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September 2019
School is back in session for our principals, teachers and over 164,000 Montgomery County students. I spent the first day of school welcoming students at Quince Orchard High School in Gaithersburg, alongside MCPS Superintendent Jack Smith and members of the school board.
As I greeted students, I had the opportunity to chat about academic challenges and discuss the new Kids Ride Free 24/7 initiative that I spearheaded. Thanks to the advocacy of motivated young transit riders, students are now able to ride any Ride On and select Metrobus routes any time of the day, any day of the week! Students can now freely use our public transportation network to travel to and from school, internships, jobs and weekend activities. Beginning October 1, students will need a YouthCruiser SmartTrip card, available for free at any Montgomery County library.
In 2017, the County Council adopted the policy of Vision Zero - a plan to have zero traffic deaths by the year 2030. In the first nine months of this year more than 300 pedestrians and bicyclists have been killed or injured here in Montgomery County. We can and must do better.
At my request, the council is holding a hearing on Vision Zero, tentatively scheduled for October 10. I am committed to providing the important oversight and ensuring the full implementation of Vision Zero to make our roadways safe for all users.
I also asked my constituents about why Vision Zero matters to them and I was moved by the personal stories that they shared. Here are just a few of the statements that stood out to me:
"Vision Zero NOW! It should not be normal for 1-2 people to be killed by drivers monthly in MoCo - it should not be normal for 1.5 persons DAILY to be injured by drivers in MoCo."
"It is time for Montgomery County to wholeheartedly adopt Vision Zero. It is a matter of life and death."
"We need more lanes for biking. My friend, Jake Cassell, died because there was not a bike lane and no barrier."
Over 300 tons of trash and recyclable materials make their way through the county’s waste and recycling center every day. In an effort to learn more about how the county uses the materials we toss into our blue bins, I toured the recycling center with Adam Ortiz, the director of Montgomery County’s Department of Environmental Protection.
Every piece of recycling in the county is sent to this facility, which is then sorted into our two streams: plastic, jars and bottles; and cardboard and paper. Most recyclable materials are then sold and reused, which is all the more reason that we need to recycle!
You may be surprised by some of the items that cannot be recycled:
- Oil canisters (despite the misleading recycle sign, they have toxic chemicals that can’t be processed)
- Solo Cups (and any plastic item with the number “6”)
- Plastic bags
As a proud beagle dad, nothing brings me more joy than going for a walk with my four-legged friends. That’s why I’m excited to share with you that Montgomery County will be adding more dog parks, in addition to the six we currently operate. Dog parks are essential public spaces where dogs and owners alike can relax and socialize.
A complete list of Montgomery County's dog parks can be found here.
County Executive Marc Elrich and I presented civic activist Woody Brosnan with an official proclamation honoring him for all his work in Montgomery County. Woody has tirelessly served Montgomery County for decades -- as president of the North Woodside Civic Association and as a founding member of Safe Silver Spring. Woody has repeatedly demonstrated his selfless dedication toward common sense solutions for the community.
For years, Woody led grassroots efforts to add sidewalks so that students could get to school safely, and he also dedicated countless hours toward protecting the Sligo Creek golf course and other green spaces. Woody is the embodiment of a dedicated and selfless community leader, loving husband and father, and someone I am proud to call my friend. Thank you for all your leadership, Woody Brosnan! Montgomery County is incredibly lucky to have spirited activists like you.
If you know an organization or community member who deserves recognition for their work in Montgomery County, please contact my office.
Montgomery County’s Processing Facility and Transfer Station has a ‘Paint Giveaway’ office that is open from April 1 to October 31. Paints and stains are offered for free to Montgomery County residents, contractors and nonprofits.
Here’s the address:
16101 Frederick Road
Derwood MD 20855
Phone: 240-777-0311
Enter the Transfer Station from Route 355 (Frederick Rd.) and proceed straight back into the facility. As you approach a small hill, stay to the right and follow the signs for "Recycling". At the top of the hill, go to the compound with a high, blue chain link fence and covered with a large roof. That is our Hazardous Waste Compound. Tell the attendant that you are there for free paint!
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