Trachtenberg Staff Tours Rural Montgomery

Trachtenberg staff toured Montgomery County's Agricultural Reserve on a beautiful fall day, visiting White's Ferry, Dickerson, Poolesville, Bealesville, Barnesville and Sugarloaf Mountain.

Montgomery County's Agricultural Reserve is an important environmental resource for future farm enterprises. A strong agricultural heritage provides a diverse business community and a strong economic base. Combining these strengths with the commitment for farmland preservation makes Montgomery County an attractive place to live and work.  Agricultural activities occupy about one-third of Montgomery County's land area. Over half of the 93,000-acre Agriculture Reserve is preserved through transfer of development rights or easement purchase initiatives.  The County's diverse agricultural industry's 577 farms and 350 horticultural enterprises produce more than $251 million in economic contribution from agricultural products and operations. The majority of Montgomery County farms are family-run operations, many reaching back several generations, which employ more than 10,000 residents. The County has 577 farmers, of whom 50 percent work full time in farming.

For more information on Rural Montgomery, click here, for information about the Montgomery Countryside Alliance, click here

Management & Fiscal Policy Committee Discussed Bill 42-10 and Bill 34-10

The Management and Fiscal Policy (MFP) Committee, chaired by Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg, met on Monday, October 4th at 11:30 am to discuss the following agenda items:

1. Expedited Bill 42-10, Personnel – Retirement – Furlough - Imputed Compensation – Represented Employees; and
2. Bill 34-10, Finance – Public Facilities - Private Projects

Bill 42-10

Bill 42-10, Personnel – Retirement – Furlough – Imputed Compensation – Represented Employees would amend the definition of regular earnings and final earnings under the employees’ retirement system and the retirement savings plan to include imputed compensation not received due to a furlough for calculating retirement contributions and benefits of represented employees. It was decided to include a definition of “furlough” in the legislation. Moreover, the committee members decided 3-0 to accept the Bill as sent over by the Executive Branch.

Bill 34-10

Bill 34-10, Finance – Public Facilities – Private Projects would amend the definition of public facilities to specifically exclude the construction, reconstruction, extension, acquisition, improvement, enlargement, alternation, repair, or modernization of any privately owned building or facility. Councilmember George Leventhal presented testimony in support of Bill 34-10. In addition, Jennifer Barrett, Director of Finance, represented the Executive Branch and answered questions. Councilmembers Trachtenberg and Ervin opposed the Bill while Councilmember Navarro supported it. Councilmember Trachtenberg stated that the Bill may open the door to other restrictions. In short, she did not feel that this legislation was in the best interest of Montgomery County.

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.

Trachtenberg Office Tours Department of Technology Services Facilities

On August 11th, the Trachtenberg Office toured several facilities of Montgomery County's Department of Technology Services (DTS). Michael Knuppel, Chief Technology Officer of DTS, was our tour guide and coordinated all aspects of the tour. The first stop on the tour was the Council Office Building (COB) data center. Dieter Klinger, Division Chief of the Enterprise Systems & Operations Division (ESOD) and Max Stucky, Division Chief of the Enterprise Telecommunication Services Division (ETSD) provided information to us regarding maintenance issues. We discussed the need for cooling systems and temperature controls to keep the data center working at its maximum efficiency.

The DTS tour second stop was the Shady Grove tower site, a small and narrow gated facility. The following people guided us through the tower site: Bobby Johnson, Manager of Radio Communication Services; Joe Sabolic, Radio Technician Supervision; Alex Tsai, Senior IT Specialist and Robert Gould, Motorola on-site contractor. We learned about the public safety radio system and how it works throughout our County. The magnitude of radio systems in one small area was impressive. All radio communications in the County flow through the tower site.

Finally, we toured the Public Safety Communication Center (PSCC). Bill Ferretti – MCPD/Deputy Director of 911 Operations provided the tour. We had an opportunity to view the room in which emergency 911 calls are fielded. Mr. Ferretti explained the in-depth and lengthy training for a 911 call-taker. In addition, we visited the “situation room” in which heads of departments gather during an emergency situation such as this winter’s Snowmaggedon.

Alan Bowser, Chief of Staff to Councilmember Trachtenberg, and Laurie Mintzer Edberg, Director of Management and Fiscal Policy for Councilmember Trachtenberg, represented the Trachtenberg office. For more information, please contact Laurie Mintzer Edberg at 240-777-7948 or Laurie.Edberg@montgomerycountymd.gov.

