Montgomery County Council

Legislative Branch

Tom Hucker

Councilmember

Tom In the News

Sept. 12 – Montgomery County Sentinel
- Air conditioning bill makes its way toward becoming a law
- Excerpt: "Air conditioning is more than a matter of comfort for many people. Especially for the elderly and those with chronic health conditions, it’s a matter of life or death. And climate change is only exacerbating the problem, as just six weeks ago we lived through the hottest month ever recorded on the planet," Hucker says

Sept. 11 – WDVM
- A new bill would require landlords to have working AC in every unit
- Excerpt: "We require landlords to provide heat, but no requirement for air conditioning because our housing code was written before climate change became a life-threatening issue," Hucker says

Sept. 11 – Bethesda Beat
- Climate Change, Rising Rental Rates Fuel Need for Air Conditioning Bill, Hucker Says
- Excerpt: "Look at the deaths we saw in Japan and France this summer. This is what happened in other areas, and this is what will happen in Montgomery County if we don’t take steps to protect people from climate change," Hucker says

Sept. 10 – WJLA
- How this new bill would require air conditioning in all Montgomery County rental units
- Excerpt: "This June was the hottest June in recorded history and this July was not only the hottest July in recorded history, but it was the hottest month in all of recorded human history," Hucker says

Sept. 6 – NBC Washington
- Montgomery Co. Council Members Say They’re Being Threatened Over Immigration Policy
- Excerpt: "There's no correlation between the number of undocumented immigrants in a locality and the number of crimes there. If anything, in areas that have more undocumented immigrants typically have less crime," Hucker says

Aug. 30 – Bethesda Beat
- Montgomery County Council Members Give Positive Review of New Police Chief Candidate
- Excerpt: "I’ve found his ability to relate to community members and groups to be strong," Hucker says

Aug. 21 – Maryland Matters
- Opinion: Finding Collaborative Solutions to Local and Global Challenges
- Excerpt: "We need to unleash the power of expertise of our residents. We are lucky to have a smart talented pool to advise us as to how we will tackle this emergency together," Hucker says

Aug. 15 – Montgomery County Sentinel
- National Philharmonic is back in action for upcoming season
- Excerpt: "We all believe the National Philharmonic is a treasure that needs to survive and succeed," Hucker wrote

Aug. 15 – Montgomery County Sentinel
- County corrects thousands of housing code violations in apartment inspection initiative
- Excerpt: "As the county exec said, this bill really languished for a whole year and it had to be renewed. It’s really, unfortunate, after the Flower Branch (apartment) explosion that there was a new spotlight put on rental housing conditions," Hucker says

Aug. 12 – Montgomery Community Media
- Councilmember Hucker calls for safety improvements on Old Georgetown Road
- Excerpt: "That highway needs to be redesigned," Hucker says

Aug. 11 – Bethesda Beat
- National Philharmonic Leaders Vote To Accept Businessman’s $500K Funding Proposal
- Excerpt: "I am so relieved that the Board made the right decision to begin a new chapter under Jim Kelly’s leadership," Hucker says

Aug. 9 – Patch
- 31K Housing Violations Found During Montgomery's Inspection Surge
- Excerpt: "This is a landmark achievement that we're announcing. When you see these numbers, they're really thrilling," Hucker says

Aug. 8 – The Washington Post
- Montgomery completes inspection surge of rental properties
- Excerpt: The tenant rights bill that called for the inspection surge was introduced by Elrich before the [Flower Branch] explosion but had been “languishing” in the council for over a year, Hucker said

Aug. 8 – Bethesda Beat
- Two-Year Inspection of Montgomery Apartments Yields 31,000 Violations
- Excerpt: "People are cynical about politicians and say we just are always driven by the polls. Well, nobody fights for tenants’ rights because they think this is really going to help them politically. We do it because it’s the right thing to do and … this is a landmark achievement," Hucker says

Aug. 8 – NBC Washington
- Local Inspectors Crack Down on Apartment Code Violations
- Excerpt: "There was a spotlight put on long-standing problems in our Montgomery County rental housing that necessitated the council — the majority of the council — feeling they needed to step up and do something," Hucker says

Aug. 7 – WDVM
- Officials call for improvements on Old Georgetown Road
- Excerpt: "What there needs to be, if not a separated bike lane which is what we’ve envisioned in our master plan, at least a buffer of 5 feet wide of grass so that any cyclist or pedestrians are not right next to the cars," Hucker says

Aug. 6 – WTOP
- Concerns raised about deal that put cameras in Montgomery Co. school buses
- Excerpt: "Clearly, when you read it, I think any one of us would have concerns about the decision-making and the content of the contract as it’s described in the IG report," Hucker says

Aug. 2 – Bethesda Beat
- Virginia Officials Give Positive Review of Chapman
- Excerpt: "She talked about the need for police to be in schools and be visible in elementary schools and have events that engaged high school students," Hucker says

Aug. 2 – Maryland Matters
- MDOT Chief: Montgomery Road Plan Will Receive ‘Same Level’ of State Analysis
- Excerpt: Montgomery County’s alternative was spearheaded by Councilmember Tom Hucker (D), chairman of the panel’s Transportation & Environment Committee.

