June 28, 2019

I am honored to represent District 3 on the Montgomery County Council.  I serve as Chair of the Public Safety Committee and as a member of the Government Operations Committee.

Latest News from the County Council

At the June 25th Council Session, the Montgomery County Council:

• Recognized the 75th Anniversary of the Montgomery County Historical Society ("Montgomery History").  Understanding the vital role of history as the cultural and social fabric of a community, Montgomery History seeks to reflect the growth, diversity and vibrancy of Montgomery County.  The organization has grown from an all-volunteer organization with a small membership to a professionally-staffed non-profit with over 1,000 members and over 100 volunteers.  For more info - https://montgomeryhistory.org/.
• Named, by a unanimous vote, Casey Anderson as Chair of the five member Montgomery County Planning Board for a second full term and Partap Verma as its newest Planning Board member.  This is an historic appointment for our County because Mr. Verma is the first Asian and openly gay member of the Planning Board.  Learn more about the Montgomery County Planning Board - https://montgomeryplanningboard.org/.
• Engaged in a discussion with County Executive Marc Elrich on the County's economic development strategy.  This was a follow up discussion from our March meeting with the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation and Workforce Montgomery.  CE Elrich presented his thoughts to the Council and discussed issues such as the importance of early childcare, transportation and current business perceptions of our County. You can view the staff report here.

Public Safety Committee (PS)

• The PS Committee met on Monday, June 24th and received an update on the Office of Consumer Protection ("OCP").  The OCP  is the agency responsible for enforcing consumer protection laws (Chapter 11 of the County code) which  prohibit unfair and deceptive business acts to ensure a fair marketplace for consumers and businesses.  The OCP was established in 1971 and investigates and resolves consumer complaints.  Learn more about the OCP - https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/OCP/.

Katz in the Community

It is my pleasure to attend community events throughout District 3.  Please email me at Councilmember.Katz@montgomerycountymd.gov if you would like to invite me to your next community event!

It was fantastic to attend the Simcha Education Center Construction Open House in Gaithersburg.  Chabad of Upper Montgomery County purchased the land in 2016 and completed a major renovation to create an education center for a preschool, religious school as well as after-school activities.  Rabbi Shalom Raichik (pictured) is the Director of the Chabad of Upper Montgomery County.

Thank you for a wonderful reception in honor of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month.  The event took place at New Fortune Cafe in Gaithersburg.  It was terrific to acknowledge the roles that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have played in our history and celebrate their achievements and contributions to our society.

I was pleased to celebrate the One Year Celebration for the Montgomery County Small Business Association (MCSBA).  The group offers networking, Happy Hours and so much more.  They do a great job organizing our small business community!

Montgomery County is launching a pilot program called "Ride On Flex" serving Rockville and Glenmont/Wheaton areas.  If your trip starts and ends within the pilot zones, it is a convenient new option for you and an incredible value.  Welcome to "transit on demand"—for $2 or less.

Calling All College Students!

The Katz office is seeking 12 students interested in local government and politics for its 2019 - 2020 Student Advisory Group (SAG).  This group is open to any college student living in District 3 or attending Montgomery College or the Universities of Shady Grove.  SAG meets once every two months in the evening to advise me on public policies important to our students.  Send me an email with student's name and contact info. if interested - Sidney.Katz@montgomerycountymd.gov.    

Things To Do in District 3

Friday, June 28, 2019:  Zumba in the Park - exercise to the Latin rhythms of Zumba, which features interval dance sessions that combine fast and slow rhythms to maximize fat burning.  Learn the Tango, Salsa, Cumbia, and Reggaeton while you experience an hour of body-energizing, stress-relieving fun from 7:00 pm - 8:30 p.m at the Concert Pavilion (31 South Summit Ave. in Gaithersburg).

Saturday, June 29, 2019:  Celebrate America's independence at SummerFest - Gaithersburg's illuminating summer festival on the expansive grounds of Bohrer Park at Summit Hall Farm (506 S. Frederick Ave. in Gaithersburg).  The family -friendly event features live music, food and fun activities, all leading up to a spectacular fireworks display.  

Saturday, June 28th & Sunday, June 29, 2019:  Montgomery County Heritage Days - the Community Museum & Observatory Park are among the many historical sites participating in this annual event.  Heritage Days celebrates and showcases the County’s rich history, culture and natural beauty with activities, exhibits, demonstrations, live music and performances for all ages.  Explore all countywide events here.  All Heritage Days events are free.

Sunday, June 30, 2019:  Gaithersburg’s International Latitude Observatory (100 DeSellum Ave. in Gaithersburg) turns 120 - celebrate with activities related to the geodetic science that was done at the site.  Tours of the park at 12:30 & 2:30 p.m., tours of the Observatory, hands-on activities & birthday cake at 1 p.m.

Tuesday, July 2, 2019:  Fear of aging is one of the most common fears there is. We have more elders around us than ever before. There are many resources in our community for seniors.  Yet even with these resources we feel increasingly unprepared.  Come out from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm at the Rockville Senior Center (1150 Carnation Drive in Rockville) to discuss your concerns.  

Thursday, July 4, 2019:  Independence Day - Rockville's Independence Day Celebration is celebrating its fifth year at Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park in King Farm (1800 Piccard Drive in Rockville).  This location offers wonderful spectator viewing, and ample & convenient parking. 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm.  More info - here.

The Montgomery County Council is in recess next week.

More Ways to Connect With Us!

To Subscribe to the Katz Update. Click Here!

Please Share the Katz Update with Your Listserv