Congratulations to the Bethesda Big Train

The Trachtenberg office extends hardy congratulations to the Bethesda Big Train for capturing their second consecutive Cal Ripken Collegiate League Championship (CRCBL) last Saturday night at Povich Field before a crowd of 600, winning with a score of 8-4 over the Baltimore Redbirds!

Big Train entered the Championship Series as the #3 seed and knocked off the #1 seed, Youse’s Orioles and then went on to prevail over the #2 seed Baltimore Redbirds becoming the first team to repeat as outright CRCBL champs!!

Thanks for another terrific summer of the best family entertainment value in Montgomery County! We look forward to another great series next summer!

For more information about the Bethesda Big Train, please visit http://www.bigtrain.org/

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.

Bethesda Big Train Baseball Game

I so enjoyed being at the Bethesda Big Train game on Saturday night at the Shirley Povich Field, in Cabin John Regional Park!

I joined Big Train Founder and President, Bruce Adams out on the pitcher’s mound where he highlighted various young people and community organizations who live and work here in Montgomery County. It was a thrill for me to throw out the first pitch along with Marilyn Bagel of the Family Justice Center Foundation, one of the non-profits featured at the June 19th game.

I was able to chat with many neighbors, friends, players and others being honored at the game that evening. I even met the Bethesda Big Train mascot, Homer! Big Train played the visiting Silver Spring Thunderbolts and the Big Train won the game 10 – 1.

Shirley Povich Field, one of the nation's finest amateur ballpark and an amazing community resource not to mention one of the best family entertainment opportunities available anywhere! So, I am very pleased that the Bethesda Big Train organization was established right here in Montgomery County because it is just one more of the of the many things that makes living here in Montgomery County so special.

Join Me at the Bethesda Big Train Baseball Game on 6/19

Join me, and the Family Justice Center Foundation, at the Bethesda Big Train Baseball game on Saturday, June 19 at Shirley Povich Field, located at 10600 Westlake Drive, in Cabin John Regional Park, Bethesda, MD. The Bethesda Big Train will be playing against the Silver Spring Thunderbolts and the fun will begin at 6:30. For more information go to http://www.bigtrain.org/.

Rotary Club of Metro Bethesda Breakfast Meeting

Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg, Chair of the Management and Fiscal Policy (MFP) Committee, was this week’s guest speaker at the Rotary Club of Metro Bethesda. The club meets on Thursdays at 7:30 am at Redwood Restaurant in downtown Bethesda. The weekly meeting allows an opportunity to network with local business leaders, eat a delicious buffet breakfast and hear a dynamic speaker such as Councilmember Trachtenberg. The breakfast adjourns promptly at 8:45 am.

Councilmember Trachtenberg discussed Montgomery County’s fiscal outlook. Many factors contributed to this year’s budget challenge including a downturn in the housing market, a decrease in revenue from recordation taxes, and a decrease in the income tax revenue. She mentioned that Montgomery County is extremely dependent on income tax revenue as opposed to other counties such as Fairfax. Furthermore, Councilmember Trachtenberg stated that the County has a huge obligation to its employees regarding compensation and benefits.

In terms of the future, Councilmember Trachtenberg stated that the MFP Committee will be presenting new fiscal policies for Montgomery County. For example, there will be a FY11-16 Public Services Program, essentially a balanced six-year fiscal plan. Moreover, MFP will recommend a new and improved reserve policy. She frankly told the group that “we have not used our reserves in the most optimal fashion.” The MFP Committee will make recommendations to full Council by the end of June.

Councilmember Trachtenberg entertained several questions from the audience. Some of the questions focused on the White Flint Master Plan, relationship between the Council and OLO (Office of Legislative Oversight), obligations of the County Government to retirees, and ways to increase revenue for the County. One member advocated for a soda tax.

