the County Department of Recreation from the M-NCPPC Department of Parks to create a more streamlined and user-friendly system for County residents. The Council believes this consolidation, over time, will lead to budget savings and operational efficiencies.

Click here to read the full Council press release.

The Trachtenberg Office Attends the Up-County Latino Network Monthly Meeting

The Trachtenberg office was represented by Naomi Bloch at the Wednesday, May 26th meeting of the Up-County Latino Network, a bi-monthly meeting that takes place at the Bohrer Park Activity Center – 506 South Frederick Avenue, Gaithersburg, Maryland.

A presentation was made to the group by Officer Diane Tillery and Internal Affairs to alert the community members to ongoing scams that take advantage of residents seeking to become citizens. Officer Tillery wanted to urge everyone to reach out to their various community members to alert them to this serious and ongoing fraud.

The upcoming Hispanic Heritage Month Planning was also discussed and everyone was invited to help contribute their ideas and suggestions in order to help make this year’s celebration the best ever. The Hispanic Heritage Month takes place from September 13 to October 13th.

There were several other updates and announcements made by those in attendance and very good networking and exchange of information took place. There will be no meeting in July.

For more information about the Up-County Latino Network and how to participate, click here.

Montgomery Council Scheduled to Approve FY11 Operating Budget Thursday, May 27

The Montgomery County Council at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 27, is expected to adopt a $4.3 billion total County operating budget for Fiscal Year 2011, that begins on July 1.

The Council also is scheduled to formally adopt the Fiscal Years 2011-16 Capital Improvements Program (CIP).

The Council session will be held in the Third Floor Hearing Room of the Council Office Building at 100 Maryland Ave. in Rockville. The meeting will be televised live by County Cable Montgomery (CCM—Cable Channel 6 on Comcast and RCN, Channel 30 on Verizon) and also will be available via streaming through the County Web site at http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/.

Maintenance of Effort Waiver Approved

I’m pleased to report that the Maryland State Board of Education approved Montgomery County’s FY11 Maintenance of Effort waiver request by a 7 to 5 vote yesterday. The State Board also approved the request from Wicomico County, the only other county to request a waiver for FY11.

Colesville Strawberry Festival

I had the great pleasure to attend the Colesville Strawberry Festival this past Saturday, May 22. A Colesville tradition that dates back nearly 27 years, the annual Strawberry Festival was held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the baseball fields located at 14015 New Hampshire Ave.

I enjoyed talking to many Colesville residents who attended the event. I also enjoyed the delicious fresh strawberries and ice cream and great music.

Trachtenberg Office Attends Talk on Immigrant Families in America by Best Selling Author Steven V. Roberts

Naomi Bloch attended Monday evening’s talk by Steven V. Roberts, best selling author, professor, TV and Radio Analyst that was hosted by the Montgomery County Committee for Ethnic Affairs (CEA) that took place at the Rockville Library from 7:00 to 9:00.

Mr. Roberts spoke about his recent book: “From Every End of This Earth: 13 Families and the New Lives They Made in America”, that profiles 13 families who immigrated to America. Mr. Roberts shared his own family’s immigrant experiences and discussed that even though the immigrant experience is different for each family, the one common thread is what Mr. Roberts described as the sacrifice generation, the ones that face "the pain of dislocation, of missing home, of living in two worlds and never feeling completely comfortable in either one." For many immigrants, this sacrifice is made for the sake of their children.

After Mr. Roberts’ remarks, he opened up the discussion and asked people in the audience to share their own stories concerning their personal immigrant experiences. The issue of intolerance toward new immigrants was discussed extensively and Mr. Roberts pointed out the long history of intolerance in America and how each of the various groups that were at first opposed have gone on to make invaluable contributions to this country and have also ultimately accepted into the society.

Mr. Roberts' talk is the first in a series under a pilot program developed by the Committee on Ethnic Affairs (CEA) to encourage communication among the diverse ethnic communities of Montgomery County. The CEA is under the umbrella of the Office of the County Executive, Office of Community Partnerships. Its purpose is to bridge the cultural diversity of all ethnic groups in Montgomery County and its mission is to advise the County Executive and the County Council on public policy that relates to ethnic affairs and to promote maximum involvement of all ethnic groups in the County government and other County services and programs.

For more information, click here.

CEA on Facebook.

Silver Spring Plays the Blues

I was thrilled to attend the Silver Spring Blues Festival in Downtown Silver Spring this weekend. Organized by the Silver Spring Town Center, Inc., and the DC Blues Society, the Festival featured a broad range of blues performers from the fifteen year old guitar phenom, Andy Poxon, to nationally-known keyboardist, Daryl Davis, to the Festival headliners, the legendary “Nighthawks! Also on the program were Silver Spring’s favorite son, Jonny Grave, Choo Choo Charlie Williams and Baltimore Red Jones, the DC Blues Society Band, and Mary Shaver and the Smokin’ Polecats. The Festival was videotaped by Montgomery Community Television, Inc. It was wonderful to see the great turnout by Montgomery County blues fans.

The Trachtenberg Office Observes Bike to Work Day!

The Trachtenberg Office joins the rest of the region and the nation in celebrating “Bike to Work Day”—an annual event that encourages residents and employees to choose bicycle commuting as an effective means to improve air quality, reduce traffic congestion and noise, and to conserve energy. Bike to Work Day events celebrate healthy and fun transportation, and include free food, beverages and giveaways.

To celebrate Bike to Work Day, residents and employees were invited to one of the County’s Bike to Work Day Pit Stops. The Montgomery County Pit Stops were located at Downtown Silver Spring, Downtown Bethesda, North Bethesda, Downtown Rockville, Falls Grove, NIH’s main campus, FDA’s campus at White Oak, and Bethesda National Naval Medical Center.

Biking and walking to work are healthy ways to make your daily commute. These cost even less than driving or taking transit and get you in shape! They also reduce pollution and congestion, enhancing our quality of life. And remember - Ride On and Metrobus have bike racks, so you can bike or walk part way and transit the rest.

