A Maryland commission Thursday approved a proposal to construct a new hospital in Germantown over a competing plan in Clarksburg. The Maryland Health Care Commission favored Holy Cross Hospital’s plan to build a 93-bed general care hospital on the Germantown campus of Montgomery College, denying Adventist HealthCare’s bid to place an 86-bed hospital near I-270 in Clarksburg.
In essence, commissioners preferred to build a new hospital in an established community rather than years in advance of expected population growth in a more rural pocket of northern Montgomery County. Marilyn Moon, the commission's chairwoman, said the Holy Cross hospital “will improve access for the greatest number of people and deliver those services at a reasonable cost.”
But Bill Robertson, president and CEO of Adventist HealthCare, called the construction of a satellite hospital for Holy Cross’s existing Silver Spring site an “unnecessary duplication of existing services.” Women’s rights groups also blasted the selection of the Catholic organization, saying it would limit the reproductive options for area residents. SOURCE: http://washingtonexaminer.com/blogs/capital-land/2011/01/md-commission-chooses-germantown-new-hospital#ixzz1BbhfyQvH
January 20, 2011
January 1, 2011
Montgomery County special education teacher charged with drug possession
A Montgomery County elementary school teacher was charged with possession of heroin after a traffic stop this week in Silver Spring, county officials said Thursday. Rebecca L. Amick, 25, who teaches special education at Woodlin Elementary School, has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the case, said Lesli Maxwell, a spokeswoman for Montgomery public schools. Amick has been released from custody, according to court records. Amick could not be reached for comment. It is unclear whether she has retained a lawyer.
According to police accounts, Amick was one of three people in a 2002 Mercury Marquis traveling north on Georgia Avenue on Tuesday evening. A member of the Montgomery Police Community Action Team paced the Marquis going 40 mph in a 30 mph zone and pulled it over, said Lucille Baur, a police spokeswoman. The occupants gave the officer permission to search the car and to search them, Baur said. Amick had been sitting in a rear seat. Police found nine small plastic bags on her person, Baur said. Police said that an officer on the scene trained to recognize specific drugs determined their contents to be heroin but that the substance has yet to be tested in a forensics lab. SOURCE: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/12/30/AR2010123004479.html>Washington Post
According to police accounts, Amick was one of three people in a 2002 Mercury Marquis traveling north on Georgia Avenue on Tuesday evening. A member of the Montgomery Police Community Action Team paced the Marquis going 40 mph in a 30 mph zone and pulled it over, said Lucille Baur, a police spokeswoman. The occupants gave the officer permission to search the car and to search them, Baur said. Amick had been sitting in a rear seat. Police found nine small plastic bags on her person, Baur said. Police said that an officer on the scene trained to recognize specific drugs determined their contents to be heroin but that the substance has yet to be tested in a forensics lab. SOURCE: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/12/30/AR2010123004479.html>Washington Post
Suburban Hospital on lockdown following stabbing/death
Suburban Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland, where I am being treated for Stage-4 cancer is now on lockdown! I have heard that a person was stabbed and died. My guess is that the stabbing came from a person who was brought into the hospital late morning for trauma injuries, though that is just a hunch. Vovak is in the hospital for cancer treatment, which has been quite serious. Stay tuned for more Montgomery County news! Also, all my visitors were sent away and later crew did a walk-through to make sure minimal people were in the hospital. . . . . Maybe I can finally get some sleep, since there will be less interruptions! On the other hand, I will be devastated if I know the stabbing victim, since many float from floor to floor and I have developed some deep friendships in the past 2-1/2 weeks! The stabbing was not on my floor, though.
December 29, 2010
Daniel Vovak's public statement on his Stage IV cancer
UPDATED: December 29, 2010; December 26, 2010
Dear friends, Republicans, and Marylanders:
For the last two weeks, I have had the rare privilege to be overwhelmingly loved by family and friends and to receive perfect care from the staff at Johns Hopkins/Suburban Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland. Shortly before Thanksgiving and through the weekend of the Maryland Republican Convention earlier this month, I experienced increased abdominal pain. I have since learned that I have an aggressive, but yet-to-be-specifically-diagnosed, Stage IV cancer.
Thankfully, my family and Alison have remained at my side, even as my dog, Newton, anxiously awaits my return. I anticipate not returning home for at least a month, though still before the 450 daffodils I planted (just three weeks ago) bloom in the spring. In the meanwhile, I ask that you pray for me and be more open with your loved ones, since I have learned there is no advantage to delaying kind words.
At this time (to preserve my strength), I request no phone calls, flowers, or visitors. Correspondence should be directed to Daniel Vovak through email at DanielVovak@gmail.com or to Daniel Vovak, Suburban Hospital. 8600 Old Georgetown Road. Room 3104. Bethesda, Maryland 20814. I will respond to correspondence when I am able, or as there are developments. May God bless us all!
Daniel Vovak, 38, is a ghostwriter, producer of The Blue Dress (a comedy about Bill & Monica), and an elected, at-large member of the Montgomery County Republican Central Committee. He is also the editor of Montgomery County Daily, a blog about Montgomery County, Maryland.
December 20, 2010
Conservative Action Network Forms in Maryland
Potomac, MD -- December 14, 2010 Frustrated with last November’s election results in Maryland, three grassroots activists have formed the Maryland Conservative Action Network (MD CAN) to help restore political competition to the public square. MD CAN will hold its inaugural conference on Saturday, January 8, 2011, from 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM at the DoubleTree Hotel in Annapolis.
According to the organizers, their goal is to network individuals and groups across Maryland who represent conservative points of view, such as fiscal conservatives, social conservatives, Constitutionalists, people concerned about immigration control and national security issues.