July 26 – Bethesda Beat
- Officials in Montgomery County Welcome State’s Plan To Study Beltway-Widening Alternative
- Excerpt: "I’m eager to hear more details on their plans for that and I really hope that’s a genuinely collaborative process. But yeah, I’m certainly grateful. We know that our plan grows economic development and protects the environment and reduces congestion," Hucker says

July 22 – The Washington Post
- Officials call it a common-sense zoning change. These homeowners say it’s a ‘betrayal.’
- Excerpt: "We have a housing crisis” and this amendment "is part of our response," Hucker says

July 22 – WDVM
- Montgomery County executive order to prevent authorities from asking residents’ about immigration status
- Excerpt: "It’s really appropriate we are sending a signal from the county government that this is a welcoming county government. We have everybody’s back. We’re not cooperating with ICE," Hucker says

- July 22 – Bethesda Beat
  - Montgomery Officials Say Fear of Deportation Affects Immigrant Community
  - Excerpt: "When Trump came out and said we would have this big surge, people have been making decisions. Do they go to the post office? Do they go to the dry cleaner? People are afraid to leave their homes. They’re ordering stuff online. And that’s whether they’re here legally or not," Hucker says
- July 22 – Bethesda Beat
  - County Officials Scold Takoma Park Over Screening of Anti-Israel Film
  - Excerpt: "This came up suddenly. I usually don’t put my name on things I don’t know anything about," Hucker said.
- July 19 – WHYY
  - Should landlords be required to provide air conditioning?
  - Excerpt: Montgomery County Councilmember Tom Hucker, who introduced the bill earlier this week, said policies need to "catch up with climate change," which is driving up temperatures globally.
- July 17 – The Washington Times
  - Heat wave to engulf D.C., Maryland and Virginia
  - Excerpt: "As climate change worsens, we are going to see hotter days for longer periods of time, so it will be more important than ever that tenants have access to a safe and cool environment," Hucker says
- July 17 – Montgomery Community Media
  - DeVaul Pulls Name from Contention for County Chief Position
  - Excerpt: "He’s doing great work in Takoma Park," Hucker says
- July 17 – NBC Washington
  - Montgomery County Bill Would Require Working Air Conditioning in All Rental Units
  - Excerpt: "On days like today, this is really a life or death issue, it’s not a comfort issue," Hucker says
- July 17 – WJLA
  - Not all rental units have air conditioning. This proposed bill could change that.
  - Excerpt: Councilmember Tom Hucker wants to change the law, saying landlords should face fines.
- July 16 – Bethesda Beat
  - County Council Bill Would Require Landlords to Put Air Conditioning in Units
  - Excerpt: Hucker said during Tuesday’s meeting he has heard stories of residents whose air conditioning is either broken or non-existent, and that one 80-year-old woman he had spoken with freezes water bottles and places them in her lap to stay cool during the summer months. "That shouldn’t be happening in 2019 in Montgomery County," he said.
- July 16 – The Washington Post
  - As temperatures rise, Montgomery asks: Should landlords have to provide AC to tenants?
  - Excerpt: "Access to AC is not really a comfort issue. It’s a life-or-death issue in weather like this," Hucker says
- July 11 – Montgomery County Sentinel
  - MCP officer charged with using excessive force in Aspen Hill
  - Excerpt: "Obviously, it’s a very troubling incident. I think there are real serious questions concerning training, discipline and accountability," Hucker says
- July 9 – Montgomery County Sentinel
  - Officials push for expansion of pesticide ban during film screening
  - Excerpt: The exemptions "should never have been there in the first place," Hucker says
- July 8 – WDVM
  - Montgomery County looking into ways to be pesticide free
  - Excerpt: "All the different strategies parks is employing to get rid of weeds short of using pesticides including integrated pest management which is a strategy to basically remove weeds and use more natural methods and use pesticides only as a last resort," Hucker says
- July 3 – Montgomery County Sentinel
  - Silver Spring turnbacks have officially ended, commute times to decrease
  - Excerpt: "For too long, as long as (Forest Glen, Wheaton and Glenmont Metro stations) have been in operation, our riders north of Silver Spring have paid full fare and received half the service," Hucker says
- July 2 – Bethesda Beat
  - Pedestrian Crashes Up 14% in First Half of 2019
  - Excerpt: "I’m hopeful (the pedestrian master plan) will be a tool in our toolbox, but I don’t want to wait for that. I want to continue to push the police to do more enforcement and for the Department of Transportation to do more assessments and redesigns of dangerous intersections and corridors," Hucker says
- July 1 – Montgomery Community Media
  - The Ever Annoying Silver Spring Metro Turnback Ends
  - Excerpt: "We really want to make sure everybody in this area knows, they just got a big amenity they didn’t have yesterday and they really should try Metro again," Hucker says
- July 1 – WAMU
  - Metro Includes Bus Trips In Monthly Metrorail Pass And Adds More Red Line Service
  - Excerpt: "Ending the Silver Spring turnback was only fair and just for the 11,000 Metro riders on the eastern end of the Red Line, who for decades have been paying the same fares as everyone else, but received only half the service. It’s gratifying to see the years-long advocacy efforts of our community groups, Metro board representatives and the Council finally pay off," Hucker says
- June 28 – The Washington Post
  - Ratings agency cautions Montgomery County leaders about budget diversion
  - Excerpt: Meeting the 10 percent reserve fund goal in this fiscal year is likely to create more flexibility in the budget for years to come. "I think county voters should sleep easy tonight," Hucker says
- June 24 – Montgomery County Sentinel
  - Council unanimously passes bill to allow tenants to break lease
  - Excerpt: "This bill just allows tenants in the future to break leases like this, terminate leases like this, if the landlord hasn’t addressed health and safety violations — which are defined in the codes," Hucker says
- June 24 – Montgomery County Sentinel
  - County Council finalizes legislation
  - Excerpt: "This bill was really inspired by the long-suffering tenants of the Enclave apartment building (in Silver Spring), which is one of the biggest, if not the biggest, residential property in Montgomery County," Hucker says
- June 25 – Source of the Spring
  - Council Passes Bill Allowing Tenants to Break Lease under Certain Conditions
