DISRESPECT
By Lori Jaffe
Something happened last Friday that we think encapsulates an issue that we have been trying to come to grips with in our country, our state and our county. It is a generalized feeling of disrespect for the American taxpayer. We go through our days trying to “do good” and yet we feel unappreciated. There is always something to fix. There is usually someone less fortunate who expects something from us. This happens internationally, as well as nationally and locally.
Read moreMOCO at CPAC
Conservatives, common sense Democrats and MoCo Republicans attended last month's CPAC meeting held in Prince Georges County, Maryland. Among the many highlights were appearances by Elon Musk and President Donald Trump, as well as numerous elected and international office holders. If you're into politics MoCo is the place!
DWIGHT PATEL ON KASH PATEL
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has long been a pillar of American justice, entrusted with enforcing the law and ensuring national security. However, in recent years, it has been marred by controversy, accusations of political bias, and a lack of accountability. Many conservatives believe the agency has strayed from its intended purpose, becoming an instrument of political influence rather than an impartial enforcer of justice. Reform is overdue, and Kash Patel is the ideal candidate to lead that charge.
L to R, FBI Director Kash Patel, former Maryland and MoCo GOP Vice Chair Dwight Patel, and former MoCo GOP Committee Member and Trump campaign Executive David Bossie.
Kash Patel’s Unique Qualifications
Kash Patel’s background makes him the perfect choice to restore integrity to the FBI. As the former Chief of Staff to Acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller, Patel led critical national security operations and provided counsel on defense strategy. His tenure as Deputy Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Counterterrorism at the National Security Council saw him play a pivotal role in eliminating major terrorist leaders, including ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and Al-Qa’ida’s Qasem al-Rimi.
Read moreWORKING CENTRAL COMMITTEE
2025 MCGOP Chairman Reardon Sullivan conducted voting to pass this fiscal year's budget at their February meeting. Seen here with Finance Chair Laura Benson and Treasurer Brigitta Mullican, it's a leaner budget that still stresses community work to allow candidates to compete in the 2026 local elections.
FREDERICK COUNTY WOMEN
The Frederick County Republican Women’s club board members were sworn in in February. Hon. Sandra Dalton, Clerk of the Court of Frederick County officiated in the ceremony. Left to right are Marie Melby Elam (Vice President), Jeannie Cameron (Treasurer) and Olivia Angolia (Secretary). Not pictured is Cindy Rose (President) who could not attend due to a family emergency. Members of the club are all working to bring common sense back.
Struggling with Skyrocketing Energy Bills?
Right now, record-high electricity bills are hitting mailboxes across the state, forcing many families to make impossible choices—between keeping the lights on or putting food on the table, between heating their homes or affording essential medications. This is unacceptable.
That’s why I, along with my colleagues in the Maryland Freedom Caucus, have launched the “Lower My Electric Bill NOW!” initiative. We’re working in coordination with Congressman Andy Harris, M.D., to demand both immediate relief and long-term solutions to ease this burden on Marylanders.
DO YOU WANT TO KEEP YOUR GAS HEATING?
Maryland legislators are doubling down on the Montgomery County Council’s Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS) that will eliminate gas heating and cooking in many Maryland buildings. The 'Better Buildings Act' would require new buildings constructed in Maryland to be completely electric.
Nothing Says Developer Give Away, Like ZTA 25-03
While developers in Montgomery County are poised to receive massive tax breaks under the new ZTA 25-03, residents are feeling the strain of rising costs everywhere—from utility bills to grocery store essentials like eggs. Over the past few years, Montgomery County families have seen a surge in taxes, and living expenses. Now, with Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) 25-03, Office to Housing, Councilmembers Friedson - District 1, Fani-Gonzalez - District 6, Stewart - District 4, Balcombe - District 2, Luedtke - District 7, Sayles - At-Large, are proposing developers pay no impact taxes, for up to 25 years when converting office buildings into housing. Here’s what you need to know about Office to Housing, ZTA 25-03, why it's problematic, and what it means for residents like you.
Montgomery County Council Press Release
The Montgomery County Council is seeking applicants to fill one full-term vacancy on the Montgomery County Planning Board. The partial term of Commissioner Pedoeem (Unaffiliated) is expiring on June 14, 2025, and she has indicated her interest in reapplying. Applicants must live in Montgomery County and be registered to vote in the County as a member of any political party, or unaffiliated with any political party. Voter registration will be verified by the Montgomery County Board of Elections. Applications must be received by 5 p.m. on Monday, March 3, 2025.
Judge Releases Hold on Trump’s Plan to Slash USAID
By Stephen Dinan
A federal judge lifted his order that had blocked President Trump from carrying out a mass shakeup at the U.S. Agency for International Development.
Judge Carl Nichols on Friday said his court has no jurisdiction to rule on Mr. Trump’s order putting most UDAID workers on administrative leave.
Employees must challenge those moves through the standard federal process for disputing personnel decisions such as the Federal Labor Relations Authority, he said.