“To our knowledge, nothing like this has been done before in Maryland,” said Ann Corcoran, A Washington County blogger (Potomac Tea Party Report) and one of the organizers. “We expect like-minded activists to share ideas and talents, forge alliances, sound the call for action, and give rise to conservative voices so that political competition can thrive in Maryland.”
“We’ll be talking about 2010 campaign lessons, precinct organization, voter fraud, media outreach, running for office as a citizen legislator, and federal pressures bearing down on the state of Maryland,” said Tonya Tiffany, Howard County resident and MD CAN Organizer. “We’re not forming another political ‘group’. We’re simply trying to network people.”
Confirmed speakers and discussion leaders at the January 8 conference include: former gubernatorial candidate Brian Murphy, former Congressional candidates Charles Lollar and Robert Broadus, Representative-elect Dr. Andy Harris, Delegate Ron George, Delegate-elect Kathy Afzali, Frederick County Sheriff Chuck Jenkins, Marta Mossburg (journalist and MD Public Policy Institute Senior Fellow), Anita MonCrief (American Majority and Emerging Corruption), Claver Kamau-Imani (Raging Elephants), and precinct organizer Mark Jascewsky.
More information is available on the MD CAN website: http://mdcan.wordpress.com/, or by contacting Cathy Trauernicht at 301.717.0197, or Tonya Tiffany at marylandcan@yahoo.com
According to the organizers, their goal is to network individuals and groups across Maryland who represent conservative points of view, such as fiscal conservatives, social conservatives, Constitutionalists, people concerned about immigration control and national security issues.
“To our knowledge, nothing like this has been done before in Maryland,” said Ann Corcoran, A Washington County blogger (Potomac Tea Party Report) and one of the organizers. “We expect like-minded activists to share ideas and talents, forge alliances, sound the call for action, and give rise to conservative voices so that political competition can thrive in Maryland.”
“We’ll be talking about 2010 campaign lessons, precinct organization, voter fraud, media outreach, running for office as a citizen legislator, and federal pressures bearing down on the state of Maryland,” said Tonya Tiffany, Howard County resident and MD CAN Organizer. “We’re not forming another political ‘group’. We’re simply trying to network people.”
Confirmed speakers and discussion leaders at the January 8 conference include: former gubernatorial candidate Brian Murphy, former Congressional candidates Charles Lollar and Robert Broadus, Representative-elect Dr. Andy Harris, Delegate Ron George, Delegate-elect Kathy Afzali, Frederick County Sheriff Chuck Jenkins, Marta Mossburg (journalist and MD Public Policy Institute Senior Fellow), Anita MonCrief (American Majority and Emerging Corruption), Claver Kamau-Imani (Raging Elephants), and precinct organizer Mark Jascewsky.
More information is available on the MD CAN website: http://mdcan.wordpress.com/, or by contacting Cathy Trauernicht at 301.717.0197, or Tonya Tiffany at marylandcan@yahoo.com
December 13, 2010
Catholics stage anti-abortion protest outside Germantown clinic
About 600 people gathered Saturday in an anti-abortion protest organized by the Catholic Archdiocese of Washington outside an office complex in Germantown, where physician LeRoy Carhart was to have started offering late-term abortions last week.
"Our goal is to get Catholics aware of the situation with the state laws in Maryland," said Christa Lopiccolo, executive director of the department of life issues for the archdiocese.
"Maryland is becoming a safe haven" for abortion doctors because of "the laxity of the law," Lopiccolo said, adding that Carhart came to Maryland from Nebraska.
The protesters gathered for Mass at 8 a.m. at Mother Seton Parish, filling the pews and standing in the aisles of the church, which is about a half-mile from the abortion clinic.
"We are called now to march, to pray full of love, not full of violence," said Father Carlos Benitez, pastor at Mother Seton.
The predominantly Catholic group, including several priests, parents and children bundled in hats and jackets, and a few people carrying anti-abortion signs, walked to the perimeter of the office complex where the clinic is located, softly chanting prayers and singing hymns. WASHINGTON POST
"Our goal is to get Catholics aware of the situation with the state laws in Maryland," said Christa Lopiccolo, executive director of the department of life issues for the archdiocese.
"Maryland is becoming a safe haven" for abortion doctors because of "the laxity of the law," Lopiccolo said, adding that Carhart came to Maryland from Nebraska.
The protesters gathered for Mass at 8 a.m. at Mother Seton Parish, filling the pews and standing in the aisles of the church, which is about a half-mile from the abortion clinic.
"We are called now to march, to pray full of love, not full of violence," said Father Carlos Benitez, pastor at Mother Seton.
The predominantly Catholic group, including several priests, parents and children bundled in hats and jackets, and a few people carrying anti-abortion signs, walked to the perimeter of the office complex where the clinic is located, softly chanting prayers and singing hymns. WASHINGTON POST
Washington, DC Weather Video Forecast
Winter Weather Advisory in effect until 9 am EST Monday morning...
Monday Morning Snow showers. Little or no snow accumulation. Lows in the lower 30s. Northwest winds 15 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 90 percent.
Monday Afternoon Mostly cloudy in the morning...then becoming partly sunny. A 30 percent chance of snow showers. Highs in the mid 30s. Northwest winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.
Monday Night Mostly cloudy and brisk. Lows in the lower 20s. West winds 15 to 25 mph.
Tuesday Partly sunny. Highs in the lower 30s. Northwest winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 40 mph.
Tuesday Night Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 20s. West winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.
Wednesday Sunny. Highs in the lower 30s.
Wednesday Night Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 20s.
Thursday Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 30s.
Monday Morning Snow showers. Little or no snow accumulation. Lows in the lower 30s. Northwest winds 15 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 90 percent.
Monday Afternoon Mostly cloudy in the morning...then becoming partly sunny. A 30 percent chance of snow showers. Highs in the mid 30s. Northwest winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.
