Duchy Trachtenberg's Blog

Remarks of Montgomery Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg - November 30, 2010

2010-11-30T12:57:00.001-05:00

I will start my remarks this morning by thanking many people who brought me here; by acknowledging those who have worked tirelessly to support me in my efforts these past four years; and by reassuring all that while my last day here, today is marked by some sadness, the values, the ideals, and the work we believe in – those endure and will forever guide our future, both my own fortune and our shared destiny.

I’ll start by thanking my husband, Alan for his love and support; my daughter, Scarlett for her beautiful heart and inspiration; and my son, Wally, who has taught me more about courage and unconditional love than anyone else in the world. He is my hero. To my many friends who have stood by me in good times and at difficult moments, for your unwavering support and numerous acts of kindness. I especially want to thank my mentor and friend, the late Marilyn Praisner for her belief in me and my colleague, Ike Leggett for his trust and his friendship. To my wonderful staff, past and present (Alan, Naomi, Laurie, Emily, Wil, Pat, Dana, Richard, Paul, William, Bobbie and Jackie) for their loyalty and dedication. You made every day at the Council possible. To all those county staffers gathered here this morning for your extraordinary efforts and hard work each and every day. And I express gratitude to the residents of Montgomery County for the privilege and honor I have had in representing you.

I came to the Council having labored as a community activist, wanting to create empowerment, to offer hope and opportunity, and to reaffirm how the human spirit triumphs, always with a little help from friends and sometimes with the support of government. That has always been a core belief of mine and it will forever define my life’s work. It is no secret that these past few months have provided a temporary detour but this morning I assure you I am by no means at the end of any political road.

I believe in the power of community and compassion. I do believe this because I have in my life experiences witnessed the value of speaking the truth, becoming an advocate and taking on the most intractable challenges - those causes few embrace, many run from and often times that deplete one’s spirit and faith in humanity. This applies to the tragedy of mental illness and addiction, the misery of poverty and domestic violence, and even the risk of exercising leadership in public service.

When I came to the Council, I did not come to win a popularity contest but rather to change and improve lives. And I say with pride and joy that I believe I did do just that. Every time I walk into a county eating establishment, I chuckle at the sight of the county trans-fat ban notice, that being the first legislative action I successfully took. I hear from my allies in the LGBT community often about advocacy efforts across the country, and I am reminded of the equal protection we provided to transgender individuals here in the county, something we must never take for granted even in government service. I am surrounded daily by the vibrant and changing White Flint community, recognizing I played a small part in its re-development and ensuring adequate coordination as it evolves over future decades. When I visit my son at his new residential program here in the county, I feel a strong sense of accomplishment knowing I’ve been an effective and consistent voice for those who often are silent and without representation in policy decisions. This morning I will state for the record that my voice will remain loud and steadfast in this regard, no matter where my life’s work takes me. Of course, I will forever find joy in the tremendous cooperation and collaboration that went into the creation of the Montgomery County Family Justice Center, the county’s premier clearinghouse facility for domestic violence victims, that in its 18 months of operation has served over 2000 families from over 100 countries. And I remain resolute and without regret that the conversation that I started as the Management & Fiscal Policy Chair back in 2008 on the growing county obligations in relation to compensation and benefits was the right one - how quickly it has become politically correct and how appropriate it remain front and center as our County Executive and the next Council grapple with yet another large deficit and unsustainable obligations.

I learned a long time ago from mentors and friends, that political success is not measured by election results but rather by meaningful reform and your willingness to use your political power to achieve that end, despite electoral consequences or heartbreak.

Long after today’s elected officials are out of office, the debates that seemed so contentious and sometimes even personal will fade in memory. What will endure are the values we exemplified in the political priorities we set. That is the true legacy we pass on to our children and grandchildren.

Our future as a county belongs to those who can blend compassion, common sense and courage into a genuine commitment to the values we hold most dear.

I am reminded of the compelling words of one of my childhood hero’s, Robert F. Kennedy - a man who understood the wisdom in looking beyond the shadows, who dared to think beyond our accepted practices, who believed in testing his fortitude and taking on the odds:

“Moral courage is a rarer commodity than bravery in battle or great intelligence. Yet it is the one essential, vital quality for those who seek to change a world that yields most painfully to change."

Awards/Recognitions/Certificates (2006-2010)

CARON Treatment Centers, Community Service Award, October 2010
Maryland NARAL, Advocacy Recognition, October 2010
Montgomery County Family Justice Center Foundation, Marilyn J. Praisner Founder’s Award, October 2010
MCPS/Safe & Drug Free Schools, Certificate of Appreciation, June 2010
Our Bodies Ourselves, Women’s Health Hero, June 2010
Montgomery County Business & Professional Women, Certificate of Appreciation, November 2009
Montgomery County Inter ACC/DD and SEEC, Community Builder Award, October 2009
Aviva Hadassah Group, Social Action Recognition, September 2009
Harvard University, Kennedy School of Government, Program for Executives in State & Local Government, July 2009
National Center for Children and Families, Spirit Award for Humanitarian Advocate, June 2009
GROWS, Certificate of Appreciation, June 2009
Equality Maryland, Ally for Equality Award, June 2008
Centro Familia, Advocacy Award, March 2008
American Public Health Association, ACHP SPIG, Leadership Award, November 2007
Congressional Citation, US Rep Chris Van Hollen, Mental Health Advocacy, October 2007
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, Hero Award, October 2007

Don't break promise to the Academy - Washington Jewish Week - November 18, 2010

2010-11-18T13:22:00.000-05:00

by Duchy Trachtenberg
Special to WJW

Does the Jewish tradition of community service have an expiration date?--

Is the sense of obligation we feel to the Jewish people, and to future generations, something elastic that can be stretched, bent or turned into something totally different because of outside events?

