At the Council session on Tuesday, we discussed the County Executive's curfew proposal. By a 6-3 vote, the Council decided to table the issue. I voted with the majority because I was not comfortable with giving the Executive unlimited authority to institute a youth curfew for an indefinite period of time. I supported tabling the proposal because I believe there are questions that continue to remain unanswered about the need for a curfew. The Council can revisit this proposal again at anytime if necessary.
Last year, I voted to give the Montgomery County Police Department a $2 million enhancement to increase patrols in Silver Spring and East County. Since the enhancement has taken effect in downtown Silver Spring, we have seen a reduction in crime. I believe this targeted approach to law enforcement, along with an enhancement to programs that target at-risk youth and families, is the best way to reduce juvenile crime in our County.  |
Last week, the Council unanimously passed the Montgomery County Redistricting Commission's map redrawing Council District boundaries. These new boundaries will take effect officially in the spring. However, I wanted to take this opportunity to welcome my new constituents in Wheaton, Olney, Kensington View, Randolph Hills, Laytonsville, and other neighborhoods to District 4! In a future e-mail, I will discuss the new district boundaries in more detail and provide a "farewell" message to my current constituents--including Burtonsville, Fairland, and Leisure World. |
| Creating a New Urban Future in Wheaton |
 Also last week, the Council unanimously passed the Wheaton Sector Plan. As discussed in a previous e-mail, the Wheaton Sector Plan is designed to help Wheaton develop to its full potential through a combination of zoning, traffic, and height and density changes. These improvements will not take place overnight, but will have significant long-term benefits for Wheaton's economic future.
The plan calls for increased density to allow for more residential, office, and commercial uses near the Metro Station. The Council also worked to ensure the single-family houses in the surrounding areas were protected during the redevelopment process. We inserted additional language in the Sector Plan to protect the trees between Wheaton Mall and the adjacent neighborhoods.
I am also working with my colleagues to ensure the small businesses in Wheaton continue to thrive, even with the new development opportunities available through this plan. Wheaton's small businesses give it the unique character that makes it such a great place to live, work and play. Through economic development and technical assistance opportunities, we will ensure Wheaton continues to maintain its distinctive character.
The Wheaton Sector Plan creates a vision for a new urban future that promotes mixed use development, smart growth and economic opportunity for residents of Wheaton and the surrounding community. |
Teen Escape Club's Penguin Ball: A Middle School Semi-Formal!
I am proud to announce that the Teen Escape Club (TEC) continues to provide excellent, positive programming for our youth in the East County. Now, also providing programming for our middle school students. Tonight, the Teen Escape Club will host its first-ever Penguin Ball, a middle school semi-formal featuring DJ G-Tek and Young Motive. The event, put together by TEC's high school participants, will be held at the East County Community Center (3310 Gateshead Manor Way, Silver Spring). There will be prizes for the best dressed, best dancer, cutest pair, best energy, and king and queen of the ball. Admissions is $3 for one, $5 for two, or free with an "After Hours" membership. The admissions tickets includes a free professional picture and light refreshments. Students are also encouraged to bring canned goods for exchange for raffle tickets. Students can bring as many canned foods as they wish. Students are encourage register online at montgomerycountymd.gov/rec or by calling 240-777-6818. Dates for the next Teen Escape Club events are: - January 13
- February 13
- March 2
- April 13
- May 4
- June 1
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Final Leaf Collection and Winter Storm Alerts
Before the first major snowfall hits, be sure to sign up for Alert Montgomery for the latest information on severe weather. You can track power outages in the Pepco service territory using the Storm Center website and BGE customers can visit the outage map. |
UPDATE: Suspect Arrested for Theft Schemes Involving Vulnerable Adults
 Last week, the police arrested a man in connection with the exploitation of vulnerable adults. Over the course of approximately one year this suspect financially exploited four victims in Montgomery County who he perceived to have mental and physical disabilities or deficiencies. The police are concerned that there may be additional victims of suspect's exploitation. If someone believes that he/she may have been a victim or believes a loved one may have been victimized, please call the 4th District Community Service Officer at 240-773-5524. |
Man Suspected of Westfield Mall Attacks Arrested
The man suspected of being responsible for committing three kidnappings and carjackings at the Westfield Shopping Center in Wheaton was arrested at his home in Prince George's County last week. I want to commend both the Montgomery County and Prince George's County Police for working together to find the person responsible for these terrible crimes over Thanksgiving weekend. |
| Police Offer Holiday Season Safety Tips |
In light of recent incidents, Montgomery County Police have provided us with this comprehensive list of tips to help keep residents safe while shopping, while walking, and while at home. While opportunities for robberies and burglaries increase during the holiday season, many robberies and burglaries can be prevented by keeping these safety tips in mind.
When shopping: - Do not become distracted by your shopping. Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
- Park in well-lit parking lots and park as close to the mall or store as possible.
- Lock your car doors and keep packages hidden in the trunk of or under the seats of your vehicle.
- Do not carry large amounts of cash with you and pay with checks or credit cards when possible.
- Ensure that you are not encumbered with a large number of packages. Try to make trips back to your vehicle to store packages in the trunk as you continue to shop.
- Carry your closed purse as close to your body as possible.
- Carry a wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket.
When out walking: - Wherever you are, on the street, in an office building or shopping mall, or waiting for a bus or the subway, stay alert and aware of your surroundings.
- Walk with confidence and know where you are going.
- Trust your instincts; if something or someone makes you uneasy, avoid the person or leave the area.
- Stick to well-lighted and well-traveled streets. Avoid shortcuts through wooded areas, parking lots, or alleys.
- Do not flash large amounts of cash or other tempting targets like expensive jewelry or clothing.
- Have your car or house key in hand before you reach the door.
- If you think that someone is following you, switch directions or cross the street and walk toward an open store, restaurant, or lighted house.
If someone does try to rob you, don't resist. Give up your property - do not endanger your life. Report the crime to police as soon as possible, and try to describe the attacker accurately. Your rapid reporting of the incident may prevent others from becoming victims.
When at home: - If your Christmas tree can be seen through a window, do not display presents under the tree where they could be seen.
- Make sure to lock doors and windows.
- If you are going away for the holiday, let a neighbor know that your home will not be occupied and have someone pick up your mail and newspapers.
- Used time lights to give the appearance that someone is at home.
- After the holidays, be sure to break down card boards boxes from gifts for recycling so that a potential burglar does not know your home has a new computer, TV, video game system, etc.
Keep these safety tips in mind to help ensure that everyone has a safe and happy holiday season. |
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