By Lori Jaffe
The good news is that Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich has been limited to two terms! Many thanks to all who made that possible. The bad news is that he has two more years to go. The ugly news is that our county officials continue to create new regulations for us to live under. We encourage you to continue to engage with them (see below).
Montgomery Perspective reports that Elrich feels he was limited to eight years as County Executive in part because “Voters don’t even know we have term limits, so they made it sound like this was something new and a lot of people are agreeable to term limits.” Any voter just needed to read the ballot question (below), which says “decrease the term limit that applies to the County Executive from the current three consecutive terms to two consecutive terms.” It was very clearly stated.
Unfortunately, Elrich will continue in the County Executive seat for another two years. He is currently plotting to raise our taxes once again. “One of our very real concerns is the impact of this election on the local economy,” Elrich said Wednesday during a weekly meeting with reporters. (32:02) “The defunding of some federal agencies and the possible movement of other agencies out of the D.C. area brings a serious threat of reduced revenue from displaced federal employees. This is a very real threat.” “I mean, the option that we would want to do is probably raise taxes to make up for lost revenues,” said Elrich. “The way we’re structured right now, the bulk of those taxes would land on residents, and we would have to walk a very fine line.”
And Elrich plans to run in 2026 for another office. “I may not be running for reelection, but it doesn’t mean I won’t be running for election, let’s put it that way.” Looks like he won’t be happy unless he hits the forty year mark in public office. We think that voters are tired of his tax and spend ways. We’ll see.
The ugly news is that county officials continue to create even more regulations that affect our lives. We encourage you to make your voice heard. Here are some upcoming opportunities:
Register to join virtual sessions hosted by the MC Taxpayers League
EVENT: MCTL hosts At-Large Councilman Gabe Albornoz, Chair Health & Human Services Committee (virtual) on Wednesday November 13th, 2024 at 7pm. Register Here
EVENT: MCTL hosts Dr. Thomas Taylor, MCPS Superintendent (virtual) on Tuesday November 19th, 2024 at 7pm. Register Here
EVENT: MCTL hosts Councilwoman Marilyn Balcombe, member of Economic Development & Transportation Committees (virtual) on Tuesday December 3rd, 2024 at 7pm, Register Here
Sign up now to testify on Nov 18 on MC bills being proposed in 2024 General Assembly-- Bills on voting, housing, MCPS, etc. View legislation here!
Sign-ups to testify at the annual Priorities Hearing (on Nov 18) are now open! There are some slight changes from previous years' rules. For this year's hearing all individuals and representatives from non-government organizations will receive 2 minutes of time to testify. As before, the meeting will be held virtually via Zoom and Livestreamed. Sign up here!
- Monday, November 18, 7pm, Residents' Priorities Hearing, November 18, 7pm, Zoom information to follow at www.montgomerycountydelegation.com.
- Monday, December 9, 7pm, In-Person Bill Hearing on Local Bills, Park and Planning Auditorium, 2425 Reedie Dr., 2nd Floor, Wheaton.
- Monday, December 16, 7pm, Virtual Bill Hearing on Local Bills, December 16, 7pm, Zoom information to follow at www.montgomerycountydelegation.com.
- Tuesday, December 17, 6pm -7:30pm, River Road Corridor Analysis virtual public meeting with SHA, Zoom information to come.
- Wednesday, January 8, Noon, Opening of the 2025 Maryland General Assembly, Annapolis.
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Lori Jaffe is the Party Secretary for the Montgomery County Republican Central Committee, volunteer coordinator and Member of the Executive Board. She can be reached at [email protected]
