Dear Friends,
I introduced my choice this week for the next chief of the Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service (MCFRS), Corey Smedley. You can hear from him and other County leaders about why he is the right person to lead MCFRS through a livestream we did on my X account and on the County’s Facebook page. Chief Smedley is a 29-year fire service veteran. He served as the fire chief for the City of Alexandria for four and a half years and led the department through the COVID-19 pandemic. His career also included more than 20 years with the Prince George’s Fire/EMS Department, most recently serving as deputy fire chief before accepting the position to serve as our fire chief.
His leadership style is marked by his attentive listening and respectful treatment of others. These qualities are crucial as MCFRS strives to develop a modern operation that prioritizes efficient resource allocation. Chief Smedley is committed to continuing our excellent fire and public health prevention efforts and fostering inclusive fire station environments.
Chief Smedley’s leadership skills are well-established. Under his guidance, the City of Alexandria became the first fire department in Virginia to successfully negotiate a collective bargaining agreement with its career members. His diverse career includes roles as a fire marshal, emergency manager, duty chief and even a stint in a County Executive’s office.
Although he is new to MCFRS and Montgomery County, he is familiar with our system. He has worked in large and small departments, and in departments that rely on career and volunteer firefighters and EMTs. We are getting someone who is going to hit the ground running and be an asset to our community.
It has been nearly a year since Chief Scott Goldstein retired. I want to thank Chiefs John Kinsley and Gary Cooper for their stewardship of the department over that time. You would not have known MCFRS was operating without a permanent chief for that long. Both did an exceptional job maintaining a high-performing organization.
I want Montgomery County to be a safe place to live, work and play for everyone. MCFRS plays a key role in improving our quality of life and keeping us safe. Visit the MCFRS website to learn about the many ways its members look out for our safety ahead of a disaster. I look forward to seeing Chief Smedley serve our community once he is confirmed by the County Council.
Climate Action Report
Congressman Jamie Raskin and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse earlier this week formally submitted a report to the Department of Justice (DOJ) asking DOJ to review the findings of a report they had released. I want to thank Congressman Raskin and Senator Whitehouse for highlighting the campaign of deception and denial that made climate change seem confusing and complicated. Their report, Denial, Disinformation, and Doublespeak: Big Oil’s Evolving Efforts to Avoid Accountability for Climate Change, unveiled new documents exposing the fossil fuel industry’s role in spreading climate disinformation and preventing action on climate change.
Key findings of the report include:
- Internal documents obtained by this investigation demonstrate, for the first time, that fossil fuel companies do not dispute that they have known for more than 60 years that burning fossil fuels causes climate change—yet have worked for decades to undermine public understanding and to deny the underlying science. In the fall of 2015, blockbuster reporting by Inside Climate News and the Los Angeles Times revealed that Big Oil companies, such as ExxonMobil Corporation (Exxon), knew that burning fossil fuels was a major contributor to climate change. Companies publicly rejected the reporting at the time—an early draft of Exxon’s response accused reporters of “journalistic malpractice”—but new documents show that fossil fuel companies internally did not dispute the findings.
- Big Oil’s deception campaign evolved from explicit denial of the basic science underlying climate change to deception, disinformation and doublespeak. The fossil fuel industry relies on trade associations to spread confusing and misleading narratives and to lobby against climate action. The fossil fuel industry evolved from denying climate science to spreading disinformation and perpetuating doublespeak about the safety of natural gas and the industry’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Exposing the deception is extremely important because we need to convince the skeptics that there is a problem and that it is a problem we can solve by working together.
In Montgomery County, we are mobilizing resources, engaging with the community and leveraging technology and innovation to meet our targets. We are aggressively seeking Federal and State funds for these actions, but we also need to invest County resources.
The recently released annual Climate Action Report shows that the County has started on 77 of the 86 actions set forth in the plan and made significant progress on, or completed, 49 actions. From energy-efficient projects and clean energy investments to electric vehicle adoption and enhanced flood response, we have made strides in reducing our climate impact and increasing our resilience.
Visit the Climate Portal to read the annual report in full and review the eight topics and specific actions underway.
A recently announced county grant award that will allow community partners to use $1.5 million to help low and moderate-income households go green. Building Change, Inc., Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland, Interfaith Works, Inc. and Vietnamese American Services, Inc. will use money from the County’s Office of Grants Management to test new strategies that help income-eligible residents ensure their homes are energy efficient, provide a healthy indoor environment, are resilient to climate change and make the switch to all-electric appliances.
The idea of this inaugural grant is to address racial equity and social justice shortfalls by preserving and protecting housing for vulnerable residents. These projects will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address climate impacts in the community while improving quality of life through better indoor air quality and energy savings.
For more information about energy efficiency and energy assistance programs available to County residents, visit the website for the Healthy, Efficient, Electrified, Climate-Adapted Pilot Homes Grants Program, call 301-7-ENERGY or email energy@montgomerycountymd.gov.
Why Economic Missions Are So Important to Montgomery County
I recently spent two weeks in China and Korea, including attending the BIO Korea conference. Our team also hosted six roundtable discussions throughout South Korea and China that allowed us to reach out to business leaders interested in basing their U.S. operations in Montgomery County.
We also used the trip to tour innovative medical practices and factories, taking advantage of emerging technologies like using robots to help care for an aging Chinese population. Our trip allowed our partners (business leaders who accompanied us) to help promote their companies and share personal testimonials with our hosts about doing business in Montgomery County. This is a win-win situation for our local business leaders and potential future neighbors. You can listen here to a discussion about the trip.
Next week, I will be travelling again, heading to San Diego for another opportunity to meet with business leaders and share our County’s successes—like the launch of the University of Maryland Institute for Health Computing and the expansion of United Therapeutics and Astrazeneca in Montgomery County.
Besides my recent trip to South Korea and China, over the past 14 months, the County’s Special Projects Manager for Business, Innovation and Economic Development, Judy Costello, has planned two prior trips to Taiwan and visits to India and Vietnam.
Why are we working so hard to attract international and nationwide companies? Our region is the third-largest bio and life science cluster in the nation – behind California’s Bay Area and Boston. Our community is home to some of the most innovative companies and research institutions, including the National Institutes of Health, which is the world’s largest medical research organization. Our institutions are better known than our bio cluster, so part of what we are doing is working to boost the recognition of everything the County has—not only biotech, but in other specialties and advanced technologies. We are trying to grow our local economy by adding to our strengths.
The Bio International Convention is one of the largest gatherings of its kind, bringing together industry leaders, researchers and policymakers from around the globe. By participating, we can learn about the latest advancements in biotechnology, gain insights into emerging trends and forge valuable connections that can lead to new partnerships and collaborations.
Moreover, our presence at this conference demonstrates our commitment to supporting and growing the biotech industry in Montgomery County. It is a chance to highlight our strategic advantages, such as our highly educated workforce, robust infrastructure and our ongoing efforts to create a business friendly environment. These elements are crucial in attracting new companies and ensuring that existing ones continue to thrive.
Attending the conference also allows us to advocate for our local businesses on a national and international stage. It is a platform to drive innovation and economic growth. This kind of engagement is essential for maintaining our competitive edge and ensuring that Montgomery County remains at the forefront of the biotech industry.
My attendance at next week’s bio conference is about more than just being there. It is about actively promoting our County, building relationships and bringing back opportunities that can benefit all of us.
As I mentioned last week, we have already signed an agreement with Rapigen, a South Korean diagnostics company. Rapigen will be developing its U.S. base out of the Germantown Innovative Center, which gives us a good opportunity to benefit from its expansion once the FDA clears its products.
On our trips, we have learned that many companies are motivated to enter the U.S. market and be close to lawmakers in Washington. We are making Montgomery County the doorway to that market.
Swimming Safety
The swim season is underway and will kick into high gear once school is out, which is a good reminder to review some safety measures.
This past holiday weekend, one young man died when he and another person chose to swim across the Potomac River from Virginia. That is illegal and remains dangerous for several reasons. It is always a good idea to follow the directions of any posted sign and avoid swimming if that is what is recommended or if it is restricted.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the leading cause of death for children 1 to 4 years old with 4,000 people dying each year from drowning in the United States. For children younger than 5, 87 percent of drowning fatalities happen in home pools and spas.
Research from the National Safe Kids Campaign shows that nearly nine out of 10 children ages 14 and under who drowned were under supervision when they died. MCFRS encourages always having a designated “water watcher,” almost like a designated driver. Drownings often occur when one person incorrectly assumes that another is watching. Also, ditch the distractions when you are on “lifeguard duty” and you are the designated water watcher. Be engaged and watch at all times.
Many drowning deaths occur when children are not expected to be swimming or when they have unanticipated access to water. Toddlers are naturally curious, which is why it is critical to implement multiple safety strategies such as pool fencing, pool alarms and door locks.
Drowning is also a silent killer. When people think about drowning, they picture flailing arms and calls for help. What usually happens is that people take the biggest breath they can and go down — and do not come back up again. They cannot flail, they cannot yell and water in their airway quickly inhibits their ability to breathe.
Drