Candidate’s Biography and Statement

It has been an honor to serve as your mayor for the past two years and on the Town Council for four years.

I grew up in Montgomery County, and am now a Professor of Government at American University. When my partner Eric and I moved to Thornapple Street in 2005, I knew we had found a special place. As your councilmember, I am committed to making sure that the Town keeps its small-town friendly character and remains such a vibrant neighborhood.

The past two years have been challenging in the Town as throughout the country. But, even as revenue declined due to the economic downturn and we had to make substantial budget cuts, we were able to maintain the high quality of Town services and keep the Town property tax steady. Revenues have recently improved, but it is important that we continue to budget carefully. 

Throughout my time on the Council, I have worked closely with county and state officials on a variety of issues. Some recent projects I am especially proud of include:

• Working with local police on crime and with Councilmember Kathy Strom on the 24-hour presence in Town by our off-duty police officers. 

• Working with residents and staff to get Pepco to install additional street lights. Even as these new lights are installed, we need to look to the future and explore alternatives, such as environmentally friendly LED lights that increase lighting on the streets but also reduce light spillage into homes.

• Helping to establish the Town’s Native Canopy Tree Program, which provides trees to residents and helps maintain our distinctive tree canopy. The Town also needs to continue to fund tree maintenance, so that our trees remain healthy, safe, and are replenished at their end of their natural life cycle.

Strong communication remains very important to me, and the Town has improved its efforts to inform neighbors about activities from crime to snow removal. I am grateful for the positive feedback I’ve gotten for the summaries I post on the unofficial Town listserv.

Over the next two years, I look forward to continuing efforts to make it easier for our older residents to live independently and stay engaged in our community.  The Council should continue to support the renovation of Elm Street Park playground and to press for the best possible outcome on the Capital Crescent Trail.

I would be honored to receive your vote.

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