For more information on the County's Department of Technology Services, click here

MFP Committee to discuss Memoranda of Agreement on July 26th

The Management and Fiscal Policy (MFP) Committee, Chaired by Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg, will meet on Monday, July 26th at 9:30 am. The meeting will be held in the 7th Floor Conference Room of the County Council Office Building located at 100 Maryland Avenue in Rockville. The agenda items will include:

• Expedited Bill 19-10, Taxes - Transportation Impact Tax - Amendments
• Memoranda of Agreement: Fraternal Order of Police (FOB), Municipal and County Government Employees Organization (MCGEO), Municipal and County Government Employees Organization (MCGEO) on furlough procedures, Montgomery County Career Fire Fighters Association (IAFF), and Montgomery County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association (MCVFRA) 

The meeting will be televised live by County Cable Montgomery (CCM—Cable Channel 6 on Comcast and RCN, Channel 30 on Verizon) and will also be available via streaming through the County Web site. 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.

County Council Approves MFP Recommendations

On Tuesday, July 20, 2010 the County Council approved all of the Management and Fiscal Policy (MFP) recommendations forwarded to the full Council for consideration. The MFP Committee is chaired by Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg and includes Councilmember Valerie Ervin and Councilmember Nancy Navarro.

On this morning’s consent calendar, the full Council approved the MFP Committee recommendation to approve Executive Regulation 3-10, Hiring Preference for Persons with Disabilities and a resolution to approve cable franchise transfer from Starpower Communications, LLC to Yankee Cable Acquisition, LLC.

During the Legislative Session (Day #22), the full Council approved the MFP Committee recommendation to approve Expedited Bill 37-10, Ethics – Ethics Commission – Staff. This legislation will greatly enhance the independency of the Ethics Commission. In addition, the full Council approved the MFP Committee recommendation to approve Expedited Bill 41-09, Taxation – Property Tax Credit – Business Incubator. Bill 41-09 allows a property tax credit against County property taxes imposed on property used as a business incubator.

This morning’s County Council session was televised live on CCM Channels Comcast 6, RCN 6, and Verizon 30; repeated on July 23, 2010 at 9 pm. 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 County Council session.

MFP Committee Meeting - Thursday, July 15th - Summary

The Management and Fiscal Policy (MFP) Committee, Chaired by Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg, met on Thursday, July 15th at 3:30 pm. The MFP Committee discussed the following agenda items:

• Resolution to approve cable franchise transfer from Starpower Communications, LLC to Yankee Cable Acquisition, LLC
• Expedited Bill 37-10, Ethics - Ethics Commission - Staff
• Executive Regulation 3-10, Hiring Preference for Persons with Disabilities
• Executive Regulation 27-09, General Applicability of Personnel Regulations to Employees of Local Fire and Rescue Departments

The MFP Committee approved the resolution to approve cable franchise transfer from Starpower Communications, LLC to Yankee Cable Acquisition, LLC. Representatives from RCN and Starpower attended the Committee work session. Councilmember Trachtenberg raised the issue of municipalities with regard to granting the franchise transfer. Council action on this issue is scheduled for Tuesday, July 20th.

The MFP Committee recommended Expedited Bill 37-10, Ethics-Ethics Commission-Staff to full Council for consideration. There was a public hearing on Bill 37-10 on July 13th. All of the speakers spoke in favor of Bill 37-10 which requires that the Ethics Commission staff director is a lawyer authorized to practice in the State of Maryland and that the Ethics Commission may seek guidance from the County Attorney but is not required to do so. Council action on this issue is scheduled for Tuesday, July 20th.

The MFP Committee recommended Executive Regulation 3-10, Hiring Preference for Persons with Disabilities to full Council for consideration. Regulation 3-10 is needed to implement Bill 46-09 on a Hiring Preference for People with Disabilities. In addition, the regulation modifies the definition of a veteran for purposes of the hiring preference.

The MFP Committee recommended amended Executive Regulation 27-09 AM, General Applicability of Personnel Regulations to Employees of Local Fire and Rescue Departments to full Council for consideration. This regulation implements a recent decision by the Merit System Protection Board. It states that County regulations apply to employees of the Local Fire and Rescue Departments.

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.

Audit/MFP Committee Meeting - Thursday, July 15th - Summary

The Management and Fiscal Policy (MFP) Committee, Chaired by Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg, met as the Audit Committee on Thursday, July 15th at 2:00 pm. Council President Nancy Floreen and Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg attended the meeting. The Audit Committee discussed the following agenda items:

• Internal audit risk assessment and three-year work plan
• FY09 Audit of the Montgomery County Union Employees Deferred Compensation Plan

Representatives from the Executive Branch and Consultants included: Farriba Kassiri, Assistant Chief Administrative Officer; Larry Dyckman, Internal Audit Manager and Frank Spasoff, Partner at Cherry, Bekaert & Holland LLP. Independent Auditor’s Staff and Plan Representatives included: Keith Novak and Jennifer Davis, both from Clifton Gunderson, LLP and Walter E. Bader, Chair of the Montgomery County Union Employees Deferred Compensation Plan.