And further, when is it appropriate for a political body to insert itself into a community decision and interfere with a contractual obligation?--

These seem to be the central questions at the heart of the debate over the sale of a disused county property to the Melvin J. Berman Hebrew Academy. As a Jew, and as a departing member of the Montgomery County Council, I have some relevant insight and experience regarding this highly charged controversy.

But first, a little history. The former Peary High School in Aspen Hill was an abandoned eyesore in the middle of a vibrant, family-friendly community. Vandals, gangs and drug users had free reign.--

But in 1994 the Board of Education deeded it to the county, and the Berman Academy was the only party to respond to a request for proposals to lease the building, with an option to buy. A 25-year lease, and a purchase price, based on the average of three independent appraisals, were executed and signed by all parties.

At the time of the consumated deal, the property had zero value. The school spent more than $9 million on renovations, based on the expectation that it could purchase the building as a permanent home for the Academy, which began as the first Jewish day school in the Washington area, founded in 1944.--------

Flash forward to 2010. Today, the Aspen Hill community is revitalized and on the move. Neighborhood property values, which had been steadily decreasing, began to stabilize and increase when the Berman Academy opened its doors.--

The school has taken its obligation under the lease agreement to open its facilities to the public as a solemn and welcome responsibility. The school is used for meetings of the Girl Scouts, Girls on the Run, family events and a wide range of cultural activities, and the Berman Academy maintains an excellent gym and track that are used regularly by members of the community, at no cost to the county.

In short, the Berman Academy is a proud example of the talmudic teaching that in order to be a suitable place to live, a community must provide for all its spiritual and communal needs.--

This goes to the heart of the tradition of tzedakah, Jewish charity. And, this is why the Berman Academy should be allowed to secure its future in Aspen Hill by buying its own home.

However, it seems that there are some people who, for whatever reasons, wish to stymie progress and renege on this longstanding, agreed-upon contract. Whether or not these last-minute objections are policital in nature, they nonetheless have the effect of appearing as though our Jewish community's expression of our legal and societal rights are being violated.

Both the absolute will of the Aspen Hill community and the county's contractual obligation to complete the sale are in danger of being brushed aside.

Long after today's elected officials are out of office, the debates that seemed so contentious at the time will fade in memory. What will endure are the values, traditions and knowledge that we share and pass on to our children and grandchildren.

The Berman Academy has earned a permanent place in our community. The energy pulsing out of each classroom and down every corridor is contagious and creative. They've earned a place in our community, and they deserve our support.--

"[E]very individual is duty bound to join forces with his community in thought, in word and in deed and loyally to share in its tasks and obligations, so long as that community proves to be a faithful guardian and supporter of the Torah" -- Rav Hirsh, Pirkei Avot 2:4

The Melvin J. Berman Academy each and every day certainly infuses life into these resonating words. It's time for Montgomery County to do the same.

Duchy Trachtenberg is an at-large member of the Montgomery County Council.

HHS/MFP Committee Meeting on October 25th

2010-10-26T13:50:00.001-04:00

1) Impacts of Health Care Reform on Agencies Health Care Benefits

Several people presented at this briefing, including the following:

Joe Adler, Director, MCG Office of Human Resources
Wes Girling, Benefits Division Manager, MCG Office of Human Resources
Marshall Spatz, Director, MCPS Department of Management, Budget and Planning

The committee members had an opportunity to ask questions on how Health Care Reform affects government employees. The committee meeting was televised live by County Cable Montgomery (CCM—Cable Channel 6 on Comcast and RCN, Channel 30 on Verizon) and is available via streaming through the County Web site at www.montgomerycountymd.gov.

Please contact Laurie Mintzer Edberg, Director of Management and Fiscal Policy, at 240-777-7948 (direct dial) or laurie.edberg@montgomerycountymd.gov with any questions regarding this HHS/MFP session.

PS/MFP Committee Meeting on October 25th

2010-10-26T13:46:00.000-04:00

The Public Safety (PS) Committee, chaired by Phil Andrews, and the Management and Fiscal Policy (MFP) Committee, chaired by Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg, met on Monday, October 25th at 9:30 am. The PS/MFP Committees discussed the following agenda items:

1) Supplemental appropriation – Office of the County Executive - $21,616,000 for the Public Safety System Modernization (continued)

2) Special Pay in IAFF collective bargaining agreement

3) Bill 45-10, Personnel – Disability Retirement – Eligibility – Total and Partial Incapacity

Public Safety System Modernization

The committees voted to purchase 4,389 APX 7000 radios assuming a 10% price reduction from the proposed average price. There will be a FY11 purchase of $20,936. This action is recommended without regard to whether or not the ambulance fee is passed on November 2nd.

Special Pay

The committees voted against special pay provisions to Advanced Life Support (ALS) providers. However, the committee members indicated an interest in information on providing bonuses for the recruitment of ALS providers.

Bill 45-10

The committees decided to allow more time for the staff of the Executive Branch and representatives from the unions to present an agreed upon come plan regarding a two-tiered disability retirement system. This plan would be reported back to the committees so that they could make their final determination of this topic.

Please contact Laurie Mintzer Edberg, Director of Management and Fiscal Policy, at 240-777-7948 (direct dial) or laurie.edberg@montgomerycountymd.gov with any questions regarding this PS/MFP session.

