DUNCAN HAILS 'ALL AMERICA COMMUNITY'
IN STATE OF THE COUNTY ADDRESS:
URGES STATE SUPPORT IN TAKING COUNTY TO NEXT LEVEL

Montgomery County Executive Douglas M. Duncan delivered his annual State of the County speech tonight that celebrated the County's designation by the National Civic League as an "All America Community," and charted the need for more aggressive state funding to continue Montgomery's progress and prosperity.

"The County is in outstanding shape," said Duncan. "Our economy is vibrant, our schools and other public services are among the nation's finest. We have accomplished so much on the local level in the last few years, culminating in our being named an 'All America Community.' Now, we must turn to the State for the leadership and support that is necessary to continue moving forward on our priorities."

During his address, Duncan cited the County's accomplishments in education, transportation and public safety.

Calling for much-needed additional investments in the County's transportation and transit systems, Duncan expressed disappointment that the State's congestion relief efforts and commitment to comprehensive multi-modal projects are flagging over the long-term.

Citing the Transportation Planning Board's call for an extra $1.7 billion annually over the next 25 years to meet the region's transportation needs, Duncan supported Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates Casper R. Taylor, Jr.'s efforts to provide additional revenue for the State's Transportation Trust Fund.

Duncan also sent a letter today to Governor Parris Glendening, urging restoration of funding for the East-West Link Improvements project that was developed in place of the Inter-County Connector.

Outlined in the County's legislative priorities for the 2001 session are new initiatives to keep Maryland at the forefront of technology industry growth. These proposals include a measure to provide much-needed capital to start-up companies through the sale of net operating losses; sales and use tax exemptions for some supercomputing and internet communications equipment and for materials used to construct biotech manufacturing plants; establishment of a Maryland technology incubator program to replicate the success of Montgomery County's nurturing of small and start-up firms; and an examination of ways in which public sector investment can aid biotechnology venture capital projects.

Duncan encouraged the Maryland State Department of Housing and Community Development to help bridge the digital divide by wiring publicly funding housing projects. The program would fund job training, after school programs, and commercial revitalization programs to increase the state's trained labor force for technology and other jobs, helping move people towards self-sufficiency and achievement.

Duncan cited the success of Montgomery County's all-day kindergarten program, and urged statewide action on the matter. Today, he sent a letter to Glendening, urging support of a State funding initiative that would phase-in the full-day program to include all elementary schools in Maryland.

Duncan congratulated the Montgomery County schools for making meaningful improvements to student achievement. He pointed out that the extraordinary, unprecedented investments over the past few years have helped to make changes where they are most needed. Duncan stated that although it is unlikely that the County will be able to sustain the same level of added funding in the next few years, it is important to continue to carry through on these initiatives and monitor their success.

Duncan supported Governor Glendening's proposal yesterday for establishment of a uniform voting system in Maryland and State funding for new voting machines. Duncan cited other County accomplishments that have helped to make Montgomery County an 'All America Community.' He described the County's steady progress in enhancing instruction in the classroom, reducing class sizes, and pursuing higher standards for every child, while working to close the gap in achievement among some of our students. He cited ground-breaking workforce excellence initiatives that included staff development teachers in every school, a peer assistance and review plan and an expanded teacher mentoring program.

Last year, Duncan added 38 police officers and 28 fire and rescue workers and equipped these departments with vital new communications systems and other technologies so Montgomery County will have one of the first fully integrated police, fire and rescue radio and records management systems in the nation.

Duncan said that economic revitalization in our urban cores, including Silver Spring and Wheaton, are bringing new economic vitality to our established neighborhoods.

Duncan stated he will be unveiling a comprehensive, new housing policy to address the County's overall needs. He supported three specific projects that are now under review to create hundreds of new quality housing options for senior citizens and expansion of the rental assistance program.

To view the full text of Duncan's speech, go to the County's homepage at www.co.mo.md.us, click on News, then click Executive Branch speeches and testimony.

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