Dear Friends,

Election season is upon us and with that brings early voting, vote by mail, and election day! Early voting in Maryland starts today, October 24th and runs through October 31st. The fourteen sites will be open daily from 7 AM - 8 PM – registered voters can vote at any of the early voting sites. You can find an early voting site or a ballot drop box for your mail in ballot on the Montgomery County Board of Elections website. To find out where to vote and confirm your voter registration, text CHECK to 77788.

We have some exciting legislative updates from the past couple of weeks – the passage of Bill 14-24, Vehicle Noise Abatement Monitoring, and the introduction of Bill 24-24, Bring Your Own Bag. Learn more about these bills down below and a big thank you to everyone who contributed to each of them.

As always, feel free to contact my office if you have any questions or need assistance.

Sincerely,

Council Vice President Kate Stewart 

(she, her) why pronouns

Noise Camera Bill Passage

I am excited to share that on October 15th, the council passed Bill 14-24, Vehicle Noise Abatement Monitoring. The bill, which I introduced along with Councilmember Fani-González, will establish the Vehicle Noise Abatement Monitoring Pilot Program. Extreme vehicle noise is a serious threat to the mental and physical health of our community. The Montgomery County Police will determine the location of the placement of the noise cameras. There can only be three in operation at a time, based on the state pilot program, but these can be moved around during the duration of the pilot. Once installed, vehicles that emit noise 5 decibels louder than the 80 decibel state limit would get a warning for the first offense and a fine of $75, set by state law, for subsequent offenses. Thank you to State Delegate Julie Palakovich Carr for passing enabling state legislation, making this pilot program possible. For more information, read our FAQ.

Bring Your Own Bag Bill Introduction

The Bring Your Own Bag Bill bans single-use plastic carryout bags to assist in the clean-up of our waterways, parks and public spaces and advance public health. 

The bill encourages people to bring reusable bags with them shopping and improves the process for our local businesses. It was prompted by an Inspector General report that found Montgomery County’s goals related to both fees collected through the program and the objective of encouraging shoppers to bring their own bag was falling short.

Working with residents, environmentalists, retailers, and local chambers of commerce, this bill aligns with nine other neighboring jurisdictions around Montgomery County that already have a similar policy and moves toward a more sustainable future for the County and our State.

The bill has exceptions for single-use plastic bags for perishable items, seasonal events like farmer’s markets and food distributions, and other specific contexts like at pharmacies. This press release contains further detail about the bill and you can also read our FAQ. We expect a public hearing date to be scheduled before the end of the year.

International Pronouns Day Proclamation

Last week, we presented a proclamation recognizing International Pronouns Day. We were joined by Councilmember Kristin Mink and numerous community leaders. International Pronouns Day is celebrated annually to lift up the importance of using someone’s correct personal pronouns as a way to respect others and to create an inclusive environment. Referring to people by the pronouns they determine for themselves is basic to human dignity. It not only shows that we recognize others for who they are, but that we see them. You can watch the full video of the proclamation on YouTube.

Recap: Buckets & Beats 2024

The second annual Buckets & Beats Youth Block Party was a blast! My team and I had so much fun hosting this event with the Silver Spring Regional Services Center and community partners and local businesses for our local middle and high school students. We connected our county’s youth with after school and weekend activities and we had a great turnout despite the rain. A huge thank you to all of our partners and sponsors for helping to make this event such a success - United Therapeutics, Greater Silver Spring Chamber of Commerce, Montgomery County Department of Recreation, Arts on the Block, CREATE Arts Center, Miskiri Enterprises, the Silver Spring YMCA, Radio One, All Set Restaurant, and so many more. If you are or know of a middle or high school student interested in helping plan next year’s event please reach out to my office!

National Pedestrian Safety Month Proclamation

This week, I joined my Transportation & Environment Committee colleagues to recognize National Pedestrian Safety Month. In 2022, 7,522 pedestrians died in traffic crashes occurring on public roads nationally, which is the highest number since 1981. We were honored to be joined by relatives of Brett Badin and Sarah Langenkamp, a pedestrian and a cyclist killed in Montgomery County in two separate traffic crashes. I am committed to working to make Montgomery County roads safe for all who use them so that more families do not lose their loved ones.

Kate in the Community

Katie Ledecky Day - In honor of her becoming the most decorated U.S. female Olympian of all time this summer, the County Council declared October 17, 2024 as Katie Ledecky Day! I joined my colleagues and the County Executive in presenting her with an official proclamation at her alma mater, Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart.

