 Last month Amazon announced their short list for their second headquarters (HQ2) location, and Montgomery County made the cut! This is yet another affirmation that this County is a great place to live and work. We have an educated workforce, a quality public school system, public transit, and a local government that works to create a thriving local economy to provide the highest quality of life for its residents. We have what Amazon is looking for, and I'm excited about this extraordinary economic development opportunity. Stay tuned for more information.
|
Last December we learned that our revenue estimates were too high. In response, the County Executive sent the Council a proposed Savings Plan for FY18, for this fiscal year ending in June, 2018. His plan included a $58.7 million in operating budget savings and $13.5 million in capital budget current revenue savings. The Council committees thoroughly reviewed all aspects of the Executive’s proposal and we have approved a Savings Plan with $53.4 million in operating budget savings and $9.3 million in capital budget current revenue savings. You can learn more from the Council staff report here.
 Effective today, Marlene Michaelson is our new Council Administrator and is the first woman to hold this position. She replaces Steve Farber who retired after 26 years as Council Administrator. Marlene recently served as the Council's senior analyst on planning issues for 29 years. As Chair of the Planning, Housing and Economic Development Committee, I had the pleasure of working closely with Marlene for over 15 years. I greatly appreciate her guidance and expertise while reviewing master plans and her in-depth knowledge about land use issues.
The Council Administrator is the primary adviser to the Council. Marlene will assist Councilmembers with development and implementation of Council policies and will oversee the Council staff. She will also represent the Council on County boards, including the investment boards of the County's retirement plans.
Additionally, I want to thank Steve Farber for his extraordinary service as Council Administrator for 26 years. We are incredibly fortunate to have such dedicated and talented people working for our County.
|
Take a look at the County Executive's recommended FY19 Capital Budget and six-year FY19-24 Capital Improvements Program (CIP). Let us know what you think and sign up to testify at one of the three CIP public hearings on February 6 and 7. You can also send your comments to county.council@montgomerycountymd.gov. We give equal weight to oral and written testimony.
 Did you know that radon gas is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers? Last month the County joined a nationwide effort to educate residents of the dangers of radon gas. The best preventive step is to test your home for the presence of radon gas. Learn more about radon and how to protect you and your family from this dangerous gas.
|
Is your community organization hosting a public meeting? Please let me know how I can help. I am happy to assist residents in understanding pending bills or in finding ways to get involved in the political process. Even more important, I want to hear about what matters to you. Send your meeting notices to councilmember.floreen@montgomerycountymd.gov or call 240-777-7959 if you would like me to address a particular topic with your group.
|
