Montgomery County is in the midst of tremendous change. We stand today at a crossroads. The path we take from here will affect our future -- and our children's and our grandchildren’s. We can continue to let runaway development destroy our quality of life, causing traffic to grow on our major roads. We can continue to watch as our critical county services, like mental health care, deteriorate and crumble. As our schools grow ever more crowded, our teachers overwhelmed.

First and foremost, we must urgently deal with the impact of run-away development. That means stopping the vast flow of developer money into our politics, because it continues to shape our policies and jeopardize the futures of all our families. That’s why I have not asked for a dime of developer money.

I will be your voice on the County Council. Instead of spending millions on more development and roads in the outer reaches of Montgomery County, I'll fight to invest in our transportation needs in existing communities; I’ll fight to clean up our public health infrastructure; I’ll fight for education initiatives that honor our diversity and our future.

I've never been afraid to take on the tough issues, to stand up to big special interests, to fight for what's right. That's just who I am. I have a reputation for bringing people together. I have a long list of endorsements from many different organizations and individuals and I believe these endorsements confirm my long-standing community contributions over a 20-year period. They also illustrate my understanding that to create effective policies that will benefit the most people, we must respect cultural and ideological differences. 

If you agree with my vision and support my leadership, then I ask for your vote. Because you -- and I -- deserve a voice on the county council who will speak for us. I'd be proud to be your voice and to serve you.

Duchy Trachtenberg