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Balanced Growth
Striking a balance between responsible growth and development requires careful attention to preserve our quality of life and our neighborhoods. I supported planning consistent with our ability to reduce traffic congestion and add needed schools, libraries and recreational centers.
Educational Achievement
A growing school population means a greater need for dollars for school construction and updated technology/information skills. Federal and state budget cuts test our ability to respond to our neediest. On the Council I worked to invest more in our most valuable resource -- our kids – through class size reductions, support for teachers and new classrooms. As a teacher myself I remain firmly dedicated to sustaining a strong education system in which all children can learn.
Environmental Preservation
On the Council I helped to preserve our environment by protecting our Agricultural Reserve, maintaining green space, and working out solutions to many of our critical wastewater management requirements. I established a fund dedicated to help ensure better water quality in the County.
Transportation Adequacy
Our government must re-attack gridlock and make the County easier to traverse while protecting the environment and still encouraging business expansion. On the Council I worked to increase transportation options and address traffic congestion with a balanced program of more roads, improved intersections, and added transit.
Affordable Housing
People who work in our County should be able to live here. I was the first Council Member to champion dedicating a fixed portion of the County Budget to creating more affordable housing.
Business Development
Montgomery County must stay a leader in business. I want to continue both to bolster the economic development efforts that have attracted important companies to our area and to foster small business opportunities in our diverse communities, enabling their owners in turn to contribute to the economic vitality of the entire County.
Worker Recognition and Compensation
I believe that our government should continue to demonstrate respect for the many positive contributions of our outstanding work force in the County. I led the effort to lift up the “working poor” by ensuring a “living wage” for contractors doing business with the County.
Heightened Security
I will make sure that our public safety personnel receive the resources necessary to adequately protect the public. I have fought for increased workforce, equipment and technical support.
Health Care
With renewed efforts I will make health services in the county more accessible for all our residents. I led the successful fight to protect our residents from the known dangers of second-hand smoke.
Good Government
To help residents and businesses deal with the difficult maze of land use policies and required procedures I established the office of People’s Counsel. To help ensure greater accountability and examination of the government I spearheaded the effort to create the Office of Inspector General. I also led in creating the Commission on Common Ownership Communities that resolves disputes between management and unit owners.
Longer discussions about these and other issues will be added throughout the campaign.
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