Montgomery County news blurbs

Transit and Traffic Programs Recognized by Governor - Governor Martin O‚Malley recently awarded MCDOT his 2010 Smart, Green and Growing Award for encouraging transportation choices. The award praised Transit‚s Commuter Services‚ efforts and Traffic‚s Advanced Transportation Management System. For more information go to: http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/Apps/Dot/PressRelease/PR_details.asp?PrID=6735

Burtonsville Fire Station Renovations and Expansion Completed - Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett today joined Fire Chief Richard Bowers and members of the Burtonsville Volunteer Fire Department (BVFD) to cut a ribbon for the new 2,400 sq. ft. addition to the existing facility. For more information go to: http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/apps/News/press/PR_details.asp?PrID=6736

Metro General Manager Cites Safety, State of Good Repair Priorities at Transportation Panel - Metro General Manager Richard Sarles today discussed the transit agency‚s top priorities of safety, state of good repair and meeting future ridership demand during a panel discussion hosted by the U.S. Department of Transportation on the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill. For more information go to: http://www.wmata.com/about_metro/news/PressReleaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=4564

Alternate Polling Places Available - Voters may request a change in polling place for two reasons ˆ accessibility concerns or religious principles.

Accessibility Concerns: For the 2010 Gubernatorial Elections, all Montgomery County polling places are compliant with Maryland State Board of Elections accessibility guidelines.

Religious Principles: If you are assigned a polling place located in a religious institution, and entering that site conflicts with your religious beliefs and practices, you may request to be relocated to a nearby polling place.You may obtain a reassignment request form from the Maryland State Board of Elections‚ web site at http://www.elections.state.md.us/pdf/Request_for_Accessible_Polling_Place.pdf , by calling Christine Rzeszut at 240-777-8585, or by e-mail at nancy.rzeszut@montgomerycountymd.gov. The request must be received by 9 pm, August 24 for the Primary Election. If a satisfactory substitute polling place is not available voting at an Early Voting Center or by absentee ballot are alternatives. Early Voting will be held from September 3 through 9, excluding Sunday, from 10 am to 8 pm at five Montgomery County locations. For information on specific locations please visit our website at www.777vote.org . Applications for absentee ballots to be mailed must be submitted to the Board of Elections by 8 pm, September 7. For information on absentee voting, call 240-777-8550, or e-mail, absentee@montgomerycountymd.gov. Election Judges are still needed ˆ for information call 240-777-8533.

Potomac River Safety and Rescue - Master Fire Fighter Donnie Simmons appeared recently on the County show „What‚s Brewin‰ to discuss the varied dangers of the Potomac River. Please take a moment and watch the video to learn more about this beautiful, yet potentially deadly, natural wonder. For more information go to: http://mcfrs.blogspot.com/2010/07/potomac-river-safety-and-rescue.html

Western Montgomery County Citizens Advisory Board Meeting -The Western Montgomery County Citizens Advisory Board will meet on Monday July 19, 7:00 pm at the Potomac Community Center, 11315 Falls Road, Community Room, Potomac, Md. There will be presentations by Reginald Jeter, Department of Permitting Services and Commander Darryl W. McSwain, 1st District- Rockville. Also, there will be discussions about artificial turf at public schools and BRAC intersection improvements. Guests are invited to attend the board meetings and encouraged to ask questions and provide comments. If you have questions about an agenda item or to request special accommodations, please contact the office at 240-7777-8200, Fax 240-777-8211, TTY 240-777-8212 or email bethesda.citizen@montgomerycountymd.gov