Candidate's Biography and Statement

I am truly excited with the opportunity of being returned to our Town Council.

Susan, my wife, and I have lived in the Town since 1980, over 30 years. We raised our 2 boys here. I am always available to discuss issues or concerns – 301-657-4394, 202-320-6202, or via email, alang@townofchevychase.org. Among the many issues we deal with on the Town Council, there are three areas of particular importance to me:

Safety and security—Since my first term I have stressed evaluating policing, and while we have responded with additional contract off-duty Montgomery County officers,  we need to assess if this is the best way to ensure that you and your family are safe. I will work very hard to bring the expertise to bear to review our policies, procedures and necessary resources.

Financial responsibility—As a resident, I realize there needs to be transparency on how all of our tax dollars are spent. I have extensive business experience, making me the only Council person with this experience. Given my background and understanding of the Council’s burden to explain tax expenditures I have and will continue to work for a thorough budget analysis. Two examples follow:

When Susan and I first moved to the Town and for a number of years thereafter the Town provided the basic services of today, but with only a Town manager and a receptionist.

Today we have six full-time staffers and we have budgeted more than $875,000 for FY 2013, representing 35-plus percent of the budget, which does include monies to our paid contractors. But we have only a very rudimentary idea of how this compares to the marketplace.

Services—Our Town provides good basic services. But we could do more. This is why I spearheaded the street lighting improvement: brightening our darker areas and performing the initial purchase analysis, which hopefully will lead to more but lower LED street lights. Recently, I have worked with Chevy @ Home to get benches placed around Town, so that when people are walking they have a place to rest. And I will continue to work on a local busing system for all residents, which will ease the burden of the ongoing Bethesda parking problems.

I humbly ask for your vote and if elected I promise to work very hard for you, for your family and for our Town.

Editor's note: Election Day in the Town of Chevy Chase is Tuesday, May 1, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.