For more information, contact 240-773-BWTW (2989) or email at mcdot.CommuterServices@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Statement of Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg on the FY11 Operating Budget

This year’s budget exercise was difficult, not for the faint of heart or those unwilling to address the reversal of fortune we are now experiencing as a community. There has been a change of community order that few anticipated.

I often refer to my son, Walter, a recovering schizophrenic hospitalized in Maryland, and how he has inspired my long-standing advocacy and public service. Last year during a hospital visit that included a hair cut and luncheon, I was struck by how dependent Walter was on strangers. He was thrilled by simple acts of kindness-those daily acts that get done silently by many. The message was obvious that day and remains crystal clear today: The Walters of the world depend on both our compassion and our wisdom.

I am pleased the Council, this year again, met this test by prioritizing education, public safety and the needs of the vulnerable and frail amongst us. I stayed focused on the little people and those who assist them. I walk away from this budget feeling good about many of the HHS items we added back in the budget, ones that I championed-reducing contracts by 5% not 7%; restoring funds to residential treatment providers and programs that address the needs of the developmentally disabled; and providing dollars to the suicide hotline. I also want to acknowledge both the HHS Chair, Councilmember Leventhal and Councilmember Navarro for strongly advocating with me for increased funding for Montgomery Cares, the important patient navigator program, and the restoration of the Community Vision program. These choices reflect the Council’s generosity of spirit and commitment to our residents. Thank you, Madam President, for helping to lead the way.

I must also acknowledge the early and hard choices made in the Management and Fiscal Policy Committee by myself, Council Vice President Ervin and Councilmember Navarro. After this year, I don’t believe anyone could ever describe this committee without using adjectives like hard-working and resolute.

Having worked in the front lines as a social worker, I am aware of how much sacrifice we are asking of our teachers, our police personnel, our firefighters and our librarians. I am grateful for your quiet contributions made each and every day. Your willingness to participate in the final budget will be remembered and appreciated by us all, as we strive to balance needs with dollars.

It is necessary here to underscore the significant contributions made by both my wonderful office staff—Team Trachtenberg—and the entire Council staff. Our difficult work is manageable because of your extraordinary support and dedicated service.

In closing, I am also very mindful of what must now be done beyond the passage of the FY11 budget. The Council has an obligation to the general public but even to those who serve on this Council in the future. We must seize this unprecedented moment and exercise bold leadership. We will need to define a sustainable fiscal plan-one that includes an improved reserve policy; one that addresses promptly the compensation and benefits that we cannot afford down the road; one that requires consolidation and restructuring in the short-term not the long-term; and one that reflects the priorities of those that we do serve in our elected capacity.

This will be no easy accomplishment but we have no other choice. Our responsibility is to address this fiscal crisis with a firm hand, an open mind, and a generous heart. I am confident that this Council will rise to this challenge and I will do whatever I must as Chair of the Management and Fiscal Policy Committee to make sure our public obligation is satisfied.

Council to Reach Tentative Agreement on the Fiscal Year 2011 Operating Budget on Thursday, 5/20

The Council will meet tomorrow, Thursday, May 20 to reach a tentative agreement on the Fiscal Year 2011 Operating Budget. The meeting will take place in the Third Floor Hearing Room of the Council Office Building at 100 Maryland Ave. in Rockville at 1:30 p.m. The meeting will be televised live by County Cable Montgomery (CCM—Cable Channel 6 on Comcast and RCN, Channel 30 on Verizon) and also will be available via streaming video through the County Web site at http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/

The Council is scheduled to formally adopt the budget on Thursday, May 27.

The Council will discuss the following FY11 Capital and Operating Budgets topics:

• Capital Budget Wrap-Up and CIP Reconciliation
• Council Reconciliation Items for Capital and Operating Budgets

It will also take action on the following items:

• Executive Regulation 5-10AM Furloughs
• Expedited Bill 18-10 Furlough Imputed Compensation
• Expedited Bill 33-10 Working Families Income Supplement
• Expedited Bill 32-10 Public Libraries – Payments to Municipalities

To view the complete Council agenda for tomorrow, click here.

Trachtenberg Office Attends the May Community Outreach Forum

Naomi Bloch represented Councilmember Trachtenberg’s office at today’s monthly meeting of the Community Outreach Forum, which took place on the 3rd Floor of the Rockville Library in the conference room of the office of Human Rights.

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

Today’s meeting featured presentations from Lorna Virgili, from the County Executive’s Public Information Office (PIO), who talked to us about the various Spanish media in the County and how best to make use of them. Ms. Virgili reported how a working partnership has been developed between the County Executive’s office and these various media and focused on the H1N1 and 2010 Census as two successful examples of this effort.

We also heard from Sonia Mora – Administrator for the HHS’ Latino Health Initiative (LHI) of the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services. Ms. Mora gave us a slide presentation explaining the successful outreach strategies being performed by LHI staff and 37 volunteer community members, in order to improve the quality of life of Latinos living in Montgomery County. This is done by the development and implementation of an integrated, coordinated, culturally and linguistically competent health and wellness system that supports and respects Latino families and communities.

Finally, we heard from Rosalinda Delgado, Editor of a Spanish language bi-monthly magazine that she founded called Buena Gente (“Good People”) covering both Montgomery and Frederick Counties.

For more information:

Office of Community Partnerships
Public Information Office
Latino Health Initiative
Buena Gente

Trachtenberg Office Attends Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Meeting

Naomi Bloch represented the Trachtenberg office at last week’s Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) meeting which typically takes place the third Tuesday of every month and is held at the Bethesda Chevy Chase Regional Service Center, located at 4805 Edgemoor Lane, Bethesda, MD 20814.

This meeting sought public comment on six possible versions of the proposed crossing project between the National Naval Medical Center and the Medical Center Metro station.