Health and Human Services/Management and Fiscal Policy Committee Meeting on October 25th

2010-10-22T12:40:00.001-04:00

The Health and Human Services (HHS) Committee, chaired by George Leventhal, and the Management and Fiscal Policy (MFP) Committee, chaired by Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg, will meet on Monday, October 25th at 2:00 pm. The meeting will be held in the 7th Floor Council Hearing Room of the County Council Office Building located at 100 Maryland Avenue in Rockville. The HHS/MFP Committees will discuss the following agenda item:

1) Impacts of Health Care Reform on agencies health care benefits

The committee meeting will be televised live by County Cable Montgomery (CCM—Cable Channel 6 on Comcast and RCN, Channel 30 on Verizon) and also will be available via streaming through the County Web site at http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/.

Please contact Laurie Mintzer Edberg, Director of Management and Fiscal Policy, at 240-777-7948 (direct dial) or laurie.edberg@montgomerycountymd.gov with any questions regarding this HHS/MFP session.

Public Safety/Management and Fiscal Policy Committee Meeting on October 25th

2010-10-22T12:34:00.001-04:00

The Public Safety (PS) Committee, chaired by Phil Andrews, and the Management and Fiscal Policy (MFP) Committee, chaired by Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg, will meet on Monday, October 25th at 9:30 am. The meeting will be held in the 7th Floor Council Hearing Room of the County Council Office Building located at 100 Maryland Avenue in Rockville. The PS/MFP Committees will discuss the following agenda items:
1) Supplemental appropriation – Office of the County Executive - $21,616,000 for the Public Safety System Modernization (continued)

2) Special Pay in IAFF collective bargaining agreement

3) Bill 45-10, Personnel – Disability Retirement – Eligibility – Total and Partial Incapacity

Please contact Laurie Mintzer Edberg, Director of Management and Fiscal Policy, at 240-777-7948 (direct dial) or laurie.edberg@montgomerycountymd.gov with any questions regarding this PS/MFP session.

Pass the Emergency Services Transport Fee - Remarks by County Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg

2010-10-19T15:43:00.004-04:00

Following are my remarks at today's "Vote for A" Press Conference in support of a Montgomery County Emergency Services Transport Fee, held at the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service Fleet Section Central Maintenance Facility in Rockville, Maryland.

One of the reasons I am standing here today is because I have never been afraid to speak out when I see government being hobbled by misinformation, distortions and political gamesmanship by a vocal minority

This candor is not without consequences, as I know very, very well. But I am not sorry for what I have said and written concerning the county executive’s proposed revenue recovery program.

Let’s be clear about the facts. The money collected under this revenue recovery program is money that will be paid by insurance companies, Medicare and Medicaid.

Let me repeat that. If you have Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance, you have probably already paid for the cost of ambulance transport through your policy or coverage.

Anyone telling you otherwise is trying to scare you, or to manipulate the truth for their own purpose.

What is the truth? Let’s be clear about that, too, because I believe truth has tremendous power. The people of Montgomery County need to know the truth—and that is, if you are uninsured or indigent, the recovery fee will be waived.

We need to spread this truth far and wide, and make sure the truth is heard above the din of distortion.

I also want to say this from my heart, as someone who has worked her whole life to shore up the social safety net and help people in need rise above their immediate challenges and build a better life.

This reimbursement money is required to cover the growing costs of essential county services, including those related to public safety and social services. The only way to ensure our continued support for the mentally ill, at-risk youths, the homeless and the many nonprofit groups we depend on every day is to collect the $14-17 million a year in reimbursements that are currently slipping through our fingers.

The County Executive should be praised for finding a steady source of revenue to fund programs that are often the first to go when budgets are cut. Why, then, is he facing such vocal, vehement opposition?

Why is a small group that has benefitted under the status quo spending large sums to protect their interests? I recently hear something I find very disturbing.

It’s been reported to me, and I hope will be independently verified by the media, that one supporter of the volunteer fire service was asked to write a $41,000 check to pay for polling and testing lines of attack against revenue recovery.

I don’t want money that should be spent in this community to protect citizens to go to a bunch of pollsters and spin doctors, do you?

I had the courage of my convictions to study this issue and change my vote in the County Council, because I believe that without reimbursement for ambulance services, people we know, people we see every day, real people—will suffer, slide deeper into health crises, mental illness and addiction.

I paid a political price for my candor, but the cost to my conscience would be far greater if I remained silent.

Development Oversight Coordinator Approved for Future Montgomery Projects

2010-10-19T15:16:00.001-04:00

County Executive Will Be Required to Appoint Coordinator for Development Districts and Intensive New Developments

ROCKVILLE, Md., October 19, 2010—The Montgomery County Council today unanimously approved amended Bill 1-10 that will require a development oversight coordinator be appointed by the County Executive for future development districts and each geographic area where a newly revised master plan or sector plan has authorized intensive new development or redevelopment. The bill would require a coordinator be assigned for the proposed Clarksburg Town Center Development District (unless that district is terminated, as a resolution before the Council provides) and for implementation of the White Flint Sector Plan development.

The chief sponsors of Bill 1-10 are Councilmembers Duchy Trachtenberg and Mike Knapp. Councilmembers Phil Andrews and Roger Berliner were co-sponsors.

Bill 1-10 was introduced before the Council in January. The bill amends the County’s laws governing coordination of development and “provides further coordination and oversight of master-planned development … and further coordination and oversight of development districts.”

The bill directs the County Executive to designate an employee in the Office of the Executive or in the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer as the development coordinator for each planning area for which a newly revised master or sector plan has authorized intensive new development or redevelopment.

The coordinator would monitor the financing and development of County infrastructure and associated State and private infrastructure in the planning area. The coordinator also would serve as the primary point of contact for residents and businesses located in the planning area and the developer of any development located in the area.

In addition to the White Flint Sector Plan and the Clarksburg Town Center Development District—which has been approved, but not implemented—another plan likely to warrant assignment of a development oversight coordinator is the Great Seneca Science Corridor Master Plan approved earlier this year by the Council. The bill would not require coordinators for the two existing Germantown development districts because the required County infrastructure for those districts has been completed.

