Council supports public campaign financing expansion, if state funds it
State positions would become eligible, too
March 8, 2021 | 8:49 pm
March 9, 2021
File photo
This story was updated at 9:54 p.m. on March 8, 2021, to correct a quote from Council Member Evan Glass.
The Montgomery County Council on Monday unanimously supported a state bill that would expand public campaign financing to additional political races.
But because state offices would be added, the state should cover the costs, council members said.
The financing system allows for certain donations to be matched by public funds for campaigns. The system is meant to decrease the influence of large donations from businesses, political action groups and other large organizations, helping more people run for office.
County to Spend $500,000 to Accommodate Two Additional Councilmembers mymcmedia.org - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from mymcmedia.org Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Elrich Asks State to Single Track Purple Line, Some on Council are Opposed
As the state moves closer to selecting a contractor for the Purple Line, Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich has suggested reducing the project in order to save money due to the financial hit the county has taken during the pandemic.
Elrich has asked the Maryland Department of Transportation to consider single tracking the Purple Line inside the Bethesda station so the county will be able to rebuild its connection with the Capital Crescent Trail.
Elrich also recommended the the council defer some of the project’s work at the trail from the tunnel beneath Elm Street and Wisconsin Avenue by at least two years. It is currently scheduled to begin during FY 2025, but Elrich would like it moved back to at least FY 2027, according to a report at the council’s Transportation and Environment Committee.
Race could attract multiple candidates; some council members seeking another term
March 1, 2021 | 10:44 pm
April 7, 2021
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich said he will run for a second term next year. He is pictured at a press conference on March 25, 2020.
File photo
This story was updated at 9:40 a.m. on March 2, 2021, to include an additional comment from County Council Member Craig Rice. It was also updated at 1:59 p.m. on March 3, 2021, to clarify information regarding a candidate’s qualification, and April 7, 2021, to correct a reference to Brandy Brooks’ finish in the 2018 primary.
County Executive Marc Elrich has decided to run for a second term next year.
Council split on state bill letting grocery stores sell alcohol
Opponents say change could hurt small businesses By Briana Adhikusuma and Dan Schere |
February 23, 2021 | 11:03 am
File photo
A state delegate from Montgomery County is pushing to let some grocery and convenience stores sell alcohol, a major deviation from the current law, which restricts them from selling beer or wine.
The Montgomery County Council was split on Monday on whether to support the bill, eventually tabling a vote on its official stance.
Del. Lily Qi’s bill is aimed at encouraging grocery businesses to settle in underserved areas of the state by requiring liquor boards to grant them licenses to sell alcohol.