For more information about this project:

- National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
- BRAC FAQ

Trachtenberg Office Attends Aspen Hill Civic Association

The Trachtenberg Office was represented at the May General Meeting of the Aspen Hill Civic Association held at the Aspen Hill Library. At the meeting, Association members heard presentations from State representatives Lennett, Manno and Kramer about accomplishments from the last legislative session in Annapolis. Cris Bombaugh, President and CEO, Montgomery County Humane Society, discussed the mission of the Humane Society as well as recent developments concerning the Aspen Hill Pet Cemetery. Tom Hogue from the County’s Department of Transportation discussed the “Renew Montgomery” program and noted the selection of the Wheaton Woods neighborhood as a program participant. Our Chief of Staff, Alan Bowser, represented the Trachtenberg Office and made comments on behalf of Councilmember Trachtenberg who could not attend due to her participation in a budget meeting in the Council Office Building.

For more information, check out http://www.aspenhillcivicassociation.org/.

Council to Continue FY11 Budget Worksession on Wednesday 5/19

The Montgomery County Council will continue its worksession on the Fiscal Year 2011 Operating Budget on Wednesday, May 19, 2010 beginning at 9:30 a.m. This worksession will be held in the Third Floor Hearing Room of the Council Office Building at 100 Maryland Ave. in Rockville. The meeting will be televised live by County Cable Montgomery (CCM—Cable Channel 6 on Comcast and RCN, Channel 30 on Verizon) and also will be available via streaming through the County Web site at http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/.

The Council will receive an updated status report on the FY11 revenues and expenditures. It will also take action on the following items:

• Bill 13-10: Emergency Medical Services Transport Fee
• Bill 29-10: Excise Tax on Carbon Dioxide Emissions
• Telephone tax
• Transportation fees, charges and fares

In the afternoon, the Council will meet at 2PM to discuss the Montgomery County Public Schools budget.

The Council is scheduled to reach a tentative agreement on the budget on May 21 and is scheduled to adopt the budget on May 27.

To view Council session's complete agenda, click here.

Summary: Tuesday May 18—HHS Agenda Items—FY11 OB Council Session

Members of the County Council addressed the following items under the Health and Human Services (HHS) division of the Recommended FY11 Operating Budget.

• Department of Health and Human Services
• Early Childhood Services, Infants and Toddlers, Child Care Subsidies, School Health Services, Linkages to Learning, Public Private Partnerships, Foster Care Transportation, and the Kennedy Cluster Project
• Resolution to establish the Montgomery County Organizational Reform Commission

Please contact Saschane Stephenson, Legislative Aide for Health and Human Services, at 240-777-7963 (direct dial) or saschane.stephenson@montgomerycountymd.gov with any questions regarding HHS Committee matters and agenda items.

Congratulations to Our New Planning Board Chair, Francois Carrier

Today, my colleagues and I on the County Council approved, without reservation, Ms. Francoise Carrier as Chair of the Montgomery County Planning Board. Carrier, who has served since 2001 as the Director/Hearing Examiner of the Montgomery County Office of Zoning and Administrative Hearing, emerged as the clear contender from a list of sixteen applicants. She will be the first female serving full-time as Planning Board Chair in the Count’s history, and the third woman serving the board in a leadership capacity.

From her interview, what struck me, beyond her wide-ranging knowledge, was that she would be approachable, that she would understand the value of relationships; and that she would be a steady hand in these difficult times and beyond. It was very clear that she had the qualities of perseverance and poise. I look forward to a strong working relationship with Ms. Carrier.

Ms. Carrier’s approval by the Council, now awaits confirmation by County Executive Isiah Leggett. Her appointment if ratified will not take effect until June 15th 2010.

Francoise Carrier Named New Chair of Montgomery County Planning Board

County Council Votes Unanimously for Rockville Resident

ROCKVILLE, Md., May 18, 2010—The Montgomery County Council today voted unanimously to name Francoise Carrier of Rockville to a four-year term as the new chair of the Montgomery County Planning Board. She will fill the seat of Royce Hanson, whose term will expire on June 14. Dr. Hanson did not apply for reappointment.

The appointment will now go to County Executive Isiah Leggett for approval. If approved, Ms. Carrier will take office on or after June 14.

Ms. Carrier is a director and hearing examiner with the Montgomery County Office of Zoning and Administrative Hearings. She has worked for that office since 2001, carrying out the functions of an administrative law judge in land use and human rights cases, presiding over approximately 15-25 trial-type hearings per year and managing pre-hearing procedural matters. She issues detailed recommendations in cases decided by the County Council or another agency, and opinions in cases decided directly by the County’s hearing examiner.

A graduate of Stanford Law School with a background in economics and land use law, she previously worked for three Washington, D.C., law firms over a period of 17 years.

“This is a tremendous honor,” Ms. Carrier told the Council following her appointment. “I am excited about serving the County in this challenging position.”

To read the full Council press release, click here.

Thank you, East Silver Spring!

I was very pleased to be a guest at last night’s meeting of the East Silver Spring Citizens Association’s meeting at the Sligo Creek Recreation Center in Silver Spring. I was impressed at the very large turnout of community members on a stormy night, and we appreciated the wonderful food and drinks provided.

I talked at length about the difficult budget decisions that the County Council must make before we approve a FY11 Operating Budget. These decisions regarding possible new sources of revenues and severe program cuts will have wide-ranging impacts on the future form of our County government and the services that it provides to our residents and businesses.

There are no easy decisions in this process. We are considering increased energy taxes, an emergency transport fee, employee furloughs, limits on compensation and benefits for County employees, and additional cuts in education, health and human services, public works, and other important services. I said that our responsibility as a County Council and as a community is to develop consensus around a budget that is balanced in the short term and sustainable in the long term, a budget that maintains our commitment to public safety, education and assistance to the most vulnerable. We will make these decisions in the next few days.

With regard to Silver Spring issues, I reiterated my support for the new Silver Spring Library, the Live Nation/Fillmore project, and greater attention to the public infrastructure, especially roads, that serve the community.

I enjoyed the very lively question and answer period that followed my remarks. We discussed the County’s bond rating, our reserve policy, support of Montgomery County Public Schools, and issues related to the Emergency Transport fee.

Many thanks to President Bob Colvin and the members of the East Silver Spring Citizens Association for their very warm welcome. I appreciated it.