Hispanic Leadership Awards Gala - Thank you to the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Montgomery County for putting on such a beautiful event! By supporting the local community through professional development and networking events, HCCMC is a valuable partner in empowering local Hispanic and Latino businesses. It was an honor to speak at such an important gathering of Hispanic and Latino community leaders. 

Montgomery Hills Festival & Bike Summit - I had a great time trying out some excellent local food and meeting constituents at this year’s Montgomery Hills Street Festival. This event was a great way to raise awareness and continue conversations about Fixing Georgia Ave. Thanks to Friends of Montgomery Hills for putting on such an enjoyable afternoon! I followed it up by attending WABA’s 5th Great Montgomery County Bike Summit. As more residents bike for leisure, to connect to transit, or to work, we need to work with residents and state partners to ensure the safety of all road users while reducing transportation emissions. Thanks so much for stopping by, SHA Administrator Pines. I wore my Montgomery Hills t-shirt to make sure we continue to move forward with improvements on Georgia Avenue.

Strathmore Square Grand Opening - Honored to join so many key partners in celebrating the grand opening of Strathmore Square at the Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro! This is a great example of housing at transit that brings together partners and invests in public spaces with green infrastructure, the arts, and so much in our community.

Walk, Bike & Roll to School Day - I had a lovely time celebrating Walk, Bike & Roll to School Day at Rolling Terrace Elementary School! Despite all of the local construction, so many students and families still get to school by foot or bicycle. It was a joy to start the day with these students and families.

Spirit Club Foundation Fitness Festival - I had a great time attending the Spirit Club Foundation’s Fitness Festival. The work the foundation does to provide fitness and exercise opportunities for people with disabilities in Montgomery County is so important. It was a pleasure to help honor those individuals who go above and beyond for our community.

Chief Smedley & Chief Yamada's Swearing In Ceremony - Congratulations to our new Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Chief Corey Smedley and Montgomery County Police Chief Marc Yamada! Excited to have both of them sworn in to their respective offices and appreciate all of the work that has already begun.

Opening of Carmen’s Italian Ice in Kensington - I had a great time joining Councilmember Gabe Albornoz and Mayor Tracey Furman for the opening of a new Carmen’s Italian Ice location in Kensington! I always love celebrating the expansion of our local businesses.

ICYMI: Kensington Featured in WaPo

The Town of Kensington was featured in The Washington Post earlier this month, highlighting its unique character and amenities. Read the article on The Washington Post’s website.

MCPS Mental Health Resource Fair

The Office of School Support and Well-Being and the Montgomery County School Psychologists’ Association will co-host the 2024 Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW), from October 21, 2024 to October 26, 2024.

The Mental Health Resource Fair will be held on: Saturday, October 26, 2024 from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm at Seneca Valley High School (19401 Crystal Rock Dr Germantown, MD 20874).

The event is open to students, families, and staff and will include MCPS and community partners sharing information about mental health and wellness; as well as a student-lead forum focusing on issues impacting Montgomery County youth. Students may earn Student Service Learning hours for participation in the Resource Fair. For those interested in attending, please RSVP on this form.

Pike District’s Barks, Brews, and BBQ

October 24 Webinar: Use and Care of Battery Powered Leaf Blowers

While battery-powered leaf blowers are easy to use, there’s a lot of information about how to maximize their efficiency - from charging and storing them properly to safe use and battery management.

In this webinar, experts will share information on the use and care of your battery-powered leaf blowers and other equipment, and explain how to use leaves in your landscape to benefit your soil.

You can register on Eventbrite. Login and reminders will be sent in advance.

9th Annual Councilmember for a Day Challenge

Middle and high school students in Montgomery County are invited to participate in the 9th Annual Councilmember for a Day Challenge by submitting a video essay by November 7, 2024. The winner will receive a $100 gift card, a proclamation, and the opportunity to serve as an honorary councilmember for a day on November 19, 2024. You can learn more and submit your essay online.

Annual "Speak Up, Save a Life" Student Video Contest

This contest challenges teenagers to create an original video to promote awareness about the dangers of illicit opioids, fentanyl and risk of overdose. The video contest is open to all 6th - 12th grade students living in Montgomery County. Top prize is $1,000, second place is $750, third place and fan favorite winners will receive $500 all donated by The Magnolia Companies in honor of two young Montgomery County residents lost to fentanyl; Michael Pisarra and Matthew Loudon. The 2024 contest is now open and accepting entries. To register please click on this link. All entries are due by midnight on November 8, 2024.