ANNOUNCEMENT SPEECH
Duchy for Montgomery County Council At-Large 2006
After spending the last twenty years working on women’s rights, public health policy, and progressive values across this nation, throughout Maryland and here in Montgomery County, I have had extraordinary opportunities to learn a great deal about our country, this state and this great county. And they have convinced me that bold and responsive leadership is needed right now here in Montgomery County.
One remarkable conversation I had during those years was with an 8 year old child. Eva asked me if I were to run for public office – what would I do? I responded by saying I would help make things better. I asked her what she thought I should do. Without hesitation, Eva said I should stop people from fighting – there should be no war; next, Eva remarked that everyone should have a nice place to live, with a big back yard; she said everyone who is sick should be taken care of so they could get better; and can you do something about all this traffic?
No doubt, Eva has the makings of a good Democrat.
But seriously, what Eva wants is what you want and I want. And working together, we can make that vision a reality. You have the power and opportunity to create real political reform right here in Montgomery County.
That's why I am here tonight to formally announce my candidacy for Montgomery County Council, At-Large. I’m running simply because the people of Montgomery County want their confidence restored in public service.
The people of Montgomery County want development that makes common sense and they want to be included in planning that is based on actual need and infrastructure and not on profit. There must be transparency in the planning and decision-making process.
The people of Montgomery County want transportation improvements and alternatives. It’s time to focus on public transportation projects, including the Inner Purple Line and the Corridor Cities Transitway. The improvement of existing roadways must become a top priority.
The people of Montgomery County want a responsive and efficient public health system that is prepared for ongoing needs as well as emergencies. Comprehensive mental health care must address prevention, early intervention and case management. Our juvenile justice programs and county jail must no longer serve as the primary treatment option for those afflicted with mental illness and substance abuse.
The people of Montgomery County want educational investments that build a better future for our children and community. Teachers need the tools to get the job done – smaller class sizes, ESOL services for every family that qualifies, and innovative programs based on community dynamics and not standardized achievement goals.
And most importantly, the people's concerns over perceived corruption must be dealt with immediately. The scandal of Clarksburg is a confirmation of everything that has been wrong in our county government and it must come to a screeching halt. This election is the time to restore confidence in public service and to put an end to a “pay to play” culture that threatens our political process here in Montgomery County. Montgomery County residents deserve public servants who respect public dialogue, respond to community needs and represent your interests. To do exactly that, is my pledge to you.
Our campaign – complete with unrehearsed and open Town Hall Meetings - will be coming shortly to a neighborhood near you. Our campaign will not be a campaign manufactured and funded by the development industry for I do not ask for nor will I accept campaign donations from the development industry. Our campaign will be about real people, real issues and real solutions.
Look around this room tonight at all the faces – women, men, young, old, activists and homebodies, straight and gay, black, white, brown – embrace the beauty of this mosaic for it is that collection of color, community and culture that depicts our strength and our future.
Our diversity truly brings us together as a community. The people of Montgomery County deserve inclusive and compassionate leadership and that will be the hallmark of my campaign and my commitment to all of you. It will be an honor, if elected, to accept the responsibility of leadership, one that I will not hesitate to accept. But it will be a responsibility that can only be fulfilled with your energy, your support, and your dedication.
Together, let’s bring courage - leadership - change to the Montgomery County Council!
Duchy Trachtenberg
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