Monday Night Mostly cloudy and brisk. Lows in the lower 20s. West winds 15 to 25 mph.
Tuesday Partly sunny. Highs in the lower 30s. Northwest winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 40 mph.
Tuesday Night Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 20s. West winds 15 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph.
Wednesday Sunny. Highs in the lower 30s.
Wednesday Night Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 20s.
Thursday Mostly sunny. Highs in the mid 30s.
Montgomery Co. to consider cutting school officers
WASHINGTON - Members of the Montgomery County Council Monday will consider removing police officers from schools as lawmakers scramble to save money in the middle of the fiscal year.
Council members hope to cut as much as $36 million from the current year's budget, and a council committee will look at removing the school system's nine police officers assigned to monitor middle and high schools.
The cuts could save $518,000, but present a touch choice. Just last Friday, an officer assigned to Walt Whitman High School arrested two students after it was reported one brought a stun gun to school.
Other officers have been credited with developing good relationships with students, who let them know when something may be wrong.
County Executive Isiah Leggett also proposed cutting nearly $2 million from the county's health and human services budget. That could affect an energy assistance program which helps low-income residents pay their energy bills. SOURCE: WTOP
December 11, 2010
Man Punches Silver Spring Radio Shack Employee, Steals Playstation 3 Console
SILVER SPRING, Md. - Police are hoping a series of images from a store surveillance camera will help inspire somebody to call them with the name of the man seen punching a Radio Shack employee in the face as she tried to stop him from stealing a $300 Playstation 3 video game system at her store in Silver Spring Monday afternoon.
Montgomery County Police say the woman was not hurt. The man seen in the video images ran off with the Playstation 3 and hasn't been seen since.
If you recognize the person in the images call Crime Solvers. You may be eligible for a reward up to $1,000. The phone number is 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).
Accomplishments of 16th Montgomery County Council (2006-10)
ROCKVILLE, Md., December 7, 2010—On Monday, Dec. 6, the 16th Council of Montgomery County served its final day and the 17th Council was sworn in at ceremonies at Rockville High School. Sworn as part of the 17th Council were returning incumbents Phil Andrews, Roger Berliner, Marc Elrich, Valerie Ervin, Nancy Floreen, George Leventhal and Nancy Navarro. Newly elected Hans Riemer and Craig Rice are beginning their first terms. All were elected in November to four-year terms.
Serving full terms on the 16th Council were Councilmembers Andrews, Berliner, Elrich, Ervin, Floreen, Leventhal, Mike Knapp and Duchy Trachtenberg. Councilmember Navarro took office on June 3, 2009, after winning a special election to represent District 4. Councilmember Marilyn Praisner passed away while in office on Feb. 1, 2008. She was replaced on May 27, 2008, by her husband, Don Praisner, who won a special election. He passed away while in office on Jan. 30, 2009.
One-year terms as president for 16th Council were served by Marilyn Praisner (Dec. 2006-Dec. 2007), Mike Knapp (Dec. 2007-Dec. 2008), Phil Andrews (Dec. 2008-Dec. 2009) and Nancy Floreen (Dec. 2009-Dec. 2010). The following are the major accomplishments of the 16th Montgomery County Council:
2007
- Passed Fiscal Year 2008 Operating Budget that included no new taxes
- Formed ad hoc agricultural policy working group formed
- Received report analyzing Clarksburg development districts
- Formed Girls in Information Technology working group formed
- Formed Mansionization task force to evaluate and propose specific solutions to the problems posed by infill development in lower Montgomery County
- Formed Infrastructure Working Group
- Provided financial aid to farmers impacted by summer drought
- Revised Road Code that will lead to changes to street and road design. Changes will have considerable impact in future subdivisions, including the creation of streets that will be safer for pedestrians and bicyclists and standards that will improve stormwater management
- Approved bill that will prohibit discrimination based on gender identity in housing, employment, public accommodations, cable television service and taxicab service
- Approved an appropriation of $250,000 to help qualifying group homes that provide special services to individuals install automatic fire sprinklers to protect the safety of the homes’ residents
- Implemented Safe Speed program, becoming the first county in Maryland to use speed cameras to enforce speed limits in residential areas and school zones with a speed limit of 35 mph or less and school zones with any speed limit
- Approved Green Building Certification Program to allow a property tax credit for high performance buildings certified by the United States Green Buildings Council (USGB) or equivalent
- Initiated Council president holding weekly briefings with media to help improve communications with the public
2008
- Held increase for FY09 Operating Budget to rate of inflation
- Approved Germantown and Twinbrook sector plans
- Approved package of seven climate change bills, placing Montgomery among the foremost counties in the nation with legislation of this scope
- Required contracts for domestic workers—becoming one of the few jurisdictions in the nation to have such protection
- Approved agreement that would lead to establishment of Live Nation Fillmore music hall in downtown Silver Spring
- Implemented a mid-year budget savings plan for FY08
- Required home sellers to disclose approximate property tax new owners would be responsible for paying
- Approved policy to prohibit investment in Sudan
- Banned on use of trans fats in County restaurants
- Approved bill that requires contractors and subcontractors to pay prevailing wages to workers on construction projects valued at more than $500,000 that are awarded or financed by County government.
- Approved $33 million mid-year savings plan for FY09 (November) Councilmembers Mike Knapp and Nancy Floreen are first Councilmembers to start blogs as part of effort to improve communications with residents
- NOTE: Councilmember Marilyn Praisner, who had been in office 17 years, passed away on Feb. 1. Her husband, Don Praisner, won a special election to represent District 4. He took office on May 27.