The first portion of the work session focused on the approach and methodology of the risk assessment and three-year work plan. It was established that the work plan is a “living document” and may evolve and or change dependent on circumstances within the County. The second portion of the work session addressed the Deferred Compensation Plan. It was determined that the Deferred Compensation Plan is in good financial shape. The Committee did address a minor issue with respect to reporting of raw data.

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.

Audit/MFP Committee Meeting on Thursday, July 15th

The Management and Fiscal Policy (MFP) Committee, chaired by Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg, met as the Audit Committee on Thursday, July 15th at 2:00 pm. Council President Nancy Floreen and Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg attended the meeting. The Audit Committee discussed the following agenda items:

• Internal audit risk assessment and three-year work plan
• FY09 Audit of the Montgomery County Union Employees Deferred Compensation Plan

Representatives from the Executive Branch and Consultants included: Farriba Kassiri, Assistant Chief Administrative Officer; Larry Dyckman, Internal Audit Manager and Frank Spasoff, Partner at Cherry, Bekaert & Holland LLP. Independent Auditor’s Staff and Plan Representatives included: Keith Novak and Jennifer Davis, both from Clifton Gunderson, LLP and Walter E. Bader, Chair of the Montgomery County Union Employees Deferred Compensation Plan.

The first portion of the work session focused on the approach and methodology of the risk assessment and three-year work plan. It was established that the work plan is a “living document” and may evolve and or change dependent on circumstances within the County. The second portion of the work session addressed the Deferred Compensation Plan. It was determined that the Deferred Compensation Plan is in good financial shape. The Committee did address a minor issue with respect to reporting of raw data.

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.

MFP Committee Meeting on Thursday, July 15th

The Management and Fiscal Policy (MFP) Committee, chaired by Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg, met on Thursday, July 15th at 3:30 pm. The MFP Committee discussed the following agenda items:

• Resolution to approve cable franchise transfer from Starpower Communications, LLC to Yankee Cable Acquisition, LLC
• Expedited Bill 37-10, Ethics - Ethics Commission - Staff
• Executive Regulation 3-10, Hiring Preference for Persons with Disabilities
• Executive Regulation 27-09, General Applicability of Personnel Regulations to Employees of Local Fire and Rescue Departments

The MFP Committee approved the resolution to approve cable franchise transfer from Starpower Communications, LLC to Yankee Cable Acquisition, LLC. Representatives from RCN and Starpower attended the Committee work session. Councilmember Trachtenberg raised the issue of municipalities with regard to granting the franchise transfer. Council action on this issue is scheduled for Tuesday, July 20th.

The MFP Committee recommended Expedited Bill 37-10, Ethics-Ethics Commission-Staff to full Council for consideration. There was a public hearing on Bill 37-10 on July 13th. All of the speakers spoke in favor of Bill 37-10 which requires that the Ethics Commission staff director is a lawyer authorized to practice in the State of Maryland and that the Ethics Commission may seek guidance from the County Attorney but is not required to do so. Council action on this issue is scheduled for Tuesday, July 20th.

The MFP Committee recommended Executive Regulation 3-10, Hiring Preference for Persons with Disabilities to full Council for consideration. Regulation 3-10 is needed to implement Bill 46-09 on a Hiring Preference for People with Disabilities. In addition, the regulation modifies the definition of a veteran for purposes of the hiring preference.

The MFP Committee recommended amended Executive Regulation 27-09 AM, General Applicability of Personnel Regulations to Employees of Local Fire and Rescue Departments to full Council for consideration. This regulation implements a recent decision by the Merit System Protection Board. It states that County regulations apply to employees of the Local Fire and Rescue Departments.

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 Committee Meeting on June 24th

The Management and Fiscal Policy (MFP) Committee, Chaired by Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg, will meet on Thursday, June 24th at 9:30 am. The meeting will be held in the 3rd Floor Conference Room of the County Council Office Building located at 100 Maryland Avenue in Rockville. The MFP Committee will discuss the following agenda items:

• Resolution to approve Reserve and selected Fiscal Policies (continued)
• Bill 36-10, Revenue Stabilization Fund-Amendments (continued)
• Tax Supported Fiscal Plan Summery for FY11-16 Public Services Program
• Office of Legislative Oversight’s FY11 Work Program

The committee 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/.

