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Thursday, September 12, 2024

Protecting Our Judicial System

Threats and acts of violence against judges and other court personnel are a nationwide concern; the U.S. Marshals Service reported a 387 percent increase in threats from 2015 to 2021. In 2022, Congress passed a law safeguarding the personally identifiable information of federal judges and their close relatives. Earlier this year, Maryland enacted legislation to extend this protection to state judges and their families who now have the power to remove personal information from online sources. 

This State legislation created the Task Force to Ensure the Safety of Judicial Facilities. I’m honored that the Governor appointed me to serve as a member of this body, which held its first meetings this summer.

My work on this task force includes identifying best practices in courthouse security, recommending improvements, and reviewing how threats against judicial officers and staff are handled. This ties into the work I did advising State agencies on public safety and emergency response and preparedness while serving as Assistant Attorney General for the State of Maryland. It’s critical we protect those working in our judicial system so they can evaluate the cases before them in accordance with the law and without fear of retribution or violence.

Look for more soon on the Task Force and other initiatives we’re pursuing to improve safety and security in and around Montgomery County facilities.

Reproductive Freedom

Councilmember Luedtke speaking September 10 after the Council approved a resolution to affirm its commitment to protecting reproductive rights

This week, the Montgomery County Council unanimously voted in support of a resolution led by Council Vice President Kate Stewart to affirm our commitment to protect reproductive rights. Abortion is healthcare, and healthcare is a human right. Access to reproductive healthcare including abortion is proven to improve women’s educational attainment, workforce participation and earnings, and civic participation.

This builds off previous actions the County has taken, including allocating $1 million in abortion access grants. I was proud to lead two pieces of legislation to bar employers, including County government, from requesting an applicant’s sexual and reproductive health information.

Check out the resolution for more details.

Airpark Community Meeting

Last year, I introduced legislation to establish the Airpark Community Advisory Committee to serve as a forum for stakeholders to discuss issues of importance to the Airpark and the surrounding community. The next meeting of the County's Airpark Community Advisory Committee will take place Tuesday, September 17 from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Upper County Community Center (8201 Emory Grove Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20877).

The Committee is collecting flight and noise complaint data and planning future public forums to inform its recommendations to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the County to mitigate noise and safety concerns.

Coming Soon: Damascus Placemaking Festival!

Concept designs for the October 19-20 Damascus Placemaking Fesitival, via Montgomery Planning

Check out a preview of Main Street’s temporary transformation for the Damascus Placemaking Festival on October 19 and 20! The design concepts were created based on input from the community through an online questionnaire and at the project’s kickoff meeting in June. This free, family-friendly two-day community event aims to demonstrate Main Street’s potential as a vibrant community destination in the heart of Damascus. 

The festival organizers are seeking the community’s help to bring these concepts to life during the community-led build of the festival in the days leading up to the event. Volunteers may be asked to help paint a temporary mural installation, construct benches or art sculptures, and assist with festival operations, such as set up, clean up, and parking management. Interested parties can sign up for volunteer days using the online form. Student Service Learning (SSL) hours will be available.

Learn more on the project’s website.

In the Community...

Fiscal Year 26 Operating Budget Forums

It’s already time to make your priorities known for next fiscal year's County budget. The County Executive is hosting “Community Conversations” throughout September and October to seek input on the Fiscal Year 2026 Operating Budget. Learn more and find a forum near you.

Police Launch Community Camera Sharing Program 

The Montgomery County Police Department has launched MoCoConnect, which allows residents to register home security cameras and let MCPD know they are willing to be contacted in the event of a nearby crime. Additionally, it allows for camera integration, where businesses can share live video with the department in real time. 

Family Empowerment Resource Fair 

Montgomery College is hosting a Family Empowerment Resource Fair to educate and connect individuals who care for children with the resources they need to be successful. The fair will take place from 11:00am-3:00pm on September 21 at the Montgomery College Rockville Campus. 

RainScapes Rebates 

Montgomery County’s RainScapes Rewards Rebate Program opens September 16! If you are thinking about doing a yard project with native plants, check out this program that provides cost-sharing to benefit our local ecosystems. The program is open to properties in Montgomery County outside the municipalities of Rockville, Gaithersburg and Takoma Park. Depending on the size of the project, homeowners may be eligible to receive reimbursements of up to $7,500.

Drinking Water Contaminants Webinar 

Did you know that the University of Maryland Extension Office hosts monthly webinars about water quality? Their next water webinar discusses common contaminants and treatments and will take place at noon on September 18. Register for the webinar.

Montgomery County Sports Hall of Fame Extends Nomination Period 

The Montgomery County Sports Hall of Fame has been overwhelmed in recent weeks with nominations for its next class of inductees and has extended the nomination deadline to September 15. Nominate an athlete, coach, journalist, or other individual who has made an impact on the sports world in Montgomery County.