In Memoriam
On this day we remember the anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks when 19 members of the Islamic extremist group Al Qaeda hijacked four airplanes and conducted suicide attacks against targets in the United States. Almost 3,000 people lost their lives that day.
Recently, we’ve seen horrific actions including the fatal stabbing of 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska while she was on a train, and the murder of conservative political activist Charlie Kirk while onstage at Utah Valley University.
There is something that has been lost in America. Basic humanity, the innate human capacity for concern for the well-being of others, has been lost. Simple behaviors like empathy, compassion, helpfulness, and altruism have been lost. The ability to have open dialogue, to be intellectually honest without the fear of reprisal, or corporal, or even fatal repercussions has been lost.
I offer that it is a fundamental aspect of our social nature, allowing us to connect, cooperate, and act beyond our immediate self-interest. Factors like negative environments, false media reporting, and divisive ideologies have diminished our connection to each other.
While our thoughts and prayers are with our soldiers, veterans, and the US citizens lost during 9/11, the family of Ms. Zarutska, the family of Charlie Kirk and the Turning Point USA organization, I ask that their loss not be in vain. I ask that each of us dedicate time each day to talking to someone unlike ourselves, people with different political, cultural and/or religious viewpoints. I suspect that you will find commonality around the basic hierarchy of needs: physiological, safety and belonging. Everyone wants to feel safe where we work, worship, and our children go to school. I also offer that persons that attack, murder, and act with malicious intent to harm others should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
God Bless.
Reardon "Sully" Sullivan
2025 MCGOP Chair
Chairman's Message
Here we go again!!!
Marc Elrich, Will Jawando and the County Council voted to raise the local piggyback income tax rate for the 2025 tax year, effective January 1. This increase was made possible by our friends in Annapolis and their Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act of 2025. This act raised the maximum local income tax rate that counties can charge. A pending state bill could give counties even more flexibility, allowing them to create a progressive structure, where higher earners pay a higher local rate up to 3.7% starting in 2026, which would be a 15% increase to the piggyback tax in Montgomery County.
I can hear the U-Haul trailers loading up now.
This latest tax hike announcement is followed by the annual report from the Montgomery County Inspector General highlighting over $18.1 million in questioned costs
Read moreMontgomery County’s Anti-Business Squad Facilitates Maryland’s Economic Decline
pngtree.com
This year’s Roll Call, a report on pro-jobs, pro-economic growth legislation in Maryland’s General Assembly was issued recently by the Maryland Free Enterprise Foundation, an independent group focused on improving Maryland’s business climate. (MarylandFree.org) Its 2025 report is aptly named “The Storm Arrives: Maryland Institutes Massive Tax Increases Driving Taxpayers Away.” It is a cornucopia of information.
As the largest delegation in the State, Montgomery County legislators were instrumental in facilitating increases in taxes and fees by a whopping $1.6B+ in 2025’s session, the largest such increase in Maryland state history. It is as if they are trying to put glue on the gears of progress.
The MCGOP examined votes cast by Montgomery County’s 35 Senators and Delegates and it is not a pretty picture. On a scale of 1-100 with 100 a perfect pro-economic growth score, Montgomery’s delegation scored 13 -- ranking as the least business friendly delegation in Maryland.
How MoCo’s 2025 anti-business squad scored:
26 Delegates:
- 22 Delegates scored 11
- Teresa Woorman scored 13
- Two Delegates we share with Howard County scored 22
- Gabe Acevero scored 0
9 State Senators:
- Craig Zucker and Jeff Waldstreicher scored 14
- Brian Feldman, Ben Kramer, Cheryl Kagan, Will Smith, Nancy King scored 25
- Sara Love scored 29
- Katie Fry Hester we share with Howard County scored 50
Save the Date - MCGOP Convention - October 11, 2025
2025 MCGOP CONVENTION
Saturday, October 11 in Gaithersburg, MD
Tentative Schedule
Main Session Keynote
KC Crosbie, RNC Co-Chair
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Luncheon Speaker
John "Dragon" Teichert
Brigadier General (retired)
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Reardon “Sully” Sullivan
2025 MCGOP Party Chairman
_____
Dennis Melby
Past MCGOP Party Chairman
__________
Other engaging speakers for both the convention
and luncheon
To Be Announced
At the Hilton Doubletree, details to follow.
Do you support President Trump’s DC crime crackdown?
TAKE THE QUIZ
MANNA FOOD BANK
Help fight food insecurity in MoCo...
Chairman's Message
Former President Ronald Reagan said:
“On this occasion, let us also remember the freedoms and the sacrifices that have made our abundance possible. We are heirs to a precious legacy, one that has taken centuries to build, and we must forever recognize that its preservation and increase are our glad task and solemn responsibility.”
Enjoy the day with friends and family, the end of summer is here before you know it.
But remember, our Congressional, State and local governments desperately need a change in leadership. Single party government in Maryland and Montgomery County hasn't served us well. You can't afford higher taxes, higher prices and increased energy costs due to high State and County spending and regulations.
Although the White House and Congress are making great strides, the far-left has a chance to turn it all around. With an important election right around the corner we need to focus and work for the best candidates who will work for America.
Its Labor Day. Lets go to work!
Reardon "Sully" Sullivan
2025 MCGOP Chair
Yep, WE LISTEN - what do you think? Write me at [email protected]
HAPPY LABOR DAY
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You Deserve A Break Today
Alice in MoCo Land
(1)
By Lori Jaffe (with apologies to Lewis Carroll)
It was the first day of school, curiously called “Transition Day.” Alice didn’t want to leave her home, and Kitty her pet cat. Alice was happy enough to meet the other children, but she had heard that things might be different from what she was used to experiencing. And she had heard that more changes were on the way.
Read more