The Laytonsville Community Parade

The Trachtenberg Office was proud to participate in the Laytonsville Community Parade which was held on Saturday, May 15, 2010. We were pleased to join with the local school children, scouts, and the Gaithersburg High School Marching Band for the parade along Route 108 in the brilliant Spring sunshine. This year’s parade saluted “Our Agricultural Heritage.”

For more information about the Town of Laytonsville, check out http://www.laytonsville.md.us/.

Law Day 2010 Bar Association of Montgomery County

The Trachtenberg Office attended the 116th Annual Meeting & Law Day Celebration on Friday, May 14th, 2010. The event was held at the Bethesda North Marriott Conference Center. Martin O’Malley, Governor of Maryland, delivered the Keynote Address during the Luncheon Program. County Executive Ike Leggett attended the event as well as a special guest. Governor O’Malley specifically mentioned the tremendous efforts of County Executive Leggett during the past few months. The luncheon was well attended by lawyers throughout Montgomery County.

Laurie Mintzer Edberg, Director of Management and Fiscal Policy, attended the Luncheon Program for Law Day 2010 on behalf of the Trachtenberg Office.

FY11 Operating Budget Worksession to Continue on Monday, May 17

The Montgomery County Council will hold a Fiscal Year 2011 Operating Budget worksession on Monday, May 17, 2010 beginning at 9:30 a.m. This meeting will be held in the Third Floor Hearing Room of the Council Office Building at 100 Maryland Ave. in Rockville. The meeting will be televised live by County Cable Montgomery (CCM—Cable Channel 6 on Comcast and RCN, Channel 30 on Verizon) and also will be available via streaming through the County Web site at http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/.

The Council will discuss the annual Community Grants program and the new MC 311 Customer Service Center that will radically change how the County addresses requests for services and information. The Council also will get an updated report on the proposed consolidation of the Park Police unit of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission with the Montgomery County Police. Another item on the Council agenda is Department of Economic Development.

The Council is scheduled to reach a tentative agreement on the budget on May 20 and is scheduled to adopt the budget on May 27.

To view Council session's complete agenda, click here.

Celebrating the Kiwanis Club’s 43rd Charter Day Celebration at Leisure World

I had the great honor and privilege of addressing the 43rd Charter Day Celebration of the Kiwanis Club of Leisure World this afternoon. Many thanks to the Charter Day Committee comprised of Senator Leonard Teitelbaum, Chair; Norma Flaherty, Virginia DeMatteo, Ed Laskin, Anita McFarlane, Elaine Noss, and Nell Reid. The Kiwanis are a wonderful service resource in our community, and I was thrilled to be with them for their Charter Day Celebration.

Kiwanis International is an international, coeducational service club founded in 1915. It is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. It comprises approximately 8,000 clubs in 96 countries with over 260,000 adult members. The name “Kiwanis” means “we trade” or “we share our talents” and was coined from an American Indian expression, Nunc Kee-wanis. This was originally the motto of Kiwanis, translated as "We build." The current motto is "serving the children of the world".

For more information about the Kiwanis Club, check out http://www.kiwanis.org/.

Statement of Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg at the 43rd Charter Day Celebration at the Kiwanis Club of Leisure World, May 14, 2010

County Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg was the featured speaker at the Kiwanis Club’s Charter Day Celebration at Leisure World. Her remarks from the luncheon event follow.

When I raised my hand back in December of 2006 to take the oath of office, I understood the obligation I had to the residents of Montgomery County. For me, it was a continuation of my life’s work. During these last four years, I have strived to put people first and I have been hard-working and deliberate in my legislative actions, always willing to speak truth to power.

My priorities have been centered around children-their supports in school and out of school; public safety; public transportation; healthy and sustainable development; and the vulnerable, our most needy residents.

An example of this is the role I played in spearheading the Montgomery County Family Justice Center project into a reality. This is a clearinghouse facility that consolidates services for domestic violence victims and their children. In its first year of operation, over 1400 victims from over 100 countries have been served.

I helped lead the effort to reform our disability retirement system. I helped ensure that our procedures are based on a sound, public health foundation; that this important retirement benefit is preserved for those that are eligible; and that all employees have equitable access to the best medical practices.

As the Chair of the Council’s Management & Fiscal Policy Committee, I have worked with colleagues and the Executive branch to define over 2 billion dollars in savings during the first three budget cycles and presently I am playing an important role in defining our long-term fiscal plan in these most challenging times.

When I came to the Council building, I didn’t just want to fill an empty chair, I came to change lives. I believe I have done just that and I know each and every one of you are committed to that principle as well. We understand the virtue of the a well-known teaching from the Torah: “If you save one life, you save the world."

So the question today is “How do we make that commitment in this fiscal climate and complex world?”

We are at a fiscal moment where we can no longer maintain a perfect world, but a decent one where the needs of our residents come first. This will require hard choices but it also provides us with an opportunity-an opportunity to change the political conversation and consequently political will. This is one of those rare political moments when we get to define a new community order.

It’s important to note that everyone can have a voice in that, in small ways and in big ways. We can bring our voice to community organizations; we can participate in our spiritual house activities and provide influence; we can engage with our elected leaders on every level; we can contribute in meaningful activities that give back to our communities; and we can exercise our most precious right-the right to vote in every election. The power to change the world is in all of our hands, not just in mine.

On the Council level, we are struggling with a very difficult financial reality-a billion dollar deficit. We are experiencing a fiscal meltdown resulting from a number of factors. Here in Montgomery County, our tax revenue continues to shrink because of many national trends. In this year alone, our income tax revenue has declined by 21%.

Having less money to spend forces us to reduce county programming. This means our county government will surely look different in the coming years. It does mean less library hours, reduced transit hours, less social service programming for the needy. It will finally force political forces to address the unsustainable nature of the compensation and benefits we have promised to our public employees.

This all sounds challenging but here is the good news: The Executive and Legislative branches have identified three core priorities in this fiscal climate: education; public safety; and the vulnerable. This allows us to truly put people first, understanding that our investments in the people we serve and our commitment to the future in prioritizing our children’s education are of paramount importance.

