First of All…

Welcome to something new – my electronic newsletter; the first of what I hope will become a regular dialogue between us.   I’d like to share with you my perspective on the challenges we face as a County and what I have made my personal priorities as a Councilmember.

As you know, at the start of this Council session, I also began my service as Chairperson of the Management and Fiscal Policy (MFP) Committee, which oversees the budget process and other financial matters.  When my dear friend, the late Marilyn Praisner asked me to take over from her as Chair of MFP, we agreed on the importance of budgets that make the most out of every dollar of taxpayers’ money. In recent months, I have begun the process of reforming our current development district laws and the spending affordability guidelines which are an important fiscal tool employed during the annual budget preparation.

As the only public health professional on the Council, I have a special interest in social services, delivery of health care and preventive care, and support for urgently needed government programs that deliver front-line assistance.  And as a lifelong activist and leader of organizations working on issues of importance to women, I’m standing for equality and justice for all Montgomery women

When the Council returns in the fall, I’ll be introducing more legislation that enacts these principles, and working to build a stronger consensus on labor-management relations.  Do I think this will be easy?  Of course I don’t—but I know it can be done.   I recall the words of Margaret Mead, who said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

Please contact me if you have any questions or comments about issues before the County Council, and have a great summer!

Duchy

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