The Rotary Club of metro Bethesda received their charter in December 2006 from Rotary International. The motto of the Rotary Club of metro Bethesda is “SERVICE above SELF.” For more information on this Rotary Club, please go to http://www.metrobethesdarotary.org/.

Laurie Mintzer Edberg, Director of Management and Fiscal Policy, attended the breakfast with Councilmember Trachtenberg.

Bethesda Central Farm Market

Councilmember Trachtenberg was represented by Naomi Bloch at the Bethesda Central Farm Market (BCFM) to help celebrate, with BCFM co-founder, Mitch Berliner, Jim McKenna, co-owner of the Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard and other state officials and local dignitaries, a new law that went into effect on June 1st, which makes it easier for Maryland wineries to sell their wines at area farmers’ markets.

The measure’s local sponsor, Delegate Brian Feldman, Chair of the Montgomery County delegation to the State legislature, was there to present Mr. Mitch Berliner, a long-time champion of allowing wineries to participate in farmers markets, with the pen used by Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley to sign the Maryland Wine and Farm Market bill into law.

The Sugarloaf Mountain Winery (SMV) is the first to apply for this permit under the new law and was invited by Mr. Berliner to pour and sell its prize-wining wines at BCFM. Councilmember’s Roger Berliner and Marc Elrich also joined in the celebration along with Ginanne Italiano of the Bethesda Chevy Chase Chamber of Commerce.

For more information:
Bethesda Central Farm Market: http://www.bethesdacentralfarmmarket.com/.
Sugarloaf Mountain Winery: http://www.smvwinery.com/index.htm.
Bethesda Chevy Chase Chamber of Commerce: http://www.bccchamber.org/.

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.

Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg Speaks at the Bethesda Chevy-Chase Democrat Breakfast Club Monthly Meeting

Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg spoke this morning at the Bethesda Chevy-Chase Democrat Breakfast Club monthly meeting that took place at the Original Pancake House on Woodmont Avenue, in Bethesda.

As Chair of the Management and Fiscal Policy Committee (MFP) the Councilmember Trachtenberg talked about the various nuances concerning the present budget challenges and touched on the effect on the County from decisions made at the state and federal levels.

The group also heard from Councilmember George Leventhal, in his capacity as the Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee (HHS), the committee of which Counclmember Trachtenberg is a member. Both Councilmembers expressed their concerns with the declining revenue just when the demands for services have been increasing.

After their remarks the meeting was opened for Q & A during which there was discussion on development, jobs creation and an increase utility fees among other things.

"Duchy @ the Diner" Series Begins

This windy morning was the start of our "Duchy @the Diner" series. Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg will be going out to diners throughout Montgomery County for informal chats with constituents. People were already waiting to speak with Councilmember Trachtenberg as she entered the Tastee Diner on Woodmont Avenue in Bethesda this morning. Over coffee, poached eggs and hash browns, Councilmember Trachtenberg spoke informally on issue ranging from housing for people with disabilities to micro-finance issues in developing countries. The informality of the diner setting allowed for a free flowing conversation. The residents of Bethesda and Chevy Chase dropped in and out of the diner to speak with the Councilmember. Duchy @the Diner wrapped up around 9:30 am.

Tastee Diner owner Gene Wilkes and Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg at the first "Duchy @the Diner"

Please watch for a "Duchy @the Diner" in your area. The next one will be at the Tastee Diner in Silver Spring at 8 am on Friday, March 5th.

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.

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.

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/.

Montgomery County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

The Trachtenberg Office was well represented at the Montgomery County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce‘s Holiday Event at Guapo’s Mexican Restaurant in Bethesda. Staff members Alan Bowser, Naomi Bloch and Wil Gutierrez enjoyed talking and networking with representatives of the County’s Hispanic business community. Among the firms attending the event were FEEP Corp, Rill Architects, Creative Guys USA, C Accounting Solutions Inc., Open Global Marketing, Liberty Power, Landscape by Today Inc., and Sandglass.