This moment of crisis also helps us identify leadership we can count on. In the years of the Great Depression, we found FDR. In the turmoil of the 60’s we located JFK. And in 2008, we looked at President Obama for his inspirational and poised leadership. And in 2010, here in Montgomery County, we will need to look at our local leadership and see who has risen to meet the moment; who has seized the opportunity to change that community order; and who has the wisdom to understand that the best policy choices come from both the brain and the heart.

Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage. Let’s have faith in one another and extend our hand in friendship to all of those in our community. Let’s work together because together, we will accomplish extraordinary things.

Management and Fiscal Policy (MFP) Committee Meeting on Monday, May 17

The Management and Fiscal Policy (MFP) Committee, chaired by Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg, will meet on Monday, May 17 at 2:00PM to discuss the following FY11 Operating Buget topics:

• Executive Regulation 5-10: Furloughs
• Expedite Bill 14-10: Recordation Tax – Allocation of Revenue

This meeting will be held in the Third Floor Hearing Room of the Council Office Building at 100 Maryland Ave. in Rockville. The meetings will be televised live by County Cable Montgomery (CCM—Cable Channel 6 on Comcast and RCN, Channel 30 on Verizon) and also will be available via streaming through the County Web site at http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/.

For more information on the issues to be discussed at this meeting, please contact Laurie Mintzer Edberg, Director of Management and Fiscal Policy, at 240-777-7948 or laurie.edberg@montgomerycountymd.gov.

MFP/T&E Joint Meeting on Monday, May 17

The Management and Fiscal Policy Committee, chaired by Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg, and the Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy and Environment Committee, chaired by Council President Nancy Floreen, will hold a joint meeting on Monday, May 17 at 1:30PM to discuss the following FY11 Operating Budget items:

• Expedited Bill 15-10: Fuel/Energy Tax
• Resolution to amen fuel/energy tax rates

This meeting will be held in the Third Floor Hearing Room of the Council Office Building at 100 Maryland Ave. in Rockville. The meetings will be televised live by County Cable Montgomery (CCM—Cable Channel 6 on Comcast and RCN, Channel 30 on Verizon) and also will be available via streaming through the County Web site at http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/.

For more information on the issues to be discussed at this meeting, please contact Laurie Mintzer Edberg, Director of Management and Fiscal Policy, at 240-777-7948 or laurie.edberg@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Statement of Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg at the Kensington Town Hall Forum

Good Evening. I’m Duchy Trachtenberg and I’m running for re-election to the Montgomery County Council, as an At-Large member.

When I raised my hand back in December of 2006 to take the oath of office, I understood the obligation I had to the residents of Montgomery County. For me, it was a continuation of my life’s work. During these last four years, I have strived to put people first and I have been hard-working and deliberate in my legislative actions, always willing to speak truth to power.

My priorities have been centered around children-their supports in school and out of school; public safety; public transportation; healthy and sustainable development; and the vulnerable, our most needy residents.

An example of this is the role I played in spearheading the Montgomery County Family Justice Center project into a reality. This is a clearinghouse facility that consolidates services for domestic violence victims and their children. In its first year of operation, over 1400 victims from over 100 countries have been served.

I helped lead the effort to reform our disability retirement system. I helped ensure that our procedures are based on a sound, public health foundation; that this important retirement benefit is preserved for those that are eligible; and that all employees have equitable access to the best medical practices.

As the Chair of the Council’s Management & Fiscal Policy Committee, I have worked with colleagues and the Executive branch to define over 2 billion dollars in savings during the first three budget cycles and presently I am playing an important role in defining our long-term fiscal plan in these most challenging times.

When I came to the Council building, I didn’t just want to fill an empty chair, I came to change lives. I believe I have done just that and I ask for your support tonight. Please vote on September 14th for Duchy Trachtenberg, Montgomery County Council, At-Large.

Trachtenberg Office Attends Montgomery Women’s Annual Meeting

The Trachtenberg Office was represented at last evening at Montgomery Women’s Annual Meeting held at a private home in Chevy Chase, MD. The event was a catered affair with delicious food and lively conversation. Colleagues and friends gathered to network and catch up on Montgomery County politics. Most of the dialogue focused on the 2010 budget cuts for the county. In addition, members voted on officers for the upcoming year as well as discussed committees and future events. Many founding members of Montgomery Women attended the annual meeting.

The goal of Montgomery Women is to encourage leadership roles for women in elected office, boardrooms and communities. The organization is a non-partisan leadership and political action committee to provide a forum for women’s voices for Montgomery County. Throughout the year, Montgomery Women sponsors briefings, holds leadership forums and hosts networking events. Councilmember Trachtenberg as well as members of her staff are proud members of Montgomery Women. For more information on this organization, go to wwww.montgomerywomen.org.

Laurie Mintzer Edberg, Director of Management and Fiscal Policy, attended on behalf of Councilmember Trachtenberg.

Montgomery, Prince George’s Councils to Meet Jointly on WSSC

The Montgomery County and Prince George’s County councils will hold their annual joint meeting regarding the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission’s budget at 3 p.m. today, at the WSSC headquarters in Laurel. The budget agreement also will determine the rate increase for the water agency’s customers—an increase proposed to be 8.5 percent.

The councils will discuss and then vote on the WSSC’s proposed $1.1 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2011. The approved budget will pay for increased sewage treatment costs and increased costs of Sanitary Sewer Overflow Consent Decree compliance. The budget will also fund increased infrastructure renewal or replacement.

The budget, which takes effect on July 1, 201 0, can be reviewed on the WSSC’s Web site at www.wsscwater.com/budget/.

Council to Interview Four Applicants for Chair of County Planning Board

The Montgomery County Council on Wednesday, May 12, will interview four applicants who are interested in filling the position on the Montgomery County Planning Board for the expiring term of Royce Hanson (Democrat). His term will expire on June 14, 2010. Dr. Hanson, who is chair of the Planning Board, did not apply for reappointment.

The interviews will begin at 1:30 p.m. in the Sixth Floor Conference Room of the Council Office at 100 Maryland Ave. in Rockville. The interviews are open to the public.
 