“This is important legislation for Montgomery County because there will be oversight of funding of the projects and it will allow for faster and more reliable implementation of plans that have been approved,” said Councilmember Trachtenberg. “We need a central point of contact in the Executive branch to ensure that our development efforts are focused and expeditious. Having a designated person to coordinate our complex development and financing efforts will increase the comfort of our neighbors, businesses and our development partners that this activity will move forward, with vision and purpose—something that we owe to our County’s residents.”

The bill does not require the County Executive to create a new position unless the Executive decides that no current employee or employees can perform the required functions.

“Our experience with large scale development in a concentrated area of the County strongly suggests that we need an effective oversight mechanism that is efficient and accountable,” said Councilmember Knapp. “This legislation will provide neighboring residents and the business community with the assurance the County is minding the store 24/7. As we work through the complexities of the new plans for White Flint and the Great Seneca Science Corridor, it is clear that this legislation is necessary.”

Public Safety and Management & Fiscal Policy Committees Discuss Public Safety System Modernization

2010-10-19T11:11:00.000-04:00

The Public Safety Committee (PS), chaired by Phil Andrews, and the Management and Fiscal Policy (MFP) Committee, chaired by Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg, met on Monday, October 18th at 11:00 am to discuss the following agenda item:
(1) Amendment to the FY11-16 Capital Improvements Program and Supplemental Appropriation to the FY11 Capital Budget - Public Safety System Modernization-$21,616,000 (Source of Funds: Short Term Financing)

The committees held a work session regarding an amendment to the Public Safety Modernization (PSSM) CIP project and a Supplemental appropriation of $21.6 million. The purpose of the supplemental appropriation and amendment is to accelerate the purchase of new replacement radios. In addition, Sprint/Nextel, which is responsible for covering the costs associated with re-banding within the 800 MHz frequencies, has offered to pay the County $3.3 million if the County will move forward with purchasing new radios rather than proceeding with the current plan that requires the company to loan radios to the County. County Staff outlined three possible options regarding how to proceed with the purchase of radios. The three options included:

1) Do not approve the requested amendment/supplemental and the $3.3 million payment form Sprint/Nextel;

2) Approve the Executive’s proposal and accept the $3.3 million payment from Sprint/Nextel; and

3) Continue the Sprint/Nextel Loaner Program for the immediate re-banding but amend the PSSM CIP project to stop the scheduled purchase of XTS5000 radios until the County has completed its implementation of the Strategic Plan for the total public safety system.

The following people presented during the work session: Tom Manger, Chief of Police; Richard Bowers, Fire Chief; Mike Knuppel, Chief Technology Officer at the Department of Technology Services and Jacqueline Carter, Office of Management and Budget.

The Committee decided to obtain further information before making a recommendation to the full Council. There will be another work session on this topic on Monday, October 25th. A public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, October 26th at 1:30 pm. Action is tentatively scheduled for October 26th as well.

Please contact Laurie Mintzer Edberg, Director of Management and Fiscal Policy, at 240-777-7948 (direct dial) or laurie.edberg@montgomerycountymd.gov with any questions regarding this joint PS/MFP work session.

Montgomery Council to Discuss Financing Plan for Future White Flint Infrastructure

2010-10-18T15:52:00.000-04:00

Also on Tuesday, Oct. 19: Public Hearing on Elimination of Clarksburg Development District; Development Coordinator

ROCKVILLE, Md., October 18, 2010—The Montgomery County Council will hold a worksession starting at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 19, on options to finance the infrastructure necessary for the development authorized in the White Flint Sector Plan. The Council has previously approved a plan to transform the area along Rockville Pike just north of the Beltway into a much more urbanized area with higher densities and now must determine how the public needs for the plan will be financed.

The worksession on White Flint will be part of the afternoon session of the Council’s general session. The morning session will begin at 10:30 a.m. in the Third Floor Hearing Room of the Council Office Building at 100 Maryland Ave. in Rockville. The meeting will be televised live by County Cable Montgomery (CCM—Cable Channel 6 on Comcast and RCN, Channel 30 on Verizon) and also will be available via streaming through the County Web site at www.montgomerycountymd.gov. The meeting will be rebroadcast on CCM at 9 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 22.

As part of the morning session, the Council is scheduled to take action on Bill 1-10 that would require a development oversight coordinator be appointed by the County Executive for future development districts and each geographic area where a newly revised master plan or sector plan has authorized new development or redevelopment. Councilmembers Mike Knapp and Duchy Trachtenberg are the chief sponsors of the legislation, which is cosponsored by Councilmembers Phil Andrews and Roger Berliner.

The Council’s afternoon session, beginning at 1:30 p.m., will include a public hearing on a resolution to terminate the Clarksburg Town Center Development District.

At 4:30 p.m., the Council will hold interviews of applicants seeking to serve on the nominating panel to help find a new County inspector general. The interviews, which will be held in the Sixth Floor Conference Room, are open to the public, but will not be televised.

Trachtenberg Staff Tours Rural Montgomery

2010-10-15T14:43:00.005-04:00

Trachtenberg staff toured Montgomery County's Agricultural Reserve on a beautiful fall day, visiting White's Ferry, Dickerson, Poolesville, Bealesville, Barnesville and Sugarloaf Mountain.

Montgomery County's Agricultural Reserve is an important environmental resource for future farm enterprises. A strong agricultural heritage provides a diverse business community and a strong economic base. Combining these strengths with the commitment for farmland preservation makes Montgomery County an attractive place to live and work. Agricultural activities occupy about one-third of Montgomery County's land area. Over half of the 93,000-acre Agriculture Reserve is preserved through transfer of development rights or easement purchase initiatives. The County's diverse agricultural industry's 577 farms and 350 horticultural enterprises produce more than $251 million in economic contribution from agricultural products and operations. The majority of Montgomery County farms are family-run operations, many reaching back several generations, which employ more than 10,000 residents. The County has 577 farmers, of whom 50 percent work full time in farming.