  - Excerpt: "No one should have to live with roaches, mice or mold, or without access to electricity, water or heat," Hucker says
- June 25 – Bethesda Beat
  - Tenants Gain New Rights To Break Leases Early
  - Excerpt: "This bill extends needed protections to renters who, through no fault of their own, face unsafe conditions that have been ignored by their landlords," Hucker says
- June 25 – Bethesda Beat
  - Anderson Reappointed Planning Board Chairman
  - Excerpt: "We had a particularly impressive and talented group of candidates this year," Hucker says
- June 21 – Montgomery Community Media
  - FBI searches Jack Evans’ home day after he resigns from Metro board
  - Excerpt: "WMATA must demonstrate transparency and uphold public confidence. ... Taxpayers deserve to know the conclusions of this investigation and deserve the opportunity to review all accompanying documentation," Hucker says
- June 19 – WDVM
  - Montgomery County could pass new bill to protect tenants
  - Excerpt: "It allows tenants to break their lease if they’re facing health or safety violations that the landlord refuses to address," Hucker says
- June 18 – WTOP
  - Montgomery Co. renters may soon have power to end leases over rodents and mold
  - Excerpt: "It’s going to make landlords step up and remediate a lot of these violations in the future. Nobody in Montgomery County should have to raise their kids in an unsafe environment," Hucker says
- June 14 – Washington Business Journal
  - Report: I-270 closest to the Beltway will get toll lanes first
  - Excerpt: "You’d get more relief adding capacity north of I-370 than south of there but they’re drawing the scope to maximize revenue for the concessionaire rather than solving traffic congestion problems in the most efficient way," Hucker says
- June 13 – WTOP
  - Where 1st toll lanes will be built in I-270, Capital Beltway expansion
  - Excerpt: "It’s particularly disappointing that it’s going forward on that portion of 270," Hucker says
- June 14 – The Washington Post
  - Maryland will pursue toll lanes on lower part of Interstate 270 first, official says
  - Excerpt: "You’d get more relief adding capacity north of I-370 than south of there, but they’re drawing the scope to maximize revenue for the concessionaire rather than solving traffic congestion problems in the most efficient way," Hucker says
- June 10 – Bethesda Beat
  - Elrich, Once Opposed to ICC, Now Embraces It as Option to Beltway Widening
  - Excerpt: "It was widely promised that the ICC would take cars off the Beltway, but it hasn’t fulfilled that promise," Hucker says
- June 6 – Maryland Matters
  - Hogan’s Road Compromise Praised, But Many Critics Remain Skeptical
  - Excerpt: "For the first time, the governor is indicating he wants us at the table, and he’s trying to accommodate our input. I don’t think he got all the details exactly matched up with our position, but that’s fine. I’m hopeful we’re going to be able to sit down with them and work some of this out in a way that makes both of us happy," Hucker says
- June 6 – Montgomery County Sentinel
  - County leaders object to rising hate in schools
  - Excerpt: "We’ve seen swastikas increased in schools in Montgomery County and shootings in mosques as far away as New Zealand, and bigotry and hatred are on the march. And dictators and authoritarian regimes are growing around the world, incredibly because of the climate that has been created by the temporary occupant of the White House and others," Hucker says
- June 5 – A Miner Detail
  - 5 takeaways from Wednesday’s Board of Public Works meeting
  - Excerpt: Hucker was polite, courteous and practical, pointing out where he disagreed with the governor’s plan but emphasizing relief policies where they can find consensus.
- June 5 – NBC Washington
  - Maryland Moves Closer to Adding Toll Lanes to I-270, Beltway
  - Excerpt: "For the first time, the governor has indicated a willingness to accommodate local concerns, the concerns of local residents and local elected officials," Hucker says
- June 5 – Montgomery County Sentinel
  - Local Officials Propose Alternatives to Widening of Interstate Highways
  - Excerpt: "No one has more expertise in relieving congestion and its causes and solutions (than we do)," Hucker says
- June 4 – Maryland Matters
  - Last-Minute Maneuvers Attempt to Derail Hogan Road-Widening Plan
  - Excerpt: "We are 100 percent for congestion relief, but MDOT’s process has shut us out. They have not accepted our recommendations to make their proposal workable," Hucker says
- June 4 – The Washington Post
  - Who are the sick Marylanders Gov. Hogan accused of craving traffic congestion?
  - Excerpt: "We are 100 percent committed to congestion relief," Hucker says
- June 3 – WTOP
  - Critics of Beltway, I-270 expansion plan call for a slowdown
  - Excerpt: "We are 100% for congestion relief, but MDOT’s process has shut us out," Hucker says
- June 3 – The Baltimore Sun
  - Maryland Gov. Hogan's toll lane project in D.C. suburbs causes dissent
  - Excerpt: "[Gov. Hogan] decided to spend his Sunday, instead of attending and engaging people, insulting residents and saying that — calling people ‘pro-traffic activists’ and they are plotting to keep people stuck in traffic. It’s so demeaning and insulting to Montgomery County and Prince George’s County residents who were there," Hucker says
- May 30 – Montgomery County Sentinel
  - Town hall meeting draws opposition to highway expansion
  - Excerpt: "Neglecting public input and the input of our local government is the wrong thing to do on any project, but it’s especially wrong on this project. This isn’t just any project; this is the largest P3 project in North American History," Hucker says
- May 29 – WAMU
  - Here’s Everything You Need To Know About The Capital Beltway Expansion
  - Excerpt: "It’s just so unusual and sad that the administration is just plunging forward with this unpopular program without working with our local officials and without using the expertise of our local transportation experts," Hucker says
- May 23 – WTOP
  - Opponents to Beltway, 270 toll lanes speak out at town hall
  - Excerpt: "People are concerned about the same things, they’re concerned about the impact on neighborhoods, the impact on our environment, the lack of progress on real congestion because of the imbalance, because of the fact it doesn’t include transit," Hucker says
- May 23 – WJLA-TV
  - Hear why there is a growing concern over Maryland's I-495 toll lane proposal
  - Excerpt: "We’re concerned about the impact on our neighborhoods, the impact on our environment, and the lack of progress on real congestion because of the imbalance, because of the fact that it doesn’t include transit," Hucker says
- May 17 – WDVM
  - Meeting held for proposed I-270 and I-495 expansion plan
