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The Montgomery County Police Department is expanding its highly successful drone program into downtown Bethesda. We recently held a town hall meeting to discuss how the program will work and answer questions from the community. The program helps expedite emergency response and gets information to officers faster to better assess what level of response and emergency personnel are needed. The Drone as First Responder program is an example of how we’re leveraging technology and best practices to assist the hardworking men and women who serve our communities to keep us safe each and every day.
If you missed it, you can watch the Drone as First Responder Town Hall here.
I was honored to join D.C. Councilmember Matt Frumin, Natalie Avery of the Friendship Heights Alliance, and local affordable housing expert, Anya Kamara, to discuss the future of Friendship Heights and the evolving needs of residents and businesses in this vibrant community. We had a great dialogue focused on economic resilience and how Friendship Heights is fostering innovation, enhancing economic growth, and building a thriving community where people can live, work, and play.
Last year, I spearheaded legislation enacted by the Council that created the Friendship Heights Urban District to bring together businesses and residents on both sides of Western Ave. through the Friendship Heights Alliance. The mission of the alliance is to create a dynamic, inclusive, and walkable area focused on the needs of local residents and businesses. We are currently planning for the future of Friendship Heights, and with unprecedented collaboration among residents and businesses, Montgomery County and the D.C. government, it is looking bright!
Each election cycle, ballot questions provide voters with the opportunity to have their say about the way local government functions. In Montgomery County, our Charter provides the constitutional framework for County government.
Last week, the Council voted to approve the language for a proposed Charter Amendment for Montgomery County voters to consider during the 2024 Presidential General Election on Nov. 5. The proposed ballot question would decrease the term limit that applies to the County Executive from the current three consecutive terms to two consecutive terms. The decreased term limit would apply to anyone who has already served two consecutive terms as of December 2026.
This amendment was proposed by a voter petition and will be placed on the ballot in November, having submitted over 10,000 valid signatures, as approved by the Board of Elections. These proposed change to term limits will only be made if approved by a majority of Montgomery County voters during the 2024 Presidential General Election. Learn more.
It was great to connect with residents for a community conversation at Leisure World in Silver Spring. Thanks to the more than 60 community members who attended for your great questions and participation. Our older adult community is the fastest growing segment of our population in Montgomery County, and we appreciate the diverse perspectives that this community provides. With the summer uptick in Covid-19 cases and a number of exposures, we all masked up to help keep our residents as healthy as possible.
Every year, we take time to celebrate July as Park and Recreation Month. The work of the Parks and Recreation Departments helps further our County’s goals to protect our environment, share our history with residents and visitors, bring community members together, promote active lifestyles, and provide learning opportunities for Montgomery County residents.
We also cut the ribbon on the new Gravity Mountain Bike Park at Wheaton Regional Park which demonstrates how our county parks are activating public spaces to meet the changing demands and desires of our community. We encourage everyone to get out and enjoy our award-winning medley of trails, parks, nature centers, senior and recreation centers, pools, camps and special events.
Please join the Maryland Commission on Public Health for a listening session on Tuesday, July 30, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Council Office Building (located at 100 Maryland Ave. in Rockville). You are invited to share your thoughts and offer ideas to the commission related to public health improvements. Both in-person and virtual meeting participation will be available.
Register for the event and share your ideas about public health in Maryland.
The best nine days of summer are just around the corner! The 75th Montgomery County Agricultural Fair runs from Aug. 9-17 at the County fairgrounds. Enjoy rides, entertainment, food, animals, arts and crafts exhibits, and activities for the whole family.
Buy tickets today.
The Council is seeking applicants to serve on the seven-member committee to recommend funding for the Public Election Fund. The committee is composed of seven County residents appointed by the Council for four-year terms. Each member must reside in Montgomery County while serving on the committee. No more than three members may be from the same political party. The committee must issue a report to the Council on or before Jan. 30 of each year that identifies the estimated funds necessary to implement the public campaign financing system.
The deadline to apply is Monday, Aug. 13 at 5 p.m. Learn more and apply.
I encourage residents to continue to engage with my office on issues of importance to our community. We appreciate your patience and understanding as our small but mighty team works to respond to your inquiries. Please continue to engage with us by email, visiting our website, Facebook, and Twitter pages, and subscribing to our newsletter.
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