2009
Council made major transportation recommendations on proposed projects:
- To build the Corridor Cities Transitway
- To build the Purple Line that will connect the Bethesda and New Carrollton Metro stations
- To widen I-270 by adding High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes
- The approved total operating budget, without MCPS-related debt service, was increased by only 1.2 percent
- Adopted Home Energy Loan Program (HELP) that would assist homeowners in making their houses more energy efficient
- Opened the first Montgomery County Family Justice Center providing protection for victims of domestic violence
- Approved hiring priority for people with disabilities
- Approved resolution to require pregnancy centers to disclose scope of service
- Opened new Germantown/Kingsview Fire Station 22 in March—the first new full operation fire station opened in County in 25 years
- Passed reforms for County’s Disability Retirement law for employees
- Prohibited large trucks and recreational vehicles from parking on certain residential streets
- Approved purchase of both the east and west sides of a 127-acre parcel of land along Snouffer School Road in Gaithersburg commonly known as the Webb Tract. Purchase moved ahead a portion of the relocations needed to implement the Shady Grove Sector Plan and the proposal to consolidate and relocate a number of County facilities
- Created Workforce Investment Scholarship program to provide tuition funding assistance for undergraduate students at Montgomery College and the Universities at Shady Grove who are pursuing degrees in fields of significant occupational need in Montgomery County.
- Approved nutrition labeling bill that requires an establishment with at least 20 national locations that offer the same type of menu at each location to post information on calories on the menu or menu board for any standardized menu item.
- NOTE: Councilmember Don Praisner passed away on Jan. 30. Nancy Navarro won a special election to represent District 4 and took office in June.
2010
- Adopted the first decreased overall budget since the County Charter was approved in 1968
- Approved two mid-year savings plans totaling $100 million
- Commissioned an Office of Legislative Oversight report on the County’s structural deficit Created the Business Development Corporation
- Created the Montgomery Organizational Reform Commission
- Urged Maryland Public Service Commission to open investigation on Pepco reliability and communications
- Approved Great Seneca Science Corridor Master Plan
- Approved White Flint Sector Plan and plan to finance public infrastructure
- Backed continued operation of Sligo Creek Golf Course
- Maintained AAA bond rating after being placed on “negative watch list” by Moody’s bond-rating agency
- Approved first six-year balanced fiscal plan
- Established new policies for County’s budget reserves
- Approved Carbon Emitters Tax impacting major emitters of carbon
- Approved Purple Line Functional Plan revisions addressing station locations, alignment of some portions of the route and adding access points the adjacent Capital Crescent Trail.
- Appointed Francoise Carrier as Planning Board chair
- Abolished Clarksburg Town Center Development District
- Established new Clarksburg Infrastructure Working Group that will review and prioritize the necessary infrastructure items for the Clarksburg area and propose suitable mechanisms to finance the recommended infrastructure for the upcounty community Implemented accessory apartment disclaimer
- Dedicated Germantown/Milestone Fire Station in September
- Approved funding for new Glenmont Fire Station
- Approved biotech investment incentive tax credit supplement
- Established hiring preferences for people with disabilities
- Implemented spending disclosure Web site as part of open government
- Required availability of equal benefits to same sex domestic partners of employees of County contractors
- Approved regulation requiring pregnancy centers in County to disclose actual scope of their services
- Commissioned Office of Legislative Oversight report comparing Montgomery and Fairfax counties
- Approved Zoning Text Amendment whose provisions include limiting parking in the front yards of properties in many neighborhoods. Among the aims of the was to better enforce home business provisions
- Met jointly for first time ever with Mayor and Council of Gaithersburg and the Rockville Mayor and Council. Subject of discussions was proposed Great Seneca Science Corridor plan
- Hosted first Council Town Hall Meeting for students that was attended by more than 400
- Established phone information line for residents to offer input on budget and area on home page of the Council web site that provides complete information on the budget process
- Approved sale of former Peary High School in Aspen Hill to Berman Hebrew Academy, which had rented facility since 1996.
Serving full terms on the 16th Council were Councilmembers Andrews, Berliner, Elrich, Ervin, Floreen, Leventhal, Mike Knapp and Duchy Trachtenberg. Councilmember Navarro took office on June 3, 2009, after winning a special election to represent District 4. Councilmember Marilyn Praisner passed away while in office on Feb. 1, 2008. She was replaced on May 27, 2008, by her husband, Don Praisner, who won a special election. He passed away while in office on Jan. 30, 2009.
One-year terms as president for 16th Council were served by Marilyn Praisner (Dec. 2006-Dec. 2007), Mike Knapp (Dec. 2007-Dec. 2008), Phil Andrews (Dec. 2008-Dec. 2009) and Nancy Floreen (Dec. 2009-Dec. 2010). The following are the major accomplishments of the 16th Montgomery County Council:
2007
- Passed Fiscal Year 2008 Operating Budget that included no new taxes
- Formed ad hoc agricultural policy working group formed
- Received report analyzing Clarksburg development districts
- Formed Girls in Information Technology working group formed
- Formed Mansionization task force to evaluate and propose specific solutions to the problems posed by infill development in lower Montgomery County
- Formed Infrastructure Working Group
- Provided financial aid to farmers impacted by summer drought
- Revised Road Code that will lead to changes to street and road design. Changes will have considerable impact in future subdivisions, including the creation of streets that will be safer for pedestrians and bicyclists and standards that will improve stormwater management
- Approved bill that will prohibit discrimination based on gender identity in housing, employment, public accommodations, cable television service and taxicab service
- Approved an appropriation of $250,000 to help qualifying group homes that provide special services to individuals install automatic fire sprinklers to protect the safety of the homes’ residents
- Implemented Safe Speed program, becoming the first county in Maryland to use speed cameras to enforce speed limits in residential areas and school zones with a speed limit of 35 mph or less and school zones with any speed limit
- Approved Green Building Certification Program to allow a property tax credit for high performance buildings certified by the United States Green Buildings Council (USGB) or equivalent
- Initiated Council president holding weekly briefings with media to help improve communications with the public
2008
- Held increase for FY09 Operating Budget to rate of inflation
- Approved Germantown and Twinbrook sector plans
- Approved package of seven climate change bills, placing Montgomery among the foremost counties in the nation with legislation of this scope
- Required contracts for domestic workers—becoming one of the few jurisdictions in the nation to have such protection
- Approved agreement that would lead to establishment of Live Nation Fillmore music hall in downtown Silver Spring
- Implemented a mid-year budget savings plan for FY08
- Required home sellers to disclose approximate property tax new owners would be responsible for paying
- Approved policy to prohibit investment in Sudan
- Banned on use of trans fats in County restaurants
- Approved bill that requires contractors and subcontractors to pay prevailing wages to workers on construction projects valued at more than $500,000 that are awarded or financed by County government.