The interview schedule is set as follows: John Robinson (Democrat) of Kensington, 1:30 p.m.; Tedi Osias (Democrat) of Chevy Chase, 1:50 p.m.; Peter Fosselman (Democrat) of Kensington, 2:10 p.m.; and Francoise Carrier (Democrat) of Rockville, 2:30 p.m.

Fiscal Year 2011 Operating Budget Worksessions to Continue on Tuesday 5/11

The Montgomery County Council will continue to hold worksessions on the Fiscal Year 2011 Operating Budget on Tuesday, May 11, 2010. The Council will discuss its intention regarding the Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Montgomery County Volunteers Fire Rescue Association (MCVFRA) and later will hold a worksession on the Fiscal Year 2011 budget requests of:

Montgomery College
Department of Transportation
Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (This packet will available online on Tuesday, May 11, 2010)
Department of Correction and Rehabilitation
Department of Libraries
Municipal Tax Duplication

The worksessions are part of the Council’s progress toward achieving a balanced FY11 Operating Budget.

The Council session will begin at 9:30 a.m. and will be held in the Third Floor Hearing Room of the Council Office Building at 100 Maryland Ave. in Rockville. The meeting will be televised live by County Cable Montgomery (CCM—Cable Channel 6 on Comcast and RCN, Channel 30 on Verizon) and also will be available via streaming through the County Web site at http://www.montgomerycountymd.go./

The Council is scheduled to reach a tentative agreement on the budget on May 20 and is scheduled to adopt the budget on May 27.

To view Council session's complete agenda, click here.

Trachtenberg Office Salutes Gandhi Brigade

The Trachtenberg Office was represented at the Gandhi Brigade’s 2010 Youth Media Festival kick off event held this weekend at City Place Mall in Silver Spring.

The Gandhi Brigade is a youth-directed community media project that has worked out of the Long Branch community in Silver Spring, Maryland since 2005. Since that time, it has worked with over a hundred teens helping them find their voice through community media. Notable film projects include "Finding our Turf," a documentary about youth public space in downtown Silver Spring and "PROPAGANDA!" a mixed media production about immigration. This year, eighty young adults—94% of them minority, immigrant, or disabled youth—worked with a dozen media professionals to produce video and graphic design that explored issues of justice, community, and positive youth development. In the process of creating media, the teens gained a deeper understanding of our community and the importance of their voice in shaping its future.

Gandhi Brigade prepares young people to become powerful leaders. In collaboration with adult allies, young people create multimedia that engages and transforms our community. It prepares youth for this leadership role through the integration of spirituality, entrepreneurship, and community relationships. Media professionals train and certify young people in various new media, including video and graphic design. Once certified teens give back to their community by teaching media skills to others and by creating media that challenges and inspires in the spirit of Mahatma Gandhi.

Gandhi Brigade peer instructors, called Circuit Riders, team up with partners to deliver instruction and support to create media through after-school programs. The youth serving partners include Passion for Learning, Einstein EMAL, African Immigrants and Refugee Foundation, Blair Sports Academy, Pyramid Atlantic, Community Bridges, School Girls United, and Long Branch Library. Other important projects include an annual youth media festival called Express Yourself in which young people from the Washington area show film, photography, and graphic design.

For more information, visit http://www.gandhibrigade.org/.

Montgomery County Council Begins FY11 Operating Budget Sessions

The Montgomery County Council began worksessions on the Fiscal Year 2011 Operating Budget today, Monday, May 10, 2010 with a status report on progress toward achieving a balanced budget from Council Staff Director Steve Farber. This report reflects the intensive work of the Council’s six committees since budget public hearings were held April 5-9. The report presented to the Council includes committee recommendations to the Council that differ from County Executive Isiah Leggett’s recommended budget that was presented on March 15 and adjusted on April 22. The report will include items the committees have placed on the “reconciliation list” for further consideration if funding resources permit.

The Council started worksessions concerning the operating budget requests of the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission, the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, the Department of Recreation and the Police Department.

The Council is also considering tentative approval of more than 50 budget requests on a consent calendar.

The Council is scheduled to reach a tentative agreement on the budget on May 20 and is scheduled to adopt the budget on May 27.

To view today's complete agenda, click here.

Duchy Trachtenberg "In the Loop"

Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg discusses the Report on Reproductive Health Services in Montgomery County and teen pregnancy on the County Cable Montgomery program In the Loop.

The Trachtenberg Office Attends the 2010 Marriott Spirit to Serve Community Service Awards Ceremony

Naomi Bloch represented Councilmember Trachtenberg at last evening’s 2010 Marriott Spirit to Serve Community Service Awards ceremony that took place at the Bethesda North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center located at 5701 Marinelli Road in North Bethesda.

Each year, through the prestigious Marriott Spirit to Serve Community Service Awards, the Montgomery County Volunteer Center, under the offices of County Executive Isiah Leggett, honors remarkable individuals, groups, and schools that have significantly contributed to the community.

This year’s honorees are:

Ms. Cathy Henderson, of Silver Spring for creating a model for the Montgomery Blair High School Career Center that is meeting the needs of 30 to 60 students per day.

Mr. Larry Schulman, of Potomac a social entrepreneur for building bridges between the business community and Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) to engage thousands of students in vocational training. The foundations Mr. Schulman helped to start include the highly regarded Montgomery County Students Construction Trades Foundations, Inc. (CTF), Montgomery County Students Automotive Trades Foundation, Inc. (ATF) - the first program of its kind in the nation, the Montgomery County Students Information Technology Trades Foundation, Inc. (ITF).

KidzCare USA, Montgomery County Chapter a service learning program for kids ages 5-17. KidzCare participants completed 28 different projects contributing 909.5 hours of service in 2009. Some of their projects included boxing food for Manna Food Center; assembling goodie bags for children staying at The Children’s Inn at NIH; gave goats, ducks, seeds, etc. through World Vision’s Holiday Alternative Gift Market.

MoverMoms, of Bethesda, a home grown group of 150-plus dynamic mothers and their kids who are making a positive difference in Montgomery County by bringing service opportunities to the 4-12 age groups. The group began in 2007 and their many projects have included helping working at numerous men’s and women’s shelter; assisting the Manna Food Center, participating in charity events to raise funds for multiple sclerosis, breast cancer and juvenile diabetes.

