Primary Election Day is Tuesday, June 26, 2018, with early voting from June 14 through June 21. This is your chance to participate in our democracy. Are you registered to vote? June 5 is the deadline to register or to change your party affiliation. There are three ways to vote:

Vote by Mail (Absentee Voting) – If you’re unable to vote in person, you have the option of casting a ballot by mail. Visit www.777vote.org or call 240-777-8550 to request an application.  No reason is required. However, If you receive an absentee ballot, and you wish to vote at the poll, then you may only cast a provisional ballot, either during Early Voting or on Election Day. Absentee and provisional ballots cast by eligible voters are all counted before the results of the election are certified.

Early Voting – Choose any one of the eleven Early Voting Centers. They are open from June 14-21, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. You can check each center's up-to-date wait times at www.777vote.org. 

Election Day – Your last chance to vote will be on Election Day, June 26, when polling places will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. You must go to your assigned polling place to cast a ballot.

This is an historic election in our county, when many incumbents will not continue in office. We will shape who leads the County and State for many years to come, by choosing who will be on the ballot in November for County Council, the County Executive and the Governor. I strongly urge you to vote in the upcoming Primary Election so your voice can be heardI 

On May 24, 2018, the Council  approved the County’s $5.6 billion Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 Operating Budget, the FY19 Capital Budget and the FY19-24 Capital Improvements Program (CIP). The budgets will take effect on July 1. Although I voted in favor of most of the FY19 budget, I voted against the County Government portion of the CIP because of the changes made to stormwater management programs. I fully support the County Executive’s March 15 proposal to institute a design/build/maintain approach. I believe strongly that the Council majority's decision to continue with the current stormwater management program was unwise and shortsighted.

After 16 budgets, I’m reminded of how the exhausting budget process always reveals the dedication and hard work of all those involved, and how difficult it is to choose among the many projects we review. There are many wonderful programs that come before us, and I wish we could fund all of them. But resources are finite.  We do our best to support what we can, while also delivering a balanced and responsible budget. In the immortal words of the Rolling Stones, “You can't always get what you want, but if you try, sometimes, you might find, you get what you need.”

As I reflect on the past 16 years, I am struck by the amount of change and growth Montgomery County has experienced since my first year as a Councilmember. Back in 2003 our population was 936,000. We’ve grown 12.2% since then, to 1,050,370. This year, we approved the FY19 budget that totals $5.6 billion and supports 10,483 county employees. This is an 80.5% increase from my first budget in FY04, which was $3.08 billion, and we had 8,901 county employees.  

With this year’s budget, we continue our strong commitment to education by funding MCPS at $2.6 billion to support the current enrollment of 163,184 students and 22,452 employees. Back in FY04, we funded MCPS at $1.5 billion. Then, it had an enrollment of 139,203 students and 19,291 employees. Compared to FY04, we’ve increased MCPS’ budget by 73%. It is my hope that the next Council, and all future Montgomery County Councils will continue this strong support for education, while working purposefully to provide equity for all our students in all our schools.  

I am unequivocally optimistic about Montgomery County’s future and hopeful that the next Council will be wise and restrained in spending our residents’ money in ways that continue to make Montgomery County a great place to live.  We never know what challenges lie ahead. Our fiscal prudence and wise governance will make it possible for us to weather those challenges and to thrive. You can view my remarks here and read the full press release here.

Last month, I attended the Annual Affordable Housing Conference of Montgomery County. I was privileged to participate with leading experts in a panel discussion on Moderately Priced Dwelling Units (MPDUs). We had a lively discussion of what works in our county and what areas need improvement.

As we all know, it's expensive to live in Montgomery County and I believe it's important for all residents to have an opportunity to own or rent an affordable home. During my 16 years as a Councilmember, I've always worked to support affordable housing programs. Last year, I introduced Bill 34-17,  Housing - Moderately Priced Dwelling Units (MPDU) - Amendments. This proposed legislation would add needed flexibility to this landmark program, and will bring it in line with current needs. One provision would confirm the Council’s authority to increase the required percentage of MPDUs on a community by community basis during each master plan review. The Planning, Housing and Economic Development Committee will continue its review of this legislation on June 11 at 1:30 p.m. and June 18 at 2:00 p.m. Check the PHED Committee schedule for updates here.

Lastly, I was honored  to receive the Advocacy Leadership Award at the Affordable Housing Conference. I want to congratulate all of the award recipients. I'm humbled to be recognized among such talented and dedicated individuals who work so hard to expand affordable homes to everyone.

Stop by one of Montgomery County’s farmers’ markets for fresh, healthful produce and specialty products at locations across the County. The markets offer traditional items like fruits, heirloom tomatoes, cut flowers and preserves as well as many items that may be new to you. To ensure access to healthful products, many Montgomery County farmers’ market vendors accept SNAP, WIC and senior farmers market nutrition program benefits.