- Approved $33 million mid-year savings plan for FY09 (November) Councilmembers Mike Knapp and Nancy Floreen are first Councilmembers to start blogs as part of effort to improve communications with residents
- NOTE: Councilmember Marilyn Praisner, who had been in office 17 years, passed away on Feb. 1. Her husband, Don Praisner, won a special election to represent District 4. He took office on May 27.
2009
Council made major transportation recommendations on proposed projects:
- To build the Corridor Cities Transitway
- To build the Purple Line that will connect the Bethesda and New Carrollton Metro stations
- To widen I-270 by adding High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes
- The approved total operating budget, without MCPS-related debt service, was increased by only 1.2 percent
- Adopted Home Energy Loan Program (HELP) that would assist homeowners in making their houses more energy efficient
- Opened the first Montgomery County Family Justice Center providing protection for victims of domestic violence
- Approved hiring priority for people with disabilities
- Approved resolution to require pregnancy centers to disclose scope of service
- Opened new Germantown/Kingsview Fire Station 22 in March—the first new full operation fire station opened in County in 25 years
- Passed reforms for County’s Disability Retirement law for employees
- Prohibited large trucks and recreational vehicles from parking on certain residential streets
- Approved purchase of both the east and west sides of a 127-acre parcel of land along Snouffer School Road in Gaithersburg commonly known as the Webb Tract. Purchase moved ahead a portion of the relocations needed to implement the Shady Grove Sector Plan and the proposal to consolidate and relocate a number of County facilities
- Created Workforce Investment Scholarship program to provide tuition funding assistance for undergraduate students at Montgomery College and the Universities at Shady Grove who are pursuing degrees in fields of significant occupational need in Montgomery County.
- Approved nutrition labeling bill that requires an establishment with at least 20 national locations that offer the same type of menu at each location to post information on calories on the menu or menu board for any standardized menu item.
- NOTE: Councilmember Don Praisner passed away on Jan. 30. Nancy Navarro won a special election to represent District 4 and took office in June.
2010
- Adopted the first decreased overall budget since the County Charter was approved in 1968
- Approved two mid-year savings plans totaling $100 million
- Commissioned an Office of Legislative Oversight report on the County’s structural deficit Created the Business Development Corporation
- Created the Montgomery Organizational Reform Commission
- Urged Maryland Public Service Commission to open investigation on Pepco reliability and communications
- Approved Great Seneca Science Corridor Master Plan
- Approved White Flint Sector Plan and plan to finance public infrastructure
- Backed continued operation of Sligo Creek Golf Course
- Maintained AAA bond rating after being placed on “negative watch list” by Moody’s bond-rating agency
- Approved first six-year balanced fiscal plan
- Established new policies for County’s budget reserves
- Approved Carbon Emitters Tax impacting major emitters of carbon
- Approved Purple Line Functional Plan revisions addressing station locations, alignment of some portions of the route and adding access points the adjacent Capital Crescent Trail.
- Appointed Francoise Carrier as Planning Board chair
- Abolished Clarksburg Town Center Development District
- Established new Clarksburg Infrastructure Working Group that will review and prioritize the necessary infrastructure items for the Clarksburg area and propose suitable mechanisms to finance the recommended infrastructure for the upcounty community Implemented accessory apartment disclaimer
- Dedicated Germantown/Milestone Fire Station in September
- Approved funding for new Glenmont Fire Station
- Approved biotech investment incentive tax credit supplement
- Established hiring preferences for people with disabilities
- Implemented spending disclosure Web site as part of open government
- Required availability of equal benefits to same sex domestic partners of employees of County contractors
- Approved regulation requiring pregnancy centers in County to disclose actual scope of their services
- Commissioned Office of Legislative Oversight report comparing Montgomery and Fairfax counties
- Approved Zoning Text Amendment whose provisions include limiting parking in the front yards of properties in many neighborhoods. Among the aims of the was to better enforce home business provisions
- Met jointly for first time ever with Mayor and Council of Gaithersburg and the Rockville Mayor and Council. Subject of discussions was proposed Great Seneca Science Corridor plan
- Hosted first Council Town Hall Meeting for students that was attended by more than 400
- Established phone information line for residents to offer input on budget and area on home page of the Council web site that provides complete information on the budget process
- Approved sale of former Peary High School in Aspen Hill to Berman Hebrew Academy, which had rented facility since 1996.
December 10, 2010
Holly Morris and Tony Perkins - Stuff A Truck
Holly Morris and Tony Perkins helped kick off the 2010 Stuff A Truck giving campaign!
Watch the all of the videos to see our friends Christel Hair and Lynn Brantley from the Capital Area Food Bank, Ivy Rose, Pete Piringer Of DC Fire and EMS, the Redskins Cheerleaders, Callan Kruchten of The Potomac Harmony Chorus, Screech and Slapshot, Big Tigger, Danella and Kandi, Montgomery County Fire Chief Scott Graham, Tyler Naake of Jellef Community Center, Torch Club President Jamie Elliott,
Mary Kane video for her MDGOP chairman bid; plus 'Women for Mooney' video
Forgive me, Montgomery County Democrats, but its not like Republicans can get excited over much in Maryland.