Westover Elementary School, Silver Spring, where the school principal and student council work hand in hand to create successful outcomes for their many community service projects that have included collecting clothes for Goodwill Industries raising money for the Fannie Mae Walk for the Homeless to support the Stepping Stones Shelter. The school also did a three week penny drive to support The Red Cross Haiti Relief and Development Fund with to the goal of exceeding the $493.29 that they collected for Katrina victims. And with the help of over 300 people they collected over 843,860 pennies – double their goal!

Carderock Springs Elementary, Bethesda, for their community service projects that they plan to coincide with the classroom lesson curriculum that is called “Pillar of the Month” (such as responsibility, cooperation, respect, etc.). The students come to learn how their actions make a real difference. The students have supported numerous local and international organizations including: Walter Reed Army Hospital; A Wider Circle; The Children’s Inn at NIH and Habitat for Humanity.

Rockville High School, Rockville, where a spirit of community service permeates all and their motto of “One School, One World, One Future” inspires them to engage in projects that support both local and global communities. One particularly creative project was “Empty Bowls” and event held for hungry families. Over 100 students made 200 ceramic bowls for a dinner that raised $1,260.00 for the Capital Area Food Bank.

Barrie School, located in northern Silver Spring, honored for their Pre-K through 5th service learning program and projects where the students themselves take personal ownership for the projects they perform. These projects range from volunteering at Great and Small, and organization that provides therapeutic horseback riding for people with disabilities to raising funds for Water for Life, an organization that brings water and hope to those in Niger, Africa.

Mr. Reed Dewey, Director of the Montgomery County Volunteer Center welcomed everyone and made introductions on behalf of this important annual event. Remarks were made Mari Snyder of Marriott International, Montgomery County Executive, Isiah Leggett and County Council President, Nancy Floreen.

For more information about the Montgomery County Volunteer Center: www.MontgomeryCountyMD.gov/Volunteer and how you can find help for a volunteer project or volunteer yourself.

Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg Speaks at the Beth El Men’s Club Breakfast

Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg, Chair of the Management and Fiscal Policy Committee and Member of the Health and Human Services Committee, spent Sunday morning at Beth El Congregation in Bethesda, MD. Councilmember Trachtenberg was the featured speaker for Beth El’s weekly men’s club breakfast. Over bagels, cream cheese and lox, Councilmember Trachtenberg discussed “Budget Challenges: 2010 and Beyond.” Over forty congregants attended the men’s club breakfast to learn about the deteriorating fiscal situation in Montgomery County. Councilmember Trachtenberg gave a strong and honest overview of the budget situation and then entertained questions. Many of the questions focused on the school system, direct social services and taxes. Moreover, there was a discussion of the different responsibilities between county elected officials and state elected officials. After the breakfast concluded, the president of the men’s club presented Councilmember Trachtenberg with a kosher, Israeli wine and thanked her for her time. For more information on Beth El Congregation, please go to http://www.bethelmc.org/ or call 301-652-2606.

For more information on the issues discussed at this breakfast, please contact Laurie Mintzer Edberg, Director of Management and Fiscal Policy, at 240-777-7948 or laurie.edberg@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Advocating for Children and Youth

Pat Salomon, MD, represented the Trachtenberg Office at a forum held on May 5, 2010 by Maryland’s Advocates for Children and Youth. At the forum, Uma Ahluwalia, the Director of Montgomery County’s Department of Health and Human Services showcased a system under development, called NO WRONG DOOR. Under this plan, Montgomery County DHHS is providing holistic care to our families in crisis. At the time a family presents for any type of help, a 14 point assessment is made to define what range of services are needed for this individual and their family. A plan is then made to access all the services needed. Multiple appointments are generated, the most urgent first, but with follow-through for all the necessary services. Then the entire team of providers continues to interact until the family is out of crisis and sustaining itself. Making all the services systems interoperable, and linking them technologically is a tall order, especially in the midst of a budget crisis, but the County’s DHHS is providing unique leadership across the country, to develop a coordinated response to families in crisis.

Trachtenberg Office Supports Welcome Back Initiative

The Trachtenberg Office was represented at the celebration of the Welcome Back Initiative, in Wheaton, on Wednesday, April 28, 2010. This program, launched through DHHS’s Latino Health Initiative, assists foreign trained health professionals to in Montgomery County, Prince George’s County and Frederick County to become fully licensed in the State of Maryland. Program participants study English as a Second Language, licensing exam preparation and are offered practice placements with the many cooperating hospitals and laboratories that are partners in this effort. This program is one of six across the country and expands the capacity of the counties involved to provide culturally diverse care of our community, which can only positively impact our health outcomes. Special kudos to Sonia Mora of the Latino Health Initiative, who brought the program to our County. She, along with County Executive Ike Leggett, was on hand to personally congratulate the 11 newest professionals completing the program. For more information, check out http://www.welcomebackinitiative.org/

Trachtenberg Office Attends Peace Youth Leadership Conference

On Saturday, May 1, 2010, the Trachtenberg Office was represented at the Peace Youth Leadership Conference sponsored by PeaceAction Montgomery, and Montgomery College Peace and Global Justice Studies, Mxd Unity and Contagious Love Experiment. Attendees heard reports from the participants on their recommendations to promote peace in their lives and in the County. Students from local high schools and colleges participated in workshops on youth gang violence, food justice, the Middle East, street harassment, the costs of war, and youth empowerment. They also heard from ex-prisoners, and young people who had grown up amidst the violence of Sierra Leone. Some had participated in service projects to decrease plastic water bottle use, and salvaging food waste in the county. The overwhelming response to the conference was that the experience of working together for the day to discuss how peaceful communities are created was invaluable and should continue.

Summary—PHED/HHS Committee Work Session—Thursday May 6, 2010

Members of the Planning, Housing, and Economic Development Committee (PHED) and Health and Human Services (HHS) Committee met today to discuss several items within the FY11 Operating Budget Recommendations:

Following are a few of the actions taken:

Long Branch Tenant Counseling
--$12,960 will be added to the Reconciliation list for Council deliberation to close the remaining gap in the Long Branch Tenant Counseling Program.