  - Excerpt: "We hope they will sit down with us and manage it like any other big transportation project," Hucker says
- May 17 – WDVM
  - Montgomery County County Executive Marc Elrich signs lead bill into law
  - Excerpt: Bill sponsor Hucker says he is relieved that his own son and other children will be able to drink out of school fountains that are safer than before
- May 17 – The Washington Post
  - As it pushes toll lane project, Hogan administration courts transit leaders
  - Excerpt: If the group’s creation is "merely window dressing to create the appearance of partnership … this will be a waste of time," Hucker says
- May 17 – Montgomery County Sentinel
  - Residents say gas leaks continue at Flower Branch Apartments
  - Excerpt: Residents have the right to go to sleep "knowing that their kids will be safe," Hucker says
- May 16 – WTOP
  - Montgomery Co. to improve school drinking water standards
  - Excerpt: "Younger children are particularly susceptible to the health effects associated with lead," Hucker says
- May 15 – WTOP
  - Montgomery Co. council to vote Thursday on parking rate hike
  - Excerpt: "We can see the light at the tunnel in Wheaton from where we are now. When we get to the end of the tunnel — that to me is the right time to raise parking fees” and not when businesses are currently suffering," Hucker says
- May 7 – WTOP
  - Montgomery Co. passes stricter limits on lead in public school water
  - Excerpt: "Nothing’s really more fundamental to the long-term success of this county than our kids’ brains, and their ability to perform well. We frankly had elevated lead levels in our drinking water inside our schools for many years," Hucker says
- May 6 – Patch
  - Lead Drinking Water Bill Vote Scheduled May 7
  - Excerpt: "We can't take any chances with the health of our children. We need to set an updated standard that's more health protective and contemporary for Montgomery County based on the best contemporary science," Hucker says
- May 6 – Bethesda Beat
  - Environmental Groups Say County Isn’t Doing Enough on Climate Change
  - Excerpt: "I don’t think we know how much it costs to address adaptation versus transportation versus emissions," Hucker says
- May 6 – Bethesda Beat
  - County Technology Services Cabinet Nominee Withdraws Name
  - Excerpt: "I’m worried you won’t be present to get it across the finish line," Hucker says
- May 6 – WUSA
  - Demand for apologies after Hogan accused of 'Trump Tactics' on Twitter
  - Excerpt: "I don't think that's a good look for the governor. I like Governor Hogan. That doesn't sound like the governor I know," Hucker says
- May 5 – The Washington Post
  - Hundreds attend town hall to protest Hogan plan to add toll lanes to Beltway, I-270
  - Excerpt: "We are the experts on congestion in Montgomery County, not the people in Hanover, Maryland, with the Maryland Department of Transportation," Hucker says
- May 3 – WTOP
  - Hogan agrees to delay vote on Beltway, I-270 expansion plan
  - Excerpt: "It’s a shocking letter, honestly. Highly unusual. I’ve never seen one like it with such a damning criticism of a compromised state agency by a highly-respected, non-partisan expert government entity," Hucker says
- May 3 – WTOP
  - Md.’s 2nd highest court upholds Montgomery Co. ban on lawn pesticides
  - Excerpt: "This is a big win for our environment and the public health. It also affirms our county’s authority to protect our residents, especially our kids, from the harmful threats that pesticide and other environmental toxins can pose," Hucker says
- May 3 – WAMU
  - Montgomery County Pesticide Ban May Go Into Effect, Following Court Ruling
  - Excerpt: "The great majority of objective scientific studies tell us that pesticides cause cancer, nervous system disorders, reproductive dysfunction, immune system disorders, and many other conditions," Hucker says
- May 2 – Bethesda Beat
  - Bethesda On-Street Parking Rate Hike Proposal Scaled Back
  - Excerpt: "Local businesses need the availability of spaces, and giving the department the ability to raise the model to raise prices and encourage short-term parking use in the garages is an effective strategy," Hucker says
- May 2 – The Washington Post
  - Appeals court finds Montgomery County pesticide ban doesn’t clash with state law
  - Excerpt: "It’s unfortunate that the original law was delayed like this, but we had a very vigorous review of this, and I’m ecstatic that the law will be back in effect," Hucker says
- May 1 – The Washington Post
  - Hogan pushes for Md. toll lanes vote while state treasurer with ‘serious questions’ is away
  - Excerpt: Voting without Kopp, Hucker said, "is just the latest step that’s going to erode public confidence in this project."
- April 30 – The Washington Post
  - Montgomery council rejects part of Elrich’s proposal for generous union raises
  - Excerpt: "I absolutely think county employees are reasonable to ask for the makeup step," Hucker says
- April 30 – Bethesda Beat
  - Council Rebuffs County Union’s Contract, Calls for Parity in Raises
  - Excerpt: "It’s only fair for them [MCGEO] to be asking for it and us to be funding it," Hucker says
- April 29 – Bethesda Beat
  - Additional Security Sought for Silver Spring Day Shelter
  - Excerpt: "I think everyone understands we need 24/7 security at Progress Place, and around the building as well," Hucker says
- April 25 – Bethesda Beat
  - Council Debates Higher Street Parking Rates in Bethesda, Silver Spring
  - Excerpt: "To me, given all the national challenges that retailers are facing and the specific local challenges in Silver Spring, I don’t think it’s time to add more misery," Hucker says
- April 26 – Bethesda Beat
  - Critics Scorch State’s Plan for I-270, Beltway Toll Lanes
  - Excerpt: "If this were put up for a vote, it would sink like a rock," Hucker says
- April 24 – Bethesda Beat
  - Fresh Calls for Washington Gas To Add New Safety Measures Following Fatal Explosion
  - Excerpt: "It’s a long time coming and it was a very sad day for the victims to go through what happened again. At the same time, it means some resolution for some folks who have been waiting a long time for it," Hucker says
- April 23 – The Washington Post
  - Montgomery council debates generous worker contracts, school funding
  - Excerpt: "Paying people fair wages is a prerequisite for having high-quality services. We don’t have budget challenges, I believe, because we overpay librarians and nurses," Hucker says
- April 7 – NBC Washington
  - Longest-Serving Maryland House Speaker Dies at 72
  - Excerpt: "The state is so much better off because of Speaker Mike Busch," Hucker says
- March 30 – The Washington Post
  - Maryland residents say they need answers about the impact of Beltway, I-270 toll lanes proposal
  - Excerpt: State officials "basically said they’re going to plunge forward," Hucker says