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 Committee Meeting on June 21st

The Management and Fiscal Policy (MFP) Committee, Chaired by Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg, met on Monday, June 21st at 10:00 am. The MFP Committee discussed the following agenda items:

• Resolution to approve Franchise Agreement for Use of Public Right-of-Way: Level 3 Communications, LLC
• Bill 31-10, Board of Investment Trustees - Membership
• Expedited Bill 30-10, Personnel - Equal Benefits - Fire and Rescue Employees
• Expedited Bill 41-09, Taxation - Property Tax Credit - Business Incubator

The MFP Committee approved a resolution to approve a franchise agreement for use of public right-of-way: Level 3 Communications Services, Inc. In addition, the Committee approved Bill 31-10, Board of Investment Trustees-Membership. Bill 31-10 revises the composition of the Board of Investment Trustees by providing that the representative of the police bargaining unit serve on the Board indefinitely rather than for a fixed term. Moreover, the MFP Committee approved Bill 301-10, Personnel - Equal Benefits – Fire and Rescue Employees. Bill 30-10 amends the law to implement the 2002 collective bargaining agreement with the IAFF (International Association of Fire Fighters) by providing health and insurance benefits to opposite sex domestic partners of employees in the fire and rescue services bargaining unit. Chair Trachtenberg stated that equity with respect to employee benefits should be across the board for all collective bargaining units.

Finally, the MFP Committee discussed Expedite Bill 41-09 on Business Incubators. Steve Silverman, Director of Economic Development, testified at the committee meeting. The effect of this Bill is to substitute a property tax credit for the property tax which each incubator would otherwise be required to pay because, although the incubator is funded by the County, it is located in a privately-owned, fully taxable building, or, if located in a government-owned building, is occupied by a private business. The Committee approved Bill 41-09 with two minor amendments: (1) the credit is limited to incubators either funded substantially by the state or County or located in state or County buildings; and (2) the effective date of the Bill begins on or after July 1, 2010.

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 Committee Meeting on June 21st

The Management and Fiscal Policy (MFP) Committee, Chaired by Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg, will meet on Monday, June 21st at 10:00 am. Please note that this meeting was originally scheduled for June 17th. The meeting will be held in the 7th Floor Hearing Room of the County Council Office Building located at 100 Maryland Avenue in Rockville. The MFP Committee will discuss the following agenda items:

• Resolution to approve Franchise Agreement for Use of Public Right-of-Way: Level 3 Communications, LLC
• Bill 31-10, Board of Investment Trustees - Membership
• Expedited Bill 30-10, Personnel - Equal Benefits - Fire and Rescue Employees
• Expedited Bill 41-09, Taxation - Property Tax Credit - Business Incubator

Note: The MFP Committee deferred discussion on Executive Regulation 27-09, General Applicability of Personnel Regulations to Employees of Local Fire and Rescue Departments.

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.

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.

MFP Committee to Meet on 6/17 at 3 pm

The Management and Fiscal Policy (MFP) Committee, Chaired by Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg, will meet on Thursday, June 17th at 3 pm. The meeting will be held in the 7th Floor Conference Room of the County Council Office Building located at 100 Maryland Avenue in Rockville. The MFP Committee will discuss the following agenda items:

(1) Resolution to approve Franchise Agreement for Use of Public Right-of-Way: Level 3 Communications, LLC
(2) Bill 31-10, Board of Investment Trustees – Membership
(3) Expedited Bill 30-10, Personnel – Equal Benefits – Fire and Rescue Employees
(4) Executive Regulation 27-09, General Applicability of Personnel Regulations to Employees of Local Fire and Rescue Departments.
(5) Expedited Bill 41-09, Taxation - Property Tax Credit - Business Incubator

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 Committee session.

Trachtenberg Office Tours PEG Network

On Tuesday, June 1st the Trachtenberg Office visited several members of the PEG (Public, Education, and Government) cable television network. The PEG network is an essential organization in the creation and dissemination of important TV programming and emergency information to our community. In addition to providing live and taped television programming, the PEG network provides video streaming, closed-captioning, and web casting of important Montgomery County events.

Our tour included Montgomery County Public Schools Instructional TV, Access Montgomery and Montgomery College. We viewed the three physical facilities including the studios, equipment and editing rooms. Moreover, we spoke with many of the engineers, editors and supervisors at the PEG channels. Some highlights include learning about the Homework Hotline at MCPS Instructional TV and the hands-on training for students at Montgomery College. Also, we had an opportunity to view several of the sets used for news and educational programs.

Alan Bowser and Laurie Mintzer Edberg attended the PEG tour on behalf of the Trachtenberg Office. Mitsuko Herrera, Cable Communications Administrator for Montgomery County, arranged the PEG tour. If you have any questions regarding the PEG network, please contact Laurie Mintzer Edberg, Director of Management & Fiscal Policy, at 240-777-7948 or laurie.edberg@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Watch the PEG channels at http://www.watchlocaltv.org/.

For additional information:

Access Montgomery
(301) 424-1730

Montgomery College Television
(301) 251-7160

Montgomery County Public Schools Instructional TV
(301) 279-3141

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.