More detail on each agenda item is provided below.
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Government
Founded in 1992, the Keeping It Safe Coalition (KIS) is an alliance of County departments, local organizations and concerned residents that work to deter underage alcohol access and use. The student video contest was funded by the Montgomery County Department of Police’s Traffic Division.
“Alcohol is the most widely used substance among America’s youth and under-21 drinking is a public health problem in the United States,” said ABS Director Kathie Durbin. “Video contests, such as this one, provide students with the opportunity to engage in advocacy with their peers and raise awareness about the dangers and consequences of under-21 drinking.”
“All the members of the Montgomery County Council are heartbroken by the senseless mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Texas, which has taken the lives of at least 14 students and one teacher. We know there is not a parent in America who doesn’t share in the grief and anger about this horrific tragedy.
“We mourn the loss of the children and the lives that they had ahead of them filled with promise and potential. We are also thinking about the parents, grandparents, siblings and loved ones who have lost the essential light in their lives at the hands of a gunman. We know that no words will ever ease their unimaginable pain.
As a parent and former elementary school teacher, I understand that this is a parent’s worst nightmare. It has been nearly a decade since the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut, and it is unfortunate that we are going through this sort of pain once again, but this might have been avoided if we had taken action back then. Every time a tragedy like this happens there is outrage and calls for change, to curb the proliferation of guns. However, that outrage did not result in real action, so now, here we are again.
Incidents like this anywhere undermine people’s sense of security everywhere. We know in the wake of this event, Montgomery County school parents, like all parents around this nation, are going to be concerned for their own child’s safety and welfare. Please know that our police and school system will be working together to do everything we can to ensure the safety of our school community.
“Juneteenth is a chance to gather with our community, celebrate our diversity, and remember our history,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “We reaffirm that we are stronger as a County because of our diversity. This year’s Juneteenth activities are designed to engage and educate, as well as entertain, because this holiday is a reminder that we can’t take freedom for granted. We look to the future with great hope and with a renewed commitment to pursuing justice. I urge our residents, and visitors, to join us for this year’s Juneteenth celebration and spend time learning more about this important national holiday.”
The event will feature traditional events like the award recognition ceremony and Juneteenth inspired food. This year’s “Journey To Freedom,” will Memorialize the Struggle, Celebrate the Successes, and Secure Justice and equality through education, art, dance, music, and honoring our elders.
Governor Hogan Calls on Comptroller Franchot to Minimize Impact of Scheduled Summer Gas Tax Increase
Under legislation passed by the General Assembly in 2013, the Comptroller announces gas tax increases on or before June 1 of each year that are set to take effect on July 1. The tax increase is calculated by the Comptroller’s Office.
“This tax increase, while hardship-inducing for Marylanders at any time, is simply unconscionable at this moment when gas prices are already at their highest level in recorded history amid a period of prolonged inflation and economic uncertainty,” writes Governor Hogan in a letter to the comptroller. “I know that you agree we should do more to give Marylanders a break from these punishing prices. That is why it is my hope that you will use every legal and regulatory power at your disposal to halt or minimize the impact of the accelerating gas taxes, and that you consider granting an extension for paying the taxes and removing penalties for unpaid tax, including the revocation of business licenses.”
Montgomery County Councilmember Nancy Navarro has endorsed David Blair for County Executive. In a press release from the Blair campaign, Navarro is quoted as saying, “I heartily endorse David Blair for County Executive because I believe he will bring the right leadership ability and experience that will move us forward towards a more innovative and economically vibrant county as he builds on the progress we have made in many crucial areas,” and “This COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated our challenges, but it has also opened exciting opportunities for innovation, equity and shared prosperity. David understands the importance of bringing everyone into the conversation, including traditionally underrepresented communities, and has a proven record of visioning and executing big, bold ideas. This seminal moment requires strong leadership that will leverage our assets in order to expand opportunities for all. We need David’s bold and enterprising leadership in the office of the County Executive.”
Navarro, the first and only Latina to serve on the Montgomery County Council, has represented District 4 since 2009, twice been chosen by her Council colleagues to serve as Council President, and is well known for her strong leadership on expanding early childhood education, advancing economic development in Wheaton and East County, ensuring racial equity and social justice are part of County policymaking, improving fiscal sustainability and government operations, and more throughout her impressive career.
“The Council was delighted that Planning Board Member Rubin reapplied to serve on the Planning Board for a full term, after completing a partial term in this role,” said Council President Gabe Albornoz. “Her experience, professionalism and commitment to the job are outstanding. The Council is grateful for her public service, and we look forward to continuing to work with her on important land use and planning matters that impact our entire community and the future of Montgomery County.”
Ms. Rubin was first appointed to a partial term on the Planning Board in Oct. 2021 after she retired as a special project manager for the Montgomery County Planning Department. Prior to that, she served as acting deputy planning director with oversight responsibility for the Divisions of County wide Planning and Policy, Management Services, Information Technology and Innovation and Research and Strategic Projects.
The new HD channel joins four other County HD channels and nine standard-definition (SD) channels available through Xfinity TV. The channels are part of the Connect Montgomery Alliance (CMA) that provides a variety of programming focused on local issues.
MCPS-TV airs mental health awareness programs such as “Mindful Moments” and “MCPS Waymaking,” as well as live coverage of County Board of Education meetings and Superintendent’s Community Conversations.
“Each year, we see vehicle breakdowns during the hot days of summer that could have been avoided with a simple check prior to a trip,” said MDOT SHA Chief Operating Officer Andre Futrell. “A vehicle check only takes a few minutes and can help avoid costly repairs and keep you on the road.”
In 2021, MDOT SHA highway response technicians provided nearly 36,000 motorist assists, most of them due to vehicle mechanical breakdowns. Common sense preventative maintenance can provide a level of vehicle protection for drivers who are preparing to travel by motor vehicle during the hot summer months.
“I want to congratulate all of our NACo Achievement Award recipients,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “Our government is committed to being innovative, equitable, transparent and responsive to our residents, businesses and visitors. These awards are a national recognition for the incredible work that is being achieved by our departments and employees. I want to thank all of our employees for their hard work to earn their Achievement Awards.”
“The Montgomery County government strives to have the best services of any local government in the nation,” said Montgomery County Chief Administrative Officer Richard Madaleno. “I am very appreciative of the ingenuity and persistence to consistently improve our services. Congratulations to all the employees and departments for this notable recognition.”
Go to Montgomery County wins 31 National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Awards
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