Councilmember Trachtenberg Speaks to the Western Montgomery Citizens Advisory Board

Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg, as Chair of the Management and Fiscal Policy Committee (MFP) spoke before the Western Montgomery Citizens Advisory Board on Monday, June 21 and briefed the Board and the residents present about the next steps regarding the ongoing economic challenges facing Montgomery County now that the budget for FY11 has been voted on.

She talked about the critical need to restructure the way the county operates because “business as usual” is no longer an option. Councilmember Trachtenberg explained, for one example that 80% of the county’s economic responsibilities are for county staff and the overly generous benefits and retirement obligations to county employees.

She added that this critical work of restructuring county government will be ongoing in the months and years ahead and that it is critical that the County Council receive input from the residents of the county as all the various options are considered.

District 1 Councilmember Roger Berliner also spoke at the meeting and talked about specific issues facing the Bethesda, Chevy Chase and Potomac areas of the county. He updated everyone on BRAC and the White Flint Sector Plan and also commented on the seriousness of the budget work ahead for the County Council.

Everyone joined together to honor Bill Bronrott as he was presented with a certificate of appreciation for his long years of service to the community. Mr. Bronrott recently resigned as Delegate to accept a position in the Obama Administration.

The Western Montgomery Citizens Advisory Group (WMCAB) meets monthly and their meetings are open to the public. For more information and a schedule of their meetings, click here.