- March 29 – WDVM
  - Metro board passes budget to end Silver Spring turnbacks
  - Excerpt: "They pay full fare - they don’t get a discount but they only get half the service and they have to wait twice as long on a platform no matter how cold it is that day," Hucker says
- March 29 – WJLA-TV
  - After Beltway tanker crash, questions rise again about building new Potomac crossing
  - Excerpt: Instead of adding more bridges, Hucker would rather rebuild the American Legion Bridge with additional lanes, perhaps some exclusively for buses
- March 27 – Bethesda Beat
  - Describing Rodent, Mold and Roach Infestations, Renters Support Early Lease Termination Proposal
  - Excerpt: The legislation, drafted by Councilmember Tom Hucker, … was introduced following recent inspections of the Enclave apartments that uncovered more than 2,600 housing code violations
- March 25 – Bethesda Beat
  - New Limits On Parking Spaces Being Debated
  - Excerpt: "Built into this is the assumption that everyone has good transit options … there’s nothing wrong with this but it doesn’t put any more buses on the street, it doesn’t make Metro go where it doesn’t go," Hucker says
- March 25 – WDVM
  - Montgomery County councilmembers ask for alternatives to I-270 and I-495 project
  - Excerpt: "I think the whole process is somewhat troubling," Hucker says
- March 25 – Bethesda Beat
  - Council Wants Clarity from State Over Demolishing Homes for Toll Lanes
  - Excerpt: "There’s a number of council members that have raised concerns about the way they’ve conducted these outreach sessions. To date they’ve essentially been dog-and-pony shows," Hucker says
- March 24 – Montgomery County Sentinel
  - ‘Kids Ride Free’ program being considered for expansion
  - Excerpt: "Let young people see transportation is more than something to use when your car doesn’t work," Hucker says
- March 21 – Bethesda Beat
  - Purple Line is 10 Percent Complete, Project Managers Report
  - Excerpt: "Why not give neighbors some relief?" Hucker asks
- March 19 – Bethesda Beat
  - Stricter Water Lead Standard Suggested for County Libraries, Rec Centers
  - Excerpt: "Since introducing this legislation, I’ve also asked Montgomery Parks, our libraries and our rec department to get back to me with a budget proposal for testing their fountains as well," Hucker says
- March 18 – NBC Washington
  - Montgomery County Could Tighten Restrictions on Lead in School Drinking Water
  - Excerpt: "We send kids to school to develop their brains and not to damage them. Lead does permanent, irreversible damage to kids' brains," Hucker says
- March 16 – Montgomery County Sentinel
  - Possible toll lane impact leads conversation in transportation forum
  - Excerpt: "Transit is the most-efficient way to move people dollar for dollar," Hucker says
- March 16 – Montgomery County Sentinel
  - Efforts begin to reduce lead levels in school water fountains
  - Excerpt: "Scientists agree: There is no safe level of lead, a neurotoxin that permanently damages our children’s developing brains and bodies," Hucker says
- March 13 – WTOP
  - Montgomery County to hold community conversations on racial equity
  - Excerpt: "This approach is really going to help us serve all the residents of my community in particular," Hucker says
- March 8 – Montgomery County Sentinel
  - County Council meeting addresses a wide array of issues
  - Excerpt: "I believe any county residents should not be living in any unsafe and unhealthful conditions," Hucker says
- March 7 – WTOP
  - Elevated lead levels at thousands of Md. schools prompts bill for better water quality
  - Excerpt: "We can’t allow two counties, the two biggest in the state, to protect their children from lead in their drinking water and allow a less protective standard in the other 22 counties,” Hucker says
- March 5 – Bethesda Beat
  - County Clamping Down on ‘Troubled’ Rental Properties
  - Excerpt: "County residents shouldn’t have to live in unsafe conditions," Hucker says
- February 22 – WJLA-TV
  - Montgomery County weighs in on debate over Metro hours
  - Excerpt: "Metro has rightly been very focused on safety and preventative maintenance," Hucker says
- February 21 – The Washington Post
  - Compromise would close Metro at midnight weekdays, 2 a.m. weekends, but push weekday openings back to 5:30 a.m.
  - Excerpt: "Frankly, I doubt D.C. residents want ... more Maryland drivers to be on D.C. streets during the morning rush hour," Hucker says
- February 21 – Greater Greater Washington
  - Some Red Line riders only get half the service. When will Metro end the Silver Spring turnback?
  - Excerpt: "I hope the Metro board listens to these riders and ends the turnback as soon as possible," Hucker says
- February 15 – Bethesda Beat
  - Council Panel Pushes To Keep Money for Metrorail Station Improvements
  - Excerpt: "It surprised me that transportation was singled out for the greatest amount of cuts and other areas didn’t get cuts at all," Hucker says
- February 8 – WJLA-TV
  - Dinner and resource fair eases federal workers as potential for another shutdown looms
  - Excerpt: "We have folks in the county who ... do landscaping on the Mall" and are lucky to be making $30,000 to $40,000 in a good year, Hucker says
- February 4 – Bethesda Beat
  - County Looks To Tighten Limits for Lead in School Drinking Water
  - Excerpt: Hucker introduces legislation to lower threshold from 20 ppb to 5 ppb
- January 15 – Bethesda Beat
  - Developer of Discovery Headquarters Envisions Multiple Office Tenants, Shops and Restaurants
  - Excerpt: “The building is a great asset and I’m glad there are ongoing efforts to maintain its use,” Hucker says
- January 12 – NPR
  - Furloughed Workers In Hard-Hit Community Gather For Potluck During Shutdown
  - Excerpt: "They're eating fish sticks in the bottom of the freezer," Hucker says
- January 11 – NBC Washington
  - Hundreds Turn Out for Shutdown Dinner in Montgomery County
  - Excerpt: Furloughed and other unpaid federal workers are "trying their best not to spend," Hucker says
- January 10 – The Washington Post
  - Purple Line will open a year late and delays will cost at least $215 million, contractor says
  - Excerpt: “I’d expect [state officials] would notify us if there are going to be delays,” Hucker said, “rather than just put it in a report.”
- January 3 – WDVM
  - Montgomery County makes progress in opioid battle
  - Excerpt: Our efforts in public education, training for first-responders and more treatment options appear to be paying off, Hucker says
- January 3 – Bethesda Beat
  - Silver Spring Apartments Investigated for Mold, Rodent Issues
  - Excerpt: “These are serious health and safety issues, and tenants say management makes superficial repairs but the issues keep coming back,” Hucker says

January 1 – NBC Washington
- Plan to Expand Beltway, I-270 in Maryland Sparks Opposition
- Excerpt: State must listen to county's valid concerns about taking private property to add lanes, Hucker says

December 28 – Bethesda Beat
- County Grew By 55,000 In Six Years, New Analysis Finds
- Excerpt: Hucker says Bus Rapid Transit and new bike plan will help get cars off roads
December 6 – WAMU
- Roundup In Montgomery Parks: Lawmaker Questions Safety Of Popular Weed Killer
- Excerpt: “We’re talking about whether you’d rather have weeds or you’d rather have cancer,” says Hucker.
December 4 – The Washington Post
- Nancy Navarro elected president of Montgomery County Council
- Excerpt: “She’s never satisfied with voices that say, 'That’s how things are here,'" Hucker said in nominating her.
November 30 – The Washington Post
- Montgomery still waiting for inspectors to create list of ‘problem’ apartments
- Excerpt: “They find mice, rats, roaches, mold and mildew, and they continue to make excuses,” Hucker said.
November 6 – The Washington Post
- ‘Totally unacceptable’: Polling problems in Maryland leave voters waiting for hours
- Excerpt: “It’s an attempt at voter suppression,” Hucker said.
October 23 – WTOP
- Montgomery County Council delays vote on neighborhood cell towers
- Excerpt: Hucker introduces amendment that would require hearings for cell towers and antennas in residential neighborhoods.
October 17 – The Washington Post
- Purple Line’s overnight tunneling leaves some residents desperate for sleep
- Excerpt: “... if it means a minor delay to give my constituents some relief in the middle of the night, I’m fine with that."
October 12 – Bethesda Beat
- MDSHA Posting Flaggers at Silver Spring Temporary Crossing Where Child Nearly Hit by Car
- Excerpt: “Pedestrian safety hasn’t been their priority at all, no matter how many times I’ve brought it up to them over the years."
October 9 – WJLA-TV
- Child's close call in crosswalk highlights dangerous intersection in Montgomery County
- Excerpt: “It’s terrifying to watch, very unsettling and the fact is that I’ve seen it over and over,” Hucker says
October 8 – The Washington Post
- Montgomery council weighs whether to guarantee raises for trash crews
- Excerpt: "This is going to be a big relief to people" who didn’t have their trash picked up three years ago, Hucker says
September 28 – WDVM
- Economic team releases fiscal report
- Excerpt: Many of the 900 new jobs are in high-wage industries, Hucker says
September 12 – Bethesda Beat
- Could the Parks System Use Its Land as Leverage in I-270, Beltway Project?
- Excerpt: "I can’t figure out where four, at-grade lanes go in the current right-of-way," Hucker says
September 6 – WDVM
- Silver Spring-Takoma Park Restaurant Week features discounts
- Excerpt: Wide diversity of cuisine lets people "try all kinds of new samplings."
August 22 – WTOP
- Cheap eats: Silver Spring-Takoma Park Restaurant Week starts Sept. 4
- Excerpt: Fourth annual promotion features dozens of restaurants and wide diversity of cuisine.
June 1 – The Sentinel
- Stormwater Runoff Causes New Council Rift
- Excerpt: Not right time to adopt "drastic policy change," Hucker says.
May 14 – Bethesda Beat
- County Council Votes Against Leggett’s Plan to Change Stormwater Project Contracting
- Excerpt: Council opts to maintain current method, move forward with most beneficial projects.
May 3 – The Washington Post
- Montgomery Teachers Union Endorses 4 Incumbents for Council
- Excerpt: Hucker picks up endorsement in District 5.
March 24 – The Sentinel
- Council Decides to Delay Montrose Parkway East
- Excerpt: "This isn’t sausage-making. This is organic veggie burger-making," Hucker says.
March 22 – Montgomery Community Media
- Hucker Picks Up Endorsement From Workers Union
- Excerpt: Montgomery County Councilmember Tom Hucker has been endorsed by 32BJ SEIU during his reelection campaign in District 5.
February 22 – Bethesda Beat
- Superintendent Weighs in on Wednesday’s Student Protests in D.C., Threats Against Schools
- Excerpt: MCPS can't protect students if they leave campus, Smith writes.
February 18 – Montgomery Community Media
- Council Takes Up New Rules for Solar Panels
- Excerpt: "We need to drastically reduce our carbon emissions,” Hucker says.

June 30 – The Sentinel
- Metro GM Addresses Council Concerns
- Excerpt: Metrorail system is in the process of fixing a number of safety issues including leakage and defective rail ties.
June 29 – Montgomery County Council
- County Lawmakers praise new 'Enterprise Zone" for Burtonsville/Briggs Chaney
- Excerpt: Councilmember Hucker joined with the District 14 State Delegation this year to call on the Department of Commerce to create Enterprise Zone. The Enterprise Zone program provides real property and state income tax credits to businesses that create jobs and make capital investments. This program will support small businesses in Burtonsville and Briggs Chaney.
June 27 – Bethesda Magazine
- County Council Dives Into Battle Over Legal Definition for a "Country Inn"
- Excerpt: A coalition of community groups is lauding a County Council proposal that could derail plans to build a banquet hall with guest rooms near the historic Old Angler’s Inn in Potomac." Tom Hucker and Marc Elrich propose new zoning restrictions to help keep the unwanted establishment out of the community.
June 22 – WJLA
- Neighborhood smelling gas gets action after calling 7 ON YOUR SIDE
- Excerpt:
May 5 – WTOP
- Montgomery Co. commute fix could put county on hook for WMATA
- Excerpt: "An effort to bring some limited short-term relief to commuters in the congested Route 29 corridor could leave Montgomery County on the hook for millions of dollars to Metro, the county’s transportation department warned a council committee Thursday."
May 2 – The Washington Post
- New Montgomery law aims to crack down on vacant, poorly maintained homes
- Excrept: Tom Hucker sponsors a bill that will impose a large fee on owners with vacant, unmaintained properties. This bill is aimed to enusre that neighborhoods can stay clean and well maintained.
April 24 – WTOP
- Montgomery Co. bill may help foreclosed homes get on the market
- Excerpt: "A coalition of community groups is lauding a County Council proposal that could derail plans to build a banquet hall with guest rooms near the historic Old Angler’s Inn in Potomac." Tom Hucker and Marc Elrich propose new zoning restrictions to help keep the unwanted establishment out of the community.
March 8 – DCW50
- Montgoimery County council passes urban farm tax credit bill
- Excerpt: The Urban Agricultural Tax Credit bill passed 8-0 and will give properties that qualify up to an 80% exemption on property tax. Councilmember Tom Hucker was the bill’s main sponsor and said he hopes it encourages more people to start an urban farm.
March 7 – WJLA
- Urban farm bill passes in Montgomery County
- Excerpt: “The more we can grow healthy food close by, and reduce the food miles, the greenhouse gas footprint of bringing food from all over and the more we can create an opportunity for local students in an urban environment like Silver Spring to come right here and see where their food comes from,” said Councilman Hucker.
February 14 – WTOP
- Where Montgomery Co. needs to improve after apartment explosion
- Excerpt: The Montgomery County Council received an after-action report Tuesday afternoon on the county’s response and recovery efforts and the lessons learned. The review found room for improvement mostly in the area of communications.
February 13 – WHAG
- Stand-off spills into streets of Silver Spring over unionizing
- Excerpt: “They're trying to organize a union. They've never had one,” said Tom Hucker, Montgomery County Council member. “We support their efforts to do that. If nurses vote to have a union, they should have one, and management shouldn't fight that." Nurses told WHAG they've been pulled from patients' rooms by management to discuss the ills of unionizing.”