For more information on Rural Montgomery, click here, for information about the Montgomery Countryside Alliance, click here

PS/MFP Committees to Discuss Supplemental Appropriation to the FY11 Capital Budget

2010-10-15T13:08:00.000-04:00

The Public Safety (PS) Committee, chaired by Phil Andrews, and the Management and Fiscal Policy (MFP) Committee, chaired by Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg, will meet on Monday, October 18th to discuss Supplemental Appropriation – Office of the County Executive - $21,616,000 for Public Safety System Modernization (PSSM). Representatives from the Department of Technology Services (DTS) and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will be attending the meeting as well as representatives from Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services and Police. The meeting will begin at 11 a.m. in the 7th Floor hearing room of the Council Office Building at 100 Maryland Avenue in Rockville.

Please contact Laurie Mintzer Edberg, Director of Management and Fiscal Policy for the Trachtenberg Office, at 240-777-7948 or Laurie.Edberg@montgomerycountymd.gov with any questions.

A vote for ambulance fees is a vote for the poor - Washington Post

2010-10-15T10:29:00.000-04:00

By Duchy Trachtenberg
Bethesda

When I read the Oct. 6 Metro article “Leggett proposes cuts in public safety services,” I was reminded again of how a vocal minority can use fear and misinformation to wage a political battle and win.

In this case, the volunteer firefighters in Montgomery County have used such tactics — an Oct. 7 letter to The Post stated bluntly that the fees “could risk lives” — to advance a multiyear campaign against a proposed ambulance fee reimbursement because it will, as the story put it, “dampen their own fundraising efforts.”

Good public policy is a product of thoughtful and reasoned judgment. During our budget deliberations last year, I decided to reverse my position and support the ambulance fee reimbursement for two reasons. First, the legislation proposed by the County Executive Isiah Leggett (D) concisely outlined a fair waiver process for those who are uninsured and indigent. Because of that, the reimbursement fee is nothing more than the collection of insurance dollars for services rendered.

But most important, I understood then, and I still do, that this reimbursement money is required to cover the growing costs of essential county services, including those related to public safety and social services. I understood that the only way to ensure our continued support for the mentally ill, at-risk youths, the homeless and the many nonprofit groups we depend on every day was to boldly say “yes” to this fee, despite my earlier misgivings. I understood that the needs of thousands of residents outweighed the small risk that someone may not call for emergency assistance because they misunderstood the fee policy. And remember: There is no convincing evidence that there has been any significant decline in requests for emergency services in neighboring jurisdictions where such fees policy are in place.

My position on this issue, and others related to spending, no doubt contributed to my defeat in the Democratic primary last month. That doesn’t mean I was wrong. The Montgomery County government will continue to face fiscal challenges and growing social needs over the next decade.

It’s time to close the curtains on the adolescent, testosterone-driven theatrics of the past four years of county politics. We need to face up to the financial difficulties we are in and put the people of Montgomery County first — especially those who have little voice in this political fight and will undoubtedly shoulder the burden of service elimination and program cuts.

The writer is a member of the Montgomery County Council (D-At Large).

Public Safety and Management & Fiscal Policy Committees Discuss Bill 45-10 and Public Safety System Modernization

2010-10-06T11:17:00.000-04:00

Bill 45-10

Most of this morning’s discussion focused on Bill 45-10, Personnel – Disability Retirement – Eligibility – Total and Partial Incapacity. This Bill would create a two-tiered system to distinguish between partial and total disability in regard to disability retirement benefits. The Councilmembers agreed that a two-tiered system makes sense, but would like the details to be worked out during collective bargaining. Councilmember Trachtenberg stated that she was happy that everyone seemed to be on the same page with respect to establishing a two-tiered system. Presenters included representatives of the Office of the County Attorney as well as the Fraternal Order of Police. No action was taken this morning and a follow-up work session will be scheduled.

Public Safety System Modernization

The committees held a briefing/discussion regarding an amendment to the Public Safety Modernization (PSSM) CIP project and a Supplemental appropriation of $21.6 million. The purpose of the supplemental appropriation and amendment is to accelerate the purchase on new replacement radios. In addition, Spring/Nextel, which is responsible for covering the costs associated with re-banding within the 800 MHz frequencies, has offered to pay the County $3.3 million if the County will move forward with purchasing new radios rather than proceeding with the current plan that requires the company to loan radios to the County. Steve Emanuel, Director of the Department of Technology Services, answered questions during the briefing. Councilmember Trachtenberg requested additional information on why this project is a priority at this time. There will be a scheduled work session on this topic.

Please contact Laurie Mintzer Edberg, Director of Management and Fiscal Policy, at 240-777-7948 (direct dial) or laurie.edberg@montgomerycountymd.gov with any questions regarding this MFP session.

Management & Fiscal Policy Committee Discussed Bill 42-10 and Bill 34-10

2010-10-06T11:15:00.000-04:00

The Management and Fiscal Policy (MFP) Committee, chaired by Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg, met on Monday, October 4th at 11:30 am to discuss the following agenda items:

Bill 42-10

Bill 42-10, Personnel – Retirement – Furlough – Imputed Compensation – Represented Employees would amend the definition of regular earnings and final earnings under the employees’ retirement system and the retirement savings plan to include imputed compensation not received due to a furlough for calculating retirement contributions and benefits of represented employees. It was decided to include a definition of “furlough” in the legislation. Moreover, the committee members decided 3-0 to accept the Bill as sent over by the Executive Branch.

Bill 34-10

Bill 34-10, Finance – Public Facilities – Private Projects would amend the definition of public facilities to specifically exclude the construction, reconstruction, extension, acquisition, improvement, enlargement, alternation, repair, or modernization of any privately owned building or facility. Councilmember George Leventhal presented testimony in support of Bill 34-10. In addition, Jennifer Barrett, Director of Finance, represented the Executive Branch and answered questions. Councilmembers Trachtenberg and Ervin opposed the Bill while Councilmember Navarro supported it. Councilmember Trachtenberg stated that the Bill may open the door to other restrictions. In short, she did not feel that this legislation was in the best interest of Montgomery County.

Please contact Laurie Mintzer Edberg, Director of Management and Fiscal Policy, at 240-777-7948 (direct dial) or laurie.edberg@montgomerycountymd.gov with any questions regarding this MFP session.

Remarks of Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg at the 1st Annual Benefit for the Montgomery County Family Justice Center

2010-10-04T10:39:00.002-04:00

I was pleased to receive the Marilyn J. Praisner Founders Award at last night’s 1st Annual Benefit for the Montgomery County Family Justice Center. The FJC serves as a comprehensive one-stop service shop for victims of family/domestic violence and their children. Located at 600 Jefferson Street, Suite 500, Rockville, Md., the center co-locates multiple agencies to provide coordinated advocacy, law enforcement, civil legal services and social services for wrap-around support for families. To date, the FJC has served over 2,000 individuals and families in crisis. My remarks from last night’s program follow:

“There are many people to thank tonight for this honor and recognition which I accept with humility and a distinct sense of obligation.

I’ll start by thanking my husband, Alan for your love and support. My friends here tonight – Bobbie Jean, Hannah, Joanne, Resa, Ray, Laura, Carla and Darren – for your unwavering dedication to those we strive to serve. To my colleague and friend Ike Leggett for your personal commitment to families touched by violence. To my wonderful staff, past and present – Alan, Bobbie, Naomi, Paul, Laurie - for your loyalty and dedication. To our generous donors and those gathered here tonight for your continued generosity. To the entire FJC Foundation Board, including the incomparable Catherine Leggett for your extraordinary efforts at spreading the word, supporting this important initiative and putting together this incredible event. And most importantly, the late Marilyn Praisner for her beautiful heart, her perpetual strength of character and her determination to make our vision of a FJC a reality and shining success.

I recall as if it was just yesterday the first conversation that the then Council President, the late Marilyn Praisner and I had with our County Executive Ike Leggett on the potential creation of a Montgomery County Family Justice Center. Under Marilyn’s mentorship, I brought the research literature on this exciting best practice and the clinical expertise to the first of many conversations. Marilyn brought the pragmatic directive to Ike: “We can do this the easy way or the hard way.” Ike asked what the easy way was. Marilyn swiftly responded, “ Put it in next year’s budget or we will.” The rest is history; it was in the next year’s budget; and we’d all agree tonight that Ike Leggett is a skilled but very smart executive. He knew Marilyn and I would remain fearless and feisty in our efforts to start this essential project. Thank you Ike for having trust and confidence in our judgment and honoring Marilyn’s legacy.

As I have often stated, we know that the most effective way to prevent family violence and to respond to it is through a coordinated and comprehensive community effort. That concisely describes what the Montgomery County Family Justice Center is. The FJC provides a refuge; creates empowerment; offers hope; and reaffirms how the human spirit triumphs, with a little help from our friends. That has always been a core belief of mine and it will forever define my life’s work. It is no secret that these past few weeks have provided a temporary detour but tonight I assure you I am by no means at the end of any road.

All of us here tonight believe in the power of community. I do because I have in my life experiences witnessed the value of speaking the truth, becoming an advocate and taking on the most intractable challenges - those causes few embrace, many run from and often times that deplete one’s spirit and faith in humanity. This applies to the tragedy of family violence, the misery of poverty and political oppression, and the risk of exercising leadership in public service.

Victims become survivors. But their freedom and quality of recovery is swifter, longer and greater if others who bear witness speak up defiantly, take selfless action without hesitation, and in a measured but generous spirit embrace the concept of a shared journey. In a just community, survivors should never feel lonely or discarded, but rather valued and protected.

On a very personal note, I am guided by my heritage each and every day. I offer the following words to you as an inspiration and perhaps as a call to action, a matched set of verses straight from the Torah/Leviticus: “Love your neighbor as yourself” and “Don’t stand idly by as your neighbor bleeds.” This is the greatest commandment – to both love and act on behalf of those around us.

Let those words guide our work in the weeks and months ahead. May they help us find joy and satisfaction in our celebration tonight. And may these verses remind us daily of our obligation to one another.

Thank you for tonight’s recognition. It is deeply appreciated.”

Montgomery Council Committees to Discuss Proposed Two-Tier Disability Retirement

2010-10-01T14:44:00.000-04:00

The Montgomery County Council’s Management and Fiscal Policy (MFP) Committee and Public Safety Committee will meet jointly on Monday, Oct. 4, for a worksession on proposed Bill 45-10 that would create a two-tiered service connected disability retirement system for all County employees identical to the current system for fire and rescue employees.

The MFP Committee, which is chaired by Duchy Trachtenberg and includes Councilmembers Valerie Ervin and Nancy Navarro, and the Public Safety Committee, which is chaired by Phil Andrews and includes Councilmembers Roger Berliner and Marc Elrich, will meet at 9:30 a.m. in the Seventh Floor Hearing Room of the Council Office Building at 100 Maryland Ave. in Rockville.

The worksession to be conducted by the joint committees follows a public hearing held on Sept. 28 on Bill 45-10 proposing creation of a two-tiered service connected disability retirement system for all County employees identical to the current system for fire and rescue employees. Under the proposal, which is sponsored by Councilmembers Trachtenberg, Andrews, Berliner and Ervin, employees eligible for a service-connected disability retirement benefit would receive either a partial incapacity benefit of at least 52.5 percent of final earnings or a total incapacity benefit of at least 70 percent of final earnings.

The current system for all employees, except fire and rescue employees, provides a service-connected disability retirement benefit of at least 66.7 percent of final earnings for both partial and total incapacity.

Maryland’s New Cell Phone Law To Go Into Effect Tomorrow

2010-09-30T10:40:00.002-04:00

To all residents:

Beginning tomorrow, Friday, October 1st, Maryland’s new cell phone law will go into effect. While the laws changed last year this time to make “texting” illegal while driving, this year’s change now makes it illegal to hold and talk on a cell phone while driving. The Communications Traffic Safety Act of 2010 now states:

“Prohibiting a driver of a motor vehicle that is in motion from using the driver's hands to use a handheld telephone except to initiate or terminate a wireless call or to turn on or off the handheld phone; providing that a violation of the Act may be enforced only as a secondary violation; establishing penalties of $40 for a first offense and $100 for a second offense; prohibiting a driver of a school vehicle or a holder of an instructional permit or provisional driver's license from using a handheld phone while driving; etc”.

Remember, NO “texting” or “holding and talking on a cell phone” while driving. This law begins this Friday, October 1, 2010.

For more information, several news links are available:

http://www.wbaltv.com/news/25196021/detail.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/09/24/AR2010092406295.html
http://handsfreeinfo.com/maryland-cell-phone-laws-legislation
http://www.drivinglaws.org/maryland.php
http://mlis.state.md.us/2010rs/billfile/sb0321.htm

Public hearing on Expedited Bill 45-10, Personnel-Disability Retirement -Eligibility -Total and Partial Incapacity

2010-09-28T12:53:00.000-04:00

This afternoon, there will be a public hearing on Expedited Bill 45-10, Personnel-Disability Retirement -Eligibility -Total and Partial Incapacity, sponsored by Councilmembers Trachtenberg, Andrews, Berliner, and Council Vice President Ervin, introduced on July 27, 2010. A joint Public SafetylManagement and Fiscal Policy Committee worksession is tentatively scheduled for October 4 at 9:30 a.m.

Bill 45-10 would create a two-tier service-connected disability retirement system for all County employees identical to the current system for fire and rescue employees. Employees eligible for a service-connected disability retirement benefit would receive either a partial incapacity benefit of at least 52 1;% of final earnings or a total incapacity benefit of at least 70% of final earnings. The current system for all employees, except fire and rescue employees, provides a service-connected disability retirement benefit of at least 66 %% of final earnings for both partial and total incapacity.

To read the Council analyst packet, click here.

Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church Celebrates 140th Anniversary!

2010-09-28T12:51:00.001-04:00

Representatives of Councilmember Trachtenberg, on behalf of the Montgomery County Council, proudly presented the following Proclamation to the Allen Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, on the occasion of its 140th Anniversary.

WHEREAS, the Allen Chapel African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church was founded in 1870 by Henry Walker, Jerry Gaither, and George Gaither, with its first formal gathering place established during 1873, in an area originally known as Providence in Wheaton, Montgomery County, Maryland; and

WHEREAS, the original members worked nights by lantern light until the original structure, a single story frame building, was finished; and they named the church the Allen Chapel, in honor of Richard Allen, the founder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (A.M.E.); and

WHEREAS, since its establishment, the Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church congregation has continuously assembled and served others under the banner and living mission of the A.M.E. Church, "God Our Father, Christ Our Redeemer, and Man Our Brother;" and

WHEREAS, the founding members were not only concerned with worshipping and ministering to their community, but as they were also ardent about educating children, they organized and dedicated the first school for Black children within the Wheaton area in 1880, on the existing church property; and

WHEREAS, the Allen Chapel African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church will be celebrating 150 years of extraordinary service to Montgomery County residents and congregants in September 2010; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the County Council of Montgomery County, Maryland, hereby proclaims September 26, 2010 as

ALLEN CHAPEL A.M.E. CHURCH DAY IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY

AND, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Montgomery County Council takes this opportunity to recognize the Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church for its history as a trail blazer, and for its many years of service to the residents of the County.

Presented on this 26th day of September in the year 2010.

Nancy Floreen
Council President

The Montgomery County Council Received Update on Economic Indicators, County Fiscal Plan and White Flint Sector Plan Financing

2010-09-28T12:24:00.000-04:00

Today, the Montgomery County Council received an update on economic indicators and the County Fiscal Plan. The Council will look toward Fiscal Year 2012 with estimates showing the County’s major known commitments are projected to increase by about 4.3 percent (not including wage growth for County agency employees) while the approved fiscal plan permits growth in agency expenditures of just 0.1 percent. For more information on this update, click here.

The County Council also received a briefing on the progress made in recent months toward developing a plan and taking action toward financing the infrastructure necessary for the development envisioned in the adopted White Flint sector plan to go forward. To read more about the White Flint financing, click here.

MFP Committee Meeting on Monday, September 27th

2010-09-28T12:15:00.000-04:00

The Management and Fiscal Policy (MFP) Committee, chaired by Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg, met on Monday, September 27th at 10:30 am to discuss the following agenda items:

Representatives of the Office of Legislative Oversight (OLO) provided a brief overview of their report on Fiscal Impact Statements for Legislation and answered questions on the report. Councilmember Trachtenberg raised the issue of providing electronic updates with respect to fiscal impact statements as is the practice in Kings County, Washington.