Mary Kane video
Women for Mooney Isn't this video ironic?!
Mary Kane video
Women for Mooney Isn't this video ironic?!
UNHEALTHY: Bethesda's NIH blocks Wikileaks, follows Library of Congress in suppressing information on War
Reaction continues to pour in from all over the world since the Library of Congress confirmed December 3 that it was blocking access from all LC computers to the WikiLeaks website in order to prevent unauthorized downloading of classified records as ordered by the Office of Management and Budget. LC’s action raised red flags in libraries all over the country as librarians struggled with the implications of the nation’s library barring staff and visitors’ access to the classified diplomatic cables WikiLeaks released in November.
“The news media are reporting today, accurately, that the Library of Congress is blocking access to the WikiLeaks site across its computer systems, including those for use by patrons in the reading rooms,” wrote LC spokesperson Matt Raymond. “The Library decided to block WikiLeaks because applicable law obligates federal agencies to protect classified information.” Pamela C. Sieving, biomedical librarian at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, shared with the ALA Council discussion list a directive issued to NIH employees:
Except as authorized by their agencies and pursuant to agency procedures, federal employees or contractors shall not, while using computers or other devices (such as Blackberries or Smart Phones) that access the web on non-classified government systems, access documents that are marked classified (including classified documents publicly available on the WikiLeaks and other websites), as doing so risks that material still classified will be placed onto non-classified systems.
This requirement applies to access that occurs either through agency or contractor computers, or through employees’ or contractors’ personally owned computers that access non-classified government systems. This requirement does not restrict employee or contractor access to non-classified, publicly available news reports (and other non-classified material) that may in turn discuss classified material, as distinguished from access to underlying documents that themselves are marked classified (including if the underlying classified documents are available on public websites or otherwise in the public domain).
Within a week, Raymond’s posting had garnered 152 responses, many from commenters self-identifying as librarians. Some quoted the First Amendment or ALA’s Library Bill of Rights in condemning the website ban. “What next? Will LC pull the Pentagon Papers from the stacks and burn them with all the other banned books in a bonfire in the main reading room?” John Galt chided. Others lauded LC for its principled move. “While the cat is certainly out of the bag, the position of the LOC in blocking access in this case is completely reasonable,” Kevin Fitzpatrick declared, adding, “Anyone wishing to find the released information will have no real difficulty in doing so. That does not however mean that we the taxpayer need make it easier by providing that access.”
Three days after Raymond posted LC’s explanation, Secrecy News Editor Steven Aftergood observed, “Since the Congressional Research Service is a component of the Library, this means that CRS researchers will be unable to access or to cite the leaked materials in their research reports to Congress. Several current and former CRS analysts expressed perplexity and dismay about the move, and they said it could undermine the institution’s research activities.”
READ MORE: American Libraries Online
“The news media are reporting today, accurately, that the Library of Congress is blocking access to the WikiLeaks site across its computer systems, including those for use by patrons in the reading rooms,” wrote LC spokesperson Matt Raymond. “The Library decided to block WikiLeaks because applicable law obligates federal agencies to protect classified information.” Pamela C. Sieving, biomedical librarian at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, shared with the ALA Council discussion list a directive issued to NIH employees:
Except as authorized by their agencies and pursuant to agency procedures, federal employees or contractors shall not, while using computers or other devices (such as Blackberries or Smart Phones) that access the web on non-classified government systems, access documents that are marked classified (including classified documents publicly available on the WikiLeaks and other websites), as doing so risks that material still classified will be placed onto non-classified systems.
This requirement applies to access that occurs either through agency or contractor computers, or through employees’ or contractors’ personally owned computers that access non-classified government systems. This requirement does not restrict employee or contractor access to non-classified, publicly available news reports (and other non-classified material) that may in turn discuss classified material, as distinguished from access to underlying documents that themselves are marked classified (including if the underlying classified documents are available on public websites or otherwise in the public domain).
Within a week, Raymond’s posting had garnered 152 responses, many from commenters self-identifying as librarians. Some quoted the First Amendment or ALA’s Library Bill of Rights in condemning the website ban. “What next? Will LC pull the Pentagon Papers from the stacks and burn them with all the other banned books in a bonfire in the main reading room?” John Galt chided. Others lauded LC for its principled move. “While the cat is certainly out of the bag, the position of the LOC in blocking access in this case is completely reasonable,” Kevin Fitzpatrick declared, adding, “Anyone wishing to find the released information will have no real difficulty in doing so. That does not however mean that we the taxpayer need make it easier by providing that access.”
Three days after Raymond posted LC’s explanation, Secrecy News Editor Steven Aftergood observed, “Since the Congressional Research Service is a component of the Library, this means that CRS researchers will be unable to access or to cite the leaked materials in their research reports to Congress. Several current and former CRS analysts expressed perplexity and dismay about the move, and they said it could undermine the institution’s research activities.”
READ MORE: American Libraries Online
State to open new District Court building in Rockville in February
Routine construction delays and winter snowstorms are pushing the opening of the new District Court building in downtown Rockville to mid-February. At the same time, some people are questioning the intense sunlight reflection off the windows on the south side of the building, nicknaming it a "death ray." Mayor Phyllis Marcuccio's office is on the side of City Hall that faces the courthouse across Vinson Street.
"You can see the big parabola of light shining over to City Hall. It does make it quite warm," she said. "Any day you have a sunny day and you're cold, come on over we will warm you up."
Marcuccio said she is confident the state would address the concern. Barthol L. Thomas, acting assistant secretary for Facilities Planning, Design and Construction at the state Department of General Services. said the state is already working on a solution.
