Friends,
The Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, July 19, 2022. In a Primary Election, because Maryland uses a closed primary system, you must be a registered Republican or Democrat to vote for that party’s candidates for all offices other than non-partisan Board of Education offices. Montgomery County last year redrew its council district lines and added two council seats.
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MEET OUR SUMMER RISE STUDENT
Eric Robinson is a 16-year-old rising Junior at Rockville High School. Eric's hobbies include ultimate frisbee, playing music, and writing. Some of his dislikes are Mondays and hot weather. Eric has an interest in law and politics, and hopes to pursue a career in both. He is excited to be part of Team Katz for the duration of the program and looks forward to learning a lot about local government.
The Summer RISE program is an initiative led by the Montgomery County Public Schools’ (MCPS) Partnerships Unit in collaboration with businesses, government agencies, higher education institutions, and nonprofit organizations. The program is for rising MCPS juniors and seniors to participate in a career-based learning opportunity during the summer.
Welcome, Eric!
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COUNCIL NEWS
At the County Council this week -
- The Council presented a proclamation recognizing Montgomery County Public Schools Teacher of the Year, Johnathan Dunn. Mr. Dunn is a choral teacher at Sherwood High School. View proclamation.
- The Council unanimously voted to pass Expedited Bill 20-22, Office of Food Systems Resilience - Established.
- This bill would establish an Office of Food Systems Resilience as a non-principal office of the Executive Branch and prescribe the authorities and responsibilities of the Office of Food Systems Resilience. Review Staff Report.
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The Council unanimously voted to pass Bill 3-22, Legislative Branch – Climate Assessments – Required.
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This bill would require the director of the Office of Legislative Oversight to prepare a climate assessment for each bill, zoning text amendment, master plan, and master plan amendment pending before the Council. Review Staff Report.
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The Council unanimously voted to approve an extension of time for action on the Thrive Montgomery 2050 Plan from July 18 to close of business on September 16, 2022. Review Staff Report.
PUBLIC SAFETY AND GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS COMMITTEES
I am proud to be the Chair of the Public Safety (PS) Committee and a member of the Government Operations (GO) Committee.
- The GO and Health & Human Services (HHS) committees held a joint committee worksession regarding the following bills:
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Bill 4-22, Human Rights and Civil Liberties - Public Accommodations - Gender Inclusive Restroom. I, along with Council Vice President Glass, are co-sponsors of this bill which would establish the requirement for a single-user restroom located in a place of public accommodation or County-owned buildings to identify or display a certain sign that refers to an all-gender restroom. View Staff Report.
- Bill 10-22, Personnel and Human Resources - Paid Parental Leave. I am a co-sponsor of this bill which would provide paid parental leave to County employees and to supplement the State’s Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FAMLI) program for County employees. View Staff Report.
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Bill 11-22, Buildings - Lactation Rooms in County Buildings. I am a co-sponsor of this bill which would promote public health, reduce health disparities, and support County employees who wish to express breast milk at work. View Staff Report.
KATZ IN THE COMMUNITY
The Annual Firebirds Community Day was held at Gaithersburg High School on Wednesday, June 29th. It was a wonderful way to re-engage with the community at this Olympic-style action event for our youth. I had a great time seeing the remarkable talent of our young athletes prior to them competing in the upcoming AAU Junior Olympics. Best of luck!
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DISTRICT 3 HISTORICAL NOTE
Lincoln Park, one of the first real estate ventures for African-American homeowners in Montgomery County, is a suburban community begun in the 1890's that retains the feeling of a small town within the borders of Rockville. Lincoln Park residents have maintained strong ties to kin and community for generations, and descendants of many original homeowners still live in Lincoln Park.
About 40 communities in Montgomery County were settled by freed slaves in the 19th century. Many of these settlements still survive, including the Rockville communities of Lincoln Park, Haiti/Martin's Lane, and Janetta.
In spite of numerous obstacles, black communities of Montgomery County thrived in the early years of this century. In Rockville, black citizens owned farms and other businesses, drove the first cabs, and began the city's first volunteer fire department.
Resource: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/library/projects/lincoln-park-history/lincoln-park-history-project.html
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COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS!!
Freaky Friday - Unwind Hike
Friday, July 15, at 6:00 pm
Seneca Creek State Park:11950 Clopper Rd., G'burg
What better way to leave the work week behind than a walk in the woods with an enthusiastic naturalist? Join a volunteer ranger for a 1.5- 2.5 mile round trip hike with lots of stops to observe odd plants, learn about interesting insects, and listen to bird songs. Please bring water and footwear for possible muddy trails.
Zumba in the Park
Friday, July 15, from 7:00 to 8:00 pm
Concert Pavilion: 31 South Summit Ave., Gaithersburg
Join instructor Tony Edghill for Zumba in the Park every Friday. Shake it to the Latin rhythms of Zumba, which features interval dance sessions that combine fast and slow rhythms to maximize fat burning. Admission is free.
Outdoor Museum
Saturday, July 16 from 4:00 to 5:00 pm
Seneca Creek State Park, The Nature Shack: 11950 Clopper Rd., Gaithersburg
Learn about the natural history of the park and engage in hands-on discovery. Different exhibits will be featured each session. Admission is free.
Inquiring Minds
Thursday, July 21st, 2022
Gaithersburg Community Museum: 9 South Summit Ave., Gaithersburg
The Community Museum invites young visitors to explore hands-on activities & experiments with its “Inquiring Minds” series, featuring an array of fun science activities. Admission is free but registration is required.
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JULY IS....
PARK AND RECREATION MONTH
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