Following the OLO update, the MFP Committee discussed two bills directly related to the report. The bills discussed included Expedited Bill 43-10, Administration-Legislative Branch-County Council-Fiscal Impact Statements and Expedited Bill 47-10, Administration – Legislative Branch-County Council-Economic Impact Statements. Joseph Beach of the Office of Management and Budget provided information to the committee members. Both bills received MFP Committee approval with minor amendments.

The final MFP agenda item focused on Expedited Bill 19-10, Taxes-Transportation Impact Tax- Amendments. Members of the Department of Transportation and the development community presented testimony. The MFP Committee agreed with the following Council Staff recommendations:

Do not apply any limit to pre-2004 credits with respect to the phase-out of existing impact tax credits, and
Do not allow impact tax credits to be used for other transportation purposes such as Policy Area Mobility Review (PAMR).

PS/MFP Joint Committee Meeting on Monday, September 27th

2010-09-28T12:12:00.000-04:00

The Public Safety (PS) Committee, chaired by Councilmember Phil Andrews and the Management and Fiscal Policy (MFP) Committee, chaired by Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg, held a joint work session on Monday, September 27th at 9:45 am. The PS/MFP Committee discussed the following agenda item:

Amendments to County government collective bargaining agreement with International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) – Special Pay for Advanced Life Support (ALS) Providers

Joseph Adler, Director of the Office of Human Resources and Richard Bowers, Chief of Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services, presented testimony to the PS/MFP committee members on the issue of special pay for ALS providers. The joint committee requested additional information from the Executive Branch in order to make their decision on a provision in the bargaining agreement that would increase the special pay differential to ALS workers. Another work session on this topic has been scheduled for October 25th.

Montgomery County Council to Meet With Board of Education on Tuesday, Sept. 21

2010-09-20T16:58:00.000-04:00

Also: Public Hearing on Hotel Tax Exemption for Lockheed Martin Facility, OLO Report on Family Planning Programs

ROCKVILLE, Md., September 20, 2010—The Montgomery County Council on Tuesday, Sept. 21, will have an informal lunch meeting with the County’s Board of Education. The meeting is a continuation of informal meetings the two bodies have held to discuss a variety of issues. This will be the first joint meeting since Superintendent of Schools Jerry Weast announced he would not seek appointment to another term.

The Council’s regular session will begin at 10:30 a.m. in the Third Floor Hearing Room of the Council Office Building at 100 Maryland Ave. in Rockville. The regular session will be televised live by County Cable Montgomery (CCM—Cable Channel 6 on Comcast and RCN, Channel 30 on Verizon). It also will be available via streaming through the County Web site at www.montgomerycountymd.gov. It will be rebroadcast on Friday, Sept. 24, at 9 p.m. The meeting with the Board of Education, which will be held in the Fifth Floor Conference Room, is open to the public, but will not be televised.

A public hearing that was scheduled to be held tomorrow evening by the Council’s Transportation, Infrastructure, Environment and Energy Committee on amendments to the 10-Year Comprehensive Water Supply and Sewerage Systems Plan concerning water and sewer category changes was postponed until 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 28.

The morning session will include release of a report by the Office of Legislative Oversight entitled “A Review of Publicly Funded Family Planning Programs.” The Council’s Health and Human Services Committee has tentatively scheduled a worksession on the report for Monday, Oct. 4.

The Council will hold nine public hearings tomorrow afternoon including on one on Zoning Text Amendment 10-12 concerning “Child Lot Standards” for properties in the County’s Agricultural Reserve. Property owners who owned their property prior to 1981 are entitled to create building lots for their children or their spouse’s children without any limitations. ZTA 10-12 helps clarify the provisions of standards in regard to “Child Lots.”

Another public hearing will be held on Expedited Bill 44-10 regarding the County’s Room Rental and Transient Tax. The bill would exempt a corporate lodging facility from the County’s hotel-motel tax if the facility supports that company’s headquarters, campus, training facility or conference facility; provides lodging exclusively for that company’s employees, contractors, vendors and other business invitees; and does not offer lodging to the public.

At this time, the County is aware of one facility that this amendment would impact: The Lockheed Martin Center for Leadership Excellence. Lockheed Martin’s annual transient room taxes for the facility are approximately $450,000. In 2010, the Maryland General Assembly enacted a similar law (HB 855), exempting this kind of facility from the state sales tax. The estimated state loss of revenue from its bill is $370,900.

Montgomery Council Committee to Discuss Development Oversight Coordination Today

2010-09-20T09:41:00.000-04:00

Worksession Will Look at Proposal That Would Keep Closer Look at Evolving Future Development Districts and Intensive New Development

ROCKVILLE, Md., September 17, 2010—The Montgomery County Council’s Planning, Housing and Economic Development (PHED) Committee on Monday, Sept. 20, will discuss Bill 1-10 that would require the County Executive to designate an employee in the office of the Executive or the County’s Chief Administrative Officer as development coordinator for each approved development district and each geographic area where a newly revised master or sector plan has authorized intensive new development or redevelopment.

The worksession will begin at 2 p.m. in the Seventh Floor Hearing Room of the Council Office Building at 100 Maryland Ave. in Rockville.

Duchy Trachtenberg, chair of the Council’s Management and Fiscal Policy Committee, and Mike Knapp, chair of the Council’s PHED Committee, and Councilmembers Phil Andrews and Roger Berliner are sponsors of the proposed legislation.

The bill does not require the Executive to create a new position to fulfill the requirements of the bill unless it is decided that no current employee or employees can perform the required functions.

Council staff will tell the committee on Monday that in their opinion, the bill would require the Executive to designate coordinators for the Clarksburg Town Center development district, which has been approved, but not implemented. It also would require coordinators for the recently adopted White Flint sector plan.