"We learned about it last week and we've turned it over to our design firm," he said. "It created a problem, we are working on it and we hope to have a plan for a solution within the next couple days."
The original expected completion date for the courthouse was early December.
"This is not unusual on a job of this complexity," Thomas said. "We had two blizzards last winter and we couldn't get to the job site. This is normal and not an unforeseen delay."
The $59.9 million project sits on the former site of the Rockville Library at the corner of Jefferson Street and Maryland Avenue. It sits across Jefferson Street from the current District Court building. The new courthouse is 167,072 square feet and six stories tall. It will contain nine courtrooms and four hearing rooms, courtroom holding areas, and offices for judicial administration, court clerks, commissioners, advocate services, public defenders, parole and probation, and the Drunk Driver Monitoring Program, according to state officials. SOURCE: Gazette
MOCO GOP Chairman drops out; endorses Mary Kane
Below is the letter from Montgomery County Republican Chairman Mark Uncapher
Fellow Maryland Republican Central Committee Members
As many of you know, I believe that in order for the Maryland Republican Party to grow, we need to welcome far broader participation by more Republicans in party business than has been our past practice. This means more than just inviting people to “follow us.” It requires our giving more Republicans an active say in what we do as a party.
Too often party leadership’s penchant to operate in secrecy has left the impression that they were “hiding” things that could just as easily have been made public without any embarrassment. For example, we have quite literally let the fear of press leaks limit the manner of distribution of basic financial information, even among County Chairmen. The circumstances regarding other decisions, such as the failure to designate an Attorney General candidate, remains so shrouded in mystery that the rest of the party still deserves a more complete explanation.
As a candidate for State Party Treasurer, I have focused on the need for more financial transparency. Tonight, for example, our Executive Committee will consider a draft budget for 2011. Consistent with past practice, a draft still has not been circulated in advance of the meeting. Contrast the way Maryland Republicans operate with the congressional "Read the Bill" reform movement. This requires that the full text of any bill be publicly available at least 72 hours before consideration, giving members a minimal time to consider what they are voting on. (See http://readthebill.org/
As a society our institutions are moving away from centralized, hierarchical organizations toward more networked structures in which individuals are empowered by communications technology to share information and take their own initiative to act. In order for our party to take full advantage of these opportunities, we must be more transparent and more inclusive in how we operate.
I am very confident that as our party’s next Chairman, Mary Kane will change the state party’s “the fewer in the know the better” style of top-down decision making. She understands that if we want people to follow us, we need to actively engage them more widely from the outset. But frankly it is the Chairman who will be the key to changing our party's operating style.
I am stepping aside as a candidate for Treasurer and endorsing Mary and Chris Rosenthal for Chairman and Treasurer respectively. I very much appreciate the warm support that so many Central Committee members extended me. Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to continuing to work with you to build a stronger Maryland Republican Party.
Mark Uncapher
Central Committee Member, LD 16
Montgomery County Republican Chairman
Fellow Maryland Republican Central Committee Members
As many of you know, I believe that in order for the Maryland Republican Party to grow, we need to welcome far broader participation by more Republicans in party business than has been our past practice. This means more than just inviting people to “follow us.” It requires our giving more Republicans an active say in what we do as a party.
Too often party leadership’s penchant to operate in secrecy has left the impression that they were “hiding” things that could just as easily have been made public without any embarrassment. For example, we have quite literally let the fear of press leaks limit the manner of distribution of basic financial information, even among County Chairmen. The circumstances regarding other decisions, such as the failure to designate an Attorney General candidate, remains so shrouded in mystery that the rest of the party still deserves a more complete explanation.
As a candidate for State Party Treasurer, I have focused on the need for more financial transparency. Tonight, for example, our Executive Committee will consider a draft budget for 2011. Consistent with past practice, a draft still has not been circulated in advance of the meeting. Contrast the way Maryland Republicans operate with the congressional "Read the Bill" reform movement. This requires that the full text of any bill be publicly available at least 72 hours before consideration, giving members a minimal time to consider what they are voting on. (See http://readthebill.org/
As a society our institutions are moving away from centralized, hierarchical organizations toward more networked structures in which individuals are empowered by communications technology to share information and take their own initiative to act. In order for our party to take full advantage of these opportunities, we must be more transparent and more inclusive in how we operate.
I am very confident that as our party’s next Chairman, Mary Kane will change the state party’s “the fewer in the know the better” style of top-down decision making. She understands that if we want people to follow us, we need to actively engage them more widely from the outset. But frankly it is the Chairman who will be the key to changing our party's operating style.
I am stepping aside as a candidate for Treasurer and endorsing Mary and Chris Rosenthal for Chairman and Treasurer respectively. I very much appreciate the warm support that so many Central Committee members extended me. Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to continuing to work with you to build a stronger Maryland Republican Party.
Mark Uncapher
Central Committee Member, LD 16
Montgomery County Republican Chairman
Snyder disappointed in Haynesworth and Redskins as a whole
BRISTOW, Va. -- Washington Redskins owner Dan Snyder said that he is “personally frustrated” over the way his team’s season has played out, and expressed regret that the record-setting signing of Albert Haynesworth didn’t pay off.
“I’m personally frustrated we’re 5-7 and looking forward to winning our next game,” said Snyder, who spoke after the dedication of the Washington Redskins Courage House at Joe Gibbs’ Youth for Tomorrow campus in Prince William County.
Snyder stressed a need for patience, but said that he believes that coach Mike Shanahan and general manager Bruce Allen have the Redskins on the right track.
“When you have a new organization in place with Bruce Allen and his team, and coach Shanahan, it takes time,” said Snyder, who spoke with the media for the first time since training camp. “With coach Gibbs, it took time to get his organization shaped the way he wanted to, and the next year we made the playoffs and made a run, and I’m looking forward to the future.”
