October 2019
 October 2019 National Walk and Bike to School DayI recently joined teachers and other community leaders by “walking the walk” on National Walk and Bike to School Day by helping students and parents safely get to Bethesda Elementary School. This is an important nationwide effort to raise awareness about the importance of multimodal transportation throughout the year.Walking and biking are good for the environment and they provide great exercise as well. To encourage this daily practice, we need to ensure that our streets are safe for pedestrians, bicyclists, drivers — everyone!
Pushing for Accountability on the Purple LineThe Council has held two hearings this year on the Purple Line. Typically, hearings are opportunities to ask tough questions and receive honest answers. During both of the Purple Line hearings I asked about the project's $300 million in cost overruns, and both times my questions went unanswered.My line of questioning did reveal some new information about the project –– mainly that the Purple Line will open in phases, rather than as one complete rail line. You can read about those details here. When cost overruns occur during the construction of public projects, that’s money that we can’t use for our schools, social services or public safety. I will continue pushing for accountability on the Purple Line and other infrastructure investments. You can watch my questioning of the project here.
Vision Walk: A Cure is in SightI was proud to join over 300 participants in the Montgomery County Foundation Fighting Blindness’ annual Vision Walk. It was incredibly energizing to team up with hundreds of individuals raising money to support those affected by blinding retinal diseases. By increasing awareness and resources, these dedicated individuals are bringing scientists and researchers closer to discovering treatments and cures for the 10 million people nationwide who are afflicted by blindness and vision impairment.
Preserving Our Rustic Roads and Scenic RoadwaysThere are currently 99 rustic roads in Montgomery County totaling 261 miles. These historic roads are valuable resources and potent economic development tools, as they support our Agricultural Reserve, heritage tourism areas, farms, and agritourism businesses such as wineries and breweries.I was pleased to meet with members of the Rustic Roads Advisory Committee about promoting public awareness of these special byways and ensuring future generations are able to enjoy them.
Meet Zoe and Kaylah: Fall InternsMeet my two high school interns, Zoe and Kaylah. In their first month they helped draft a letter expressing concerns about youth access to our public bus system vis-a-vis the Kids Ride Free program.They shared with me stories from their classmates who are trying to navigate the complicated paperwork to get a Youth Cruiser card so that they could gain free access to our bus system –– sentiments captured in a letter I sent to the Department of Transportation. Zoe and Kaylah both take public buses to the Council Office Building and they are already helping make policy improvements right here at home!
DID YOU KNOW…?The Council of Governments’ Transportation Planning Board invites you to participate in the Community Leadership Institute (CLI).CLI is an education program that provides tools for community leaders to think regionally and act locally when seeking to influence decisions about transportation planning. CLI participants learn to be regional transportation leaders connecting the interests of their local communities, constituencies, and elected officials with the planning issues facing the entire metropolitan Washington region. The application deadline is October 11. As a member of the Transportation Planning Board, I hope you will consider getting involved.
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