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February 2021
Many in our community are anxious and frustrated with the Covid-19 vaccine rollout. I am too.
My shared frustration is why I’ve publicly called for Governor Hogan to provide vaccines in a more fair and equitable manner, recognizing the incredible size and diversity that exists in Montgomery County. Last week Maryland opened vaccination sites at Six Flags and the Baltimore Convention Center. These sites are available for all *eligible* residents in the state. I have requested that the governor open a similar site in Montgomery County.
I recently spoke with the Maryland Health Department and called for the creation of a centralized online registration system to coordinate all health departments, hospital systems, as well as pharmacy and grocery chains that are providing vaccines. You can watch the brief q&a and listen to the state's response here.
I will continue doing all I can to advocate for you so we can all get vaccinated and put this pandemic behind us.
In the meantime, to stay updated and receive alerts about the state's COVID efforts, text "MdReady" to 898211. Montgomery County also has an online portal for residents to receive updated vaccine information and notifications.
Montgomery County continues expanding efforts to create a greener economy and combat global climate change. I am proud that my legislation to increase composting in the county was unanimously approved by the Council this week. This initiative will reduce the amount of food and yard waste that is incinerated by increasing the amount of materials that local farmers can use on their property for the production and manufacturing of compost and mulch. Not only is this good for residents and restaurants, but it also benefits the region by reducing chemical fertilizers and improving water quality.
Check out this video from my recent visit to One Acre Farm in Poolesville to talk about the impact of this legislation.
Thank you to the coalition of local farmers, small business entrepreneurs like Compost Crew and environmental organizations that supported my legislation. This is good for our farmers, our small businesses, our residents and the planet.
Think Global. Act Local.
Last month I hosted a virtual conference to discuss the implementation of Vision Zero and to hear residents’ concerns about pedestrian and street safety. Vision Zero is a strategy to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries, while increasing safe, healthy, equitable mobility for all.
We had a productive conversation about the progress that has been made since last year, areas we need to improve upon, and how individuals can continue advocating for road safety. Here is a link where you can find upcoming actions, a recording of the conference to share with those who couldn’t attend, and a link to request traffic calming changes in your neighborhood.
Street safety is important to all of us –– pedestrians, bicyclists and drivers, and given that a majority of the pedestrian fatalities occur within communities of color, improving our roadway infrastructure is also a matter of social justice.
Let’s continue working together until we’ve achieved our goal of zero roadway fatalities.
Late last year, a resident of Clarksburg reached out to my office about an issue she had been having for years. Every week, the trash and recycling trucks hired by the county to service her neighborhood used a small alley next to her home, oftentimes driving onto the curb and causing damage to her fence. The constituent reached out to her neighbors and the county in an effort to resolve the situation but had gotten nowhere. After contacting me, I reached out to the Department of Environmental Protection to ensure a quick and fair resolution. The situation was brought to the waste collection company’s attention and they immediately fixed the damaged fence.
If you or someone you know needs help accessing government services, don't hesitate to contact my office.
Montgomery County is a wonderful place to celebrate Black History Month and honor the achievements of African Americans throughout U.S. history. Residents can visit the Sandy Spring Museum’s extensive collection of historical art and artifacts, as well as the Button Farm Living History Center where guests can learn more about plantation life along the Underground Railroad. Other notable sites include Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park, Boyd’s Negro School and Josiah Henson Park. For more information, go here.
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