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Elections

Saturday, January 26, 2013

Top Headlines: A Fatal Crash, Sex Law Reform, Development News and a 103rd Birthday

Get caught up on headlines you might've missed in Montgomery County.

  With more than a dozen websites across Montgomery County, Patch brings you news from every corner of our community. Catch up on headlines you might have missed this week, including a speed camera controversy in Chevy Chase, a push to ban fracking in Maryland and a retail race in Clarksburg. Frederick Woman Killed In Fatal Crash Near I-270S Shady Grove Exit GAITHERSBURG—A fatal accident on Interstate 270 southbound caused major delays Monday morning for commuters in the Gaithersburg-Rockville area. Read more on Gaithersburg Patch. Rockville Case Cited in Bid to Close Sex Law Loophole ROCKVILLE—Part-time school employees in Maryland have been able to engage in sexual relationships with students as young as 16 and avoid prosecution due to a…

Monday, January 7, 2013

Presidential Inauguration 2013: Official and Unofficial Balls

If you haven't been invited to an official ball, there are plenty of other inaugural balls you can attend.

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama are expected to attend just two official inaugural balls—the Commander-In-Chief’s Ball for members of the U.S. military and the Inaugural Ball. Both official balls are at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. The ticketing period for both events has closed. But, if you still want to get dressed up and dance the night away, there are a number of “unofficial” Inaugural Balls—ones that are sponsored by state parties or societies, non-profit organizations or other groups. While there won’t be a presidential visit, they can be a lot of fun. The Maryland Inaugural Ball is sponsored by the Maryland Democratic Party and a host of local unions and companies. It will be …

Andrews Launches Website in Bid for Montgomery County Executive

County Councilman could be among crowded Democratic field in 2014.

It’s no secret that Montgomery County Councilman Philip M. Andrews plans to run for Montgomery County Executive in 2014.  Now, with 2014 just 361 days away, Andrews has launched a website, the political blog Maryland Juice reported Friday. PhilAndrews.com includes the flag “Phil Andrews for Montgomery County Executive” and tells visitors: “We'll be adding material to our new website over the coming weeks; please return to see what's new!” It also includes a place to sign up to volunteer for the campaign and—as any good campaign site should—a place to donate money. The Democratic councilman from Gaithersburg is in his fourth term representing District 3, which includes Gaithersburg, Rockville, Washington Grove, Leisure World, and parts of …

Friday, January 4, 2013

Andrews Launches Website in Bid for Montgomery County Executive

County Councilman could be among crowded Democratic field in 2014.

  It’s no secret that Montgomery County Councilman Philip M. Andrews plans to run for Montgomery County Executive in 2014.  Now, with 2014 just 361 days away, Andrews has launched a website, the political blog Maryland Juice reported Friday. PhilAndrews.com includes the flag “Phil Andrews for Montgomery County Executive” and tells visitors: “We'll be adding material to our new website over the coming weeks; please return to see what's new!” It also includes a place to sign up to volunteer for the campaign and—as any good campaign site should—a place to donate money. The Democratic councilman from Gaithersburg is in his fourth term representing District 3, which includes Gaithersburg, Rockville, Washington Grove, Leisure World, and parts of…

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Speak Out: Tell Us Your Choice for Maryland Governor's Race

It's a no-go for Franchot. Who should step in?

Comptroller Peter Franchot, who was expected to run for governor in 2014, announced Tuesday he would not seek the post. Franchot, whose criticism of Gov. Martin O’Malley led many to believe he would run, instead announced he would seek to retain his current position.   But just because Franchot won’t run, doesn’t mean there won’t be a crowded primary field.  Other Democrats who may seek the office include Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown, Del. Heather Mizeur, Attorney General Doug Gansler and Howard County Executive Ken Ulman.  What Democrat would you like to see make a run for the state’s top office? Tell us why in comments.

Sufferin' Succotash

1:59 pm on Tuesday, January 1, 2013

"Out of control spending" seems to be the GOP's meme du jour. Better irrelevant arguments, please.   more ›

Friday, December 7, 2012

Navarro Takes Montgomery County Council's Reins

New council president says she'll emphasize economic development and educational equality in 2013.

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Rice Elected New County Council VP

Craig Rice, of Germantown, replaces Nancy Navarro, who is council presdient.

Montgomery County Council elected council member Craig Rice, D-Dist. 2, of Germantown, as its new vice president. Rice, a former state delegate, was elected to the council in 2010. He is a member of the council’s education and health and human services committees. Rice repalces Nancy Navarro, D-Dist. 4, who was elected president—the first Latina at that perch. Navarro replaces Roger Berliner. Rice and Navarro noted how the county’s demographics have changed, shifting to a majority-minority population, The Washington Post reports.  In the article, Rice goes on to say:  “It is fitting that the face of our [council] reflects that change.” Traditionally, council vice presidents succeed the president from the prior year.

Monday, December 3, 2012

Montgomery Mojo

MoCo Mojo: 'Tis the Season of Anticipation

The holiday visions in our heads probably still have more to do with sugar plums than Scrooge, so let's hold that thought for a few more days.

  Montgomery County may have gotten a whole new political season for Christmas, considering what looked like an unofficial announcement last week. Below are the details, as well as the rest of the week's highlights in our continuing investigation into life in these 500 square miles.  You'd think we would have gotten a call back considering the newsworthiness of the information, but we'll stick with the evidence we did get. According to an email sent to supporters, former county executive Doug Duncan is set to vie for that office again, after a six-year hiatus.  “I am not seeking to return to the County Executive office simply because it is winnable—I am returning because I have so much energy for the job and know that Montgomery County is …

Friday, November 30, 2012

Same-Sex Couples Can Prepare for Nuptials

State attorney general gives the go ahead.

  By DANA AMIHERE Capital News Service An opinion released Thursday by the Maryland attorney general’s office said that same-sex couples can obtain marriage licenses as soon as Gov. Martin O’Malley “formally proclaims” the results of the November election, which he is expected to do on or about Dec. 6. The law, and therefore the licenses, will not be effective until Jan. 1. Attorney General Douglas Gansler answered other questions about the implementation of Maryland's same-sex marriage law in a 19-page opinion. Gansler and Chief Counsel Adam Snyder found that postdating the licenses’ effective date doesn’t impose an unconstitutional waiting period on same-sex couples because it’s the ceremony, not the license, that validates the marriage…

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Stuart

1:14 am on Tuesday, December 4, 2012

As Emily Litella might say, "what's all this talk about spigots?"   more ›

POLL: Who Would You Back for Montgomery County Executive?

A wide-open field is beginning to form, including some familiar names

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