November 1 – WTOP
- Montgomery Co. passes parental leave bill
- Excerpt: "Bill 32-16 was passed unanimously by the county council and will give parents time off to care for newborns, and the arrival of adopted and foster children."
September 20 – Washington Post
- Montgomery proposal aims to crack down on ‘zombie foreclosures’
- Excrept: Council Member Hucker introduces a bill that will impose fees on property owners of vacant, unkept properties.
August 4 – Bethesda Magazine
- Hucker Looks To Expand Sick Leave Law to Parental Uses
- Excrept: "County Council member’s bill would allow employees to use sick leave to care for a newborn."
May 26 – Bethesda Magazine
- Montgomery Council Member Calls on DLC to Reverse Price Increase
- Excerpt: "Montgomery County Council member Tom Hucker is pushing back against a Department of Liquor Control (DLC) proposal to increase the department’s price markup by 10 percent on certain special-order fine wines."

March 1 – Bethesda Magazine
- County Council Member Proposes Law to Ban Most Teens from Using Tanning Beds
- Excerpt: Tom Hucker introduced a bill that would ban minors from using tanning beds and require salons in Montgomery County with tanning beds to post warning signs about the risk of skin cancer associated with the devices.

November 13 – Bethesda Magazine
- Hucker Urges School Systen Against Buying Artificial Turf Fields Until Other Maintenance Needs are Met
- Excerpt: "Hucker told BOE members that money shouldn’t be spent on artificial turf fields until Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) addresses a backlog of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) upgrades at schools around the county."

September 2 – Bethesda Magazine
- Silver Spring residents Reject Idea of Moving Confederate Statue to Local Park
- Excerpt: Tom Hucker echoes Silver Spring residents' rejection of a confederate statue on the grounds that it is insulting on historical level and contradicts Silver Spring's values and character.

February 24 – Bethesda Magazine
- Hucker Pursues Resolution to Oppose Oil and Gas Development off of East Coast
- Excerpt: "President Barack Obama outlined a proposal in January 2015 to allow offshore oil and gas drilling in the Atlantic Ocean off the coastline stretching from Virginia to Georgia ... the proposal to start drilling could damage the Atlantic coastline and make the Chesapeake Bay susceptible to oil spills."

2014

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