HIF Debt Service and the Revised Tax Supported Fiscal Plan
--$15M in bond funding was approved in the FY11 CIP

Parent Resource Centers
--the PHED Committee agreed to place $48,160 on the reconciliation list.

Today's MFP Meeting as the Audit Committee is Canceled

Today's MFP Meeting as the Audit Committee is Canceled.

Please contact Laurie Mintzer Edberg, Director of Management and Fiscal Policy, at 240-777-7948 (direct dial) or laurie.edberg@montgomerycountymd.gov with any questions regarding the Audit Committee.

MFP Committee to Discuss FY11 Operating Budget on 5/6

The Management and Fiscal Policy (MFP) Committee, Chaired by Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg, will meet on Thursday, May 6th at 2 pm. The location of the meeting is the 7th Floor Conference Room of the County Council Office Building at 100 Maryland Avenue in Rockville, MD. The session will be televised live on County Cable Montgomery.

The MFP Committee agenda items include:

Inspector General
FY11-16 Public Services program and Fiscal Policy
Revenue Stabilization Fund – FY10 and FY11 transfers
Property tax options
Property Tax Credit for Income Tax Offset
Expedited Bill 14-10, Recordation Tax – Allocation of Revenue (Packet will be available on the morning of 5/6)
Expedited Bill 33-10, Finance – Working Families Income Supplement – Amount
Resolution to amend rates of telephone tax
Cable Television and Communications Plan (continued)

Please contact Laurie Mintzer Edberg, Director of Management and Fiscal Policy, at 240-777-7948 (direct dial) or laurie.edberg@montgomerycountymd.gov with any questions regarding this MFP session.

MFP Meeting as the Audit Committee on 5/6

The Management and Fiscal Policy (MFP) Committee, Chaired by Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg, will meet as the Audit Committee on Thursday, May 6th at 12:30 pm. The meeting will take place in the 7th Floor Council Hearing Room of the County Council Office Building located at 100 Maryland Avenue in Rockville. The Audit Committee will discuss the following:

• Discussion of the Office of Inspector General’s Four Year Work Plan
• Status Report-Inspector General and Executive Branch communications

Please contact Laurie Mintzer Edberg, Director of Management and Fiscal Policy, at 240-777-7948 (direct dial) or laurie.edberg@montgomerycountymd.gov with any questions regarding this Audit Committee session.

Joint PHED/HHS Committee Work Session—May 6—FY11 Operating Budget

A joint meeting of the Planning, Housing, and Economic Development (PHED) Committee and Health and Human Services (HHS) Committee will be held on Thursday, May 6, at 9:30AM in the 7th Floor Council Hearing Room to discuss the following item within the FY11 Operating Budget.

• Housing First

Please contact Saschane Stephenson, Legislative Aide for Health and Human Services, at 240-777-7963 (direct dial) or saschane.stephenson@montgomerycountymd.gov. with your questions or concerns regarding this joint PHED-HHS Committee session.

HHS Work Session Cancelled—Thursday May 6

The Health and Human Services (HHS) Committee meeting scheduled for Thursday May 6th has been cancelled.

Trachtenberg Office Attends Smart Growth Discussion

Naomi Bloch, Community Liaison for Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg, attended a presentation last evening at the National Building Museum on “Smart Growth” issues. Jeff Speck, of Speck & Associates, a Washington D.C. based design consultancy serving public officials and the real estate industry, gave a slide presentation and answered questions from the audience on “The Smart Growth Manual” he authored with Andres Duany.

Maryland and Montgomery County were mentioned at least three times during Mr. Speck’s remarks as good examples of a state’s and county’s best practices, favorably noting the requirement that large developments include a significant percentage of affordable housing, and our County’s commitment to the Agricultural Reserve.

San Francisco Mayor, Gavin Newsome says: “The Smart Growth Manual” is an indispensable guide to city planning. This kind of progressive development is the only way to fully restore our economic strength and create new jobs, new industries and a renewed ability to compete in the first rank of world economies.”

Trachtenberg Office Annual Retreat

The Trachtenberg Office held its annual Retreat on May 1, 2010. From left to right, Alan Bowser, Pat Salomon, Naomi Bloch, Saschane Stephenson, Duchy Trachtenberg, Wil Gutierrez, Laurie Edberg, and Emily Hoopes.

Affordable Housing for Seniors and Persons with Developmental Disabilities

I was honored to have been invited to moderate a panel discussion on “Housing for Seniors and Persons with Developmental Disabilities” at this year’s Affordable Housing Conference, which was convened at the Conference Center in North Bethesda. I was joined in the panel discussion by representatives of the County’s Department of Health and Human Services, and affordable housing providers, Jubilee and Victory Housing. We discussed strategies to meet the housing needs of Montgomery County's seniors and adults with developmental disabilities, particularly in light of ongoing budget shortfalls.

Since its inception in 1991, the Affordable Housing Conference of Montgomery County (AHCMC) continues to tackle affordable housing related issues and their impacts specifically upon Montgomery County, MD residents. The mission of AHCMC is to bring together elected officials, housing and community development leaders, business professionals, activists and others to work toward affordable housing solutions.

Through its annual conference, awards programs, seminars, advocacy efforts and roundtable meetings, AHCHC seeks to form coalitions that identify and address issues including, but not limited to, workforce housing, mixed-use and mixed-income developments, inclusionary zoning, preservation of rental housing, first time home ownership, lending and fair housing, public-private partnerships and housing for people with disabilities. Throughout the year, Board members work closely with local, state and federal government officials, private developers, financial institutions and other nonprofit organizations to insure that affordable housing remains at the forefront of local, state and national legislative and regulatory agendas. As a 501(c)(3) organization, AHCMC is able to provide technical and advisory assistance and work closely with organizations in their efforts to provide affordable housing efficiently and effectively.

For more information about the Affordable Housing Conference, visit. http://www.affordablehousingconference.org/.