Snyder at first declined to answer questions about Haynesworth, whom the Redskins on Tuesday suspended for the remainder of the season for conduct detrimental to the team. He said, “Coach has said enough at this point. He speaks for all of us and we’re in good hands with him.” Asked a second time about Haynesworth, Snyder conceded, and briefly expressed his disappointments.
“I wish it had worked out better,” Snyder said. “I wish he played better and everybody played better at this point, but really we’re just trying to win the next game.” SOURCE: TBD
“I’m personally frustrated we’re 5-7 and looking forward to winning our next game,” said Snyder, who spoke after the dedication of the Washington Redskins Courage House at Joe Gibbs’ Youth for Tomorrow campus in Prince William County.
Snyder stressed a need for patience, but said that he believes that coach Mike Shanahan and general manager Bruce Allen have the Redskins on the right track.
“When you have a new organization in place with Bruce Allen and his team, and coach Shanahan, it takes time,” said Snyder, who spoke with the media for the first time since training camp. “With coach Gibbs, it took time to get his organization shaped the way he wanted to, and the next year we made the playoffs and made a run, and I’m looking forward to the future.”
Snyder at first declined to answer questions about Haynesworth, whom the Redskins on Tuesday suspended for the remainder of the season for conduct detrimental to the team. He said, “Coach has said enough at this point. He speaks for all of us and we’re in good hands with him.” Asked a second time about Haynesworth, Snyder conceded, and briefly expressed his disappointments.
“I wish it had worked out better,” Snyder said. “I wish he played better and everybody played better at this point, but really we’re just trying to win the next game.” SOURCE: TBD
Montgomery County Council Elects Valerie Ervin as President, Roger Berliner as Vice President for 2010-11 Year
ROCKVILLE, December 7, 2010—The Montgomery County Council today unanimously elected Valerie Ervin as president and Roger Berliner as vice president of the Council. They will serve one-year terms as officers of the Council. Councilmember Ervin, who represents District 5, served as vice president of the Council for the past year. Councilmember Berliner, who represents District 1, served as vice president of the Council the previous year. On Dec. 6 at Rockville High School, each was sworn in to begin their second term on the Council. Also sworn in as part of the 17th Council of Montgomery County were returning incumbents Phil Andrews, Marc Elrich, Nancy Floreen, George Leventhal and Nancy Navarro. Newly elected Hans Riemer and Craig Rice are beginning their first terms. All were elected in November to four-year terms.
“This year, I propose that we get back to basics, focus on disciplined governing, and implement long-term structural changes in the interest of our community,” said Council President Ervin. “The challenges that we will face during the upcoming year are squarely focused on pocket-book economics, and we will devote our time to maintaining the quality of life in Montgomery County. We must make the tough decisions that will keep this County on the course of greatness that helped to determine why nearly a million people have chosen to live here, and why so many who are drawn to innovation and opportunity choose to work here. We have our challenges, but we will approach them with the confidence of knowing that if any community has the capacity to adapt, it is Montgomery County.”
Council President Ervin represents District 5, which includes Kensington, Silver Spring, Takoma Park and Wheaton. She chairs the Council’s Education Committee and serves on the Council’s Government Operations and Fiscal Policy Committee, which conducts budget reviews and program oversight for various County departments and offices. As an advocate for the interests of working families and improving the lives of children, she has pushed Montgomery County to the forefront of the universal preschool movement.
Council Vice President Berliner was first elected to the Montgomery County Council in November 2006 as the District 1 representative for the Bethesda, Chevy Chase, and Potomac areas. He begins the new term as chair of the Council’s Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy and Environment Committee and as a member of the Public Safety Committee. He also serves as the Council’s representative to the County’s Sustainability Working Group and Green Economic Task Force. Regionally, he is on the Washington Regional Board of Directors of the Council of Governments where he is an active member of the Climate, Energy, and Environment Policy Committee.
“This year, I propose that we get back to basics, focus on disciplined governing, and implement long-term structural changes in the interest of our community,” said Council President Ervin. “The challenges that we will face during the upcoming year are squarely focused on pocket-book economics, and we will devote our time to maintaining the quality of life in Montgomery County. We must make the tough decisions that will keep this County on the course of greatness that helped to determine why nearly a million people have chosen to live here, and why so many who are drawn to innovation and opportunity choose to work here. We have our challenges, but we will approach them with the confidence of knowing that if any community has the capacity to adapt, it is Montgomery County.”
Council President Ervin represents District 5, which includes Kensington, Silver Spring, Takoma Park and Wheaton. She chairs the Council’s Education Committee and serves on the Council’s Government Operations and Fiscal Policy Committee, which conducts budget reviews and program oversight for various County departments and offices. As an advocate for the interests of working families and improving the lives of children, she has pushed Montgomery County to the forefront of the universal preschool movement.
Council Vice President Berliner was first elected to the Montgomery County Council in November 2006 as the District 1 representative for the Bethesda, Chevy Chase, and Potomac areas. He begins the new term as chair of the Council’s Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy and Environment Committee and as a member of the Public Safety Committee. He also serves as the Council’s representative to the County’s Sustainability Working Group and Green Economic Task Force. Regionally, he is on the Washington Regional Board of Directors of the Council of Governments where he is an active member of the Climate, Energy, and Environment Policy Committee.
December 9, 2010
National Christmas Tree Lighting In DC
Christmas has arrived in Washington.
With the flip of a switch/push of a button, President Barack Obama lit the National Christmas Tree -- a 40-foot Colorado blue spruce growing on a grassy area near the White House known as the Ellipse.
Obama was accompanied by his wife, Michelle, and daughters Malia and Sasha.
The tradition dates to 1923, when President Calvin Coolidge presided over the lighting a national Christmas tree. Thursday's event kicks off days of holiday celebrations in the nation's capital.
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