VOTE EARLY AND OFTEN!*
I found out this week that MoCo is an outlier. Yes, it’s big on the far left and the Democrat side to tax their residents through the roof, spread the money around to supporters and fund Democrat races with tax money, and elect the same Democrat Socialists over and over using taxes, taxes and more taxes.
What I didn’t know was that even in the biggest Blue Bastions, the law says that folks who take public money MUST engage in debates with the other folks running. You see they don’t do that in MoCo. Our best example is Councilman Will Jawando’s refusal to debate his top opponent, CPA and Taxpayers League President Esther Wells. That’s right – taxpayer money shoveled into his campaign but no requirement for him to answer questions or engage in a meaningful dialogue.
Even New York City and Los Angeles, California, bastions of taxpayer funded campaigns, require that.
I was outraged, and sent a note to the County Council demanding a change in the law to require that folks who feast at the taxpayer’s trough must also answer questions at election time and face their opponents. Will it happen? We’ll see.
Usually they only do legislation to prohibit stuff (plastic bags and leaf blowers come to mind) and never institute meaningful laws unless they’re forced to by a voters' petition. Read my letter to the Council President HERE.
This is Maryland – Vote Early and Often!*
That was a great joke by former Republican State Senator and County Councilman Howard Denis, a guy with a great sense of humor. It would be even funnier now – with our three week elections and three weeks of result tabulations.
You need to take it seriously. VOTE, however you can.
- Mail it in? OK.
- Early voting the week before? OK.
- Vote in person on the day of elections? OK too.
We need everyone who is legally allowed to - to vote – as if your future depended on it. It does.
Higher taxes, open borders, boys in girls' sports, boys in girls' bathrooms, Trans books taught in first grade, overregulation, equity and inequality…it’s all your choice. Let’s have some Diversity of Thought, some Diversity of Party and a better future for ALL citizens. Vote like it matters…cause it does.
Time's a’wastin’…help us return sanity, affordability and common sense before it’s too late. More civility, dial back the rhetoric and get a little progress going for ALL our great folks in Montgomery County. Unhappy Democrats, Republicans and Non-Affiliated are all in the same boat. Let's work together. You’ll be pleased with the results…I guarantee it.
Dennis Melby
2026 Republican Chairman
Montgomery County, Maryland
Join my special Chairman's Club HERE.
And thanks for being a Great American.
Hope to see you soon.
*Yes, vote early and often is a joke. Do not vote more than once. Also, don't jump off of the Empire State building. Both actions will not end well.
OCTOBER ACTIVITIES
What's Happening?
- Oct 12, Columbus Day Holiday
- Oct 13, Asbury Methodist Candidate Forum
- Oct 13, Esther Wells Virtual Meet & Greet
- Oct 13, Mid MoCo Muster
- Oct 14, Leisure World Republican Club - Brenda Diaz
- Oct 14, MCSBA County Exec Candidates' Presentation
- Oct 14, Stop The Spend Listening Session
- Oct 15, CCWRC Happy Hour
- Oct 17, MCGOP Open House
- Oct 17, Potomac Day
- Oct 18, UMRWC General Meeting - Rabbi Peter Tarlow
- Oct 19, Esther Wells Virtual Meet & Greet
- Oct 22, PWRC Monthly Meeting - WV Sen. Patricia Rucker
- Oct 24, MCGOP Open House
- Oct 27, Wheaton / Silver Spring Monthly Meeting
- Oct 29, MCFRW Annual Meeting - Mercedes Schlapp
- Oct 31, MCGOP Open House (Trick or Treat)
THE MOCO ZONE
A Pre-Election Halloween Story
By Lori Jaffe (with apologies to Rod Serling and Charles Dickens.)
This is Rod Serling. Welcome to this episode of “The MoCo Zone.”
Submitted for your approval: Rob Hatchett is a forty year old man, with a wife and child, living in Montgomery County, Maryland. Rob has never voted, says he isn’t interested in politics. He believes that “political issues” don’t affect him, and besides, there's nothing he can do about it anyway. He is about to learn differently. Just in time for Halloween and the November 3rd General Election, Rob is about to get the scare of his life. He is about to enter “The MoCo Zone.”
Read moreCounty Council Notice
Montgomery County Council Seeks Applicants for Upcoming Vacancy on the Advisory Commission on Policing
The deadline for applying is Monday, Nov. 2, at 5 p.m.
BOARD OF ELECTIONS NOTIFICATIONS
THERE'S A NEW SHERIFF IN TOWN
(L to R) Democrat candidate for Sheriff Will Milam and MCGOP Chair Dennis Melby
Will Milam came by last week to meet GOP leaders. Will is soon to be Sheriff Elect of Montgomery County. He won the Democrat nomination and we put up no Republican candidate. The refreshing part? He said he wants to be Sheriff of ALL the folks here in MoCo.
Well, he’s got a great background, great plans for the Department working for the people of Montgomery County – especially the folks who need it the most, folks facing family disputes, individuals with personality disorders and autism, and young people who need role models as they rise to adulthood.
And yes, although he doesn’t need them, I think he garnered a lot of Republican votes and support for the future of his Department. We can all learn from a guy reaching out to all residents, regardless of Party.
YOUR FEEDBACK MATTERS!
Thanks to those who sent in feedback! Here is some of the feedback that we received.
____________
Good Day! Please explain to me why no Republican candidates run for office in Takoma Park. I do not even vote the city elections because it seems like a popularity contest, not choices.
____________
Dennis, Thank you for your insights. I really appreciate the newsletter. I read it every week.
Read moreThe Melby Minute
Dennis MelbyChairmanRepublican Party of Montgomery County, MDMY FOND FAREWELL
I’ve really enjoyed working for you, both as a Committee Member and Republican Chairman. I’m retiring on Election Day. After November 3, we’ll have new, great leadership.
New ideas, new perspectives are always called for, and I’ve always served well and moved on. I did that on the town council, boards and commissions and even as REALTOR president.
I’ve always believed in term limits and age limits – and I’m imposing both on myself. It's my second term – 8 years total, and I’ll be 75. Although many disagree on limits I think all offices, from dog catcher to Congress, White House and Supreme Court are better served by both experience - and a fresh perspective.
Thanks for working with me, listening to me when my ideas were good and ALL the suggestions when I was (rarely) off kilter. I’ve enjoyed this chance to lead and to serve.
And I’ll miss you.
Dennis Melby, Chairman
How'd I do? Will you miss me too? What's your opinion on term and age limits? Send me a note at [email protected]
News & Opinions
News & Opinions
GOP Demands Debates from Publicly Financed Candidates | Montgomery Perspective | Adam Pagnucco | October 9, 2026
I Dare to Answer to Families First | Substack | Brenda Diaz | October 7, 2026
Opinion: After a Brutal Budget, County Council Finds Money for Its Most Powerful Endorser | Moderately MoCo | Nora Gordon | October 9, 2026
Voting, Facts and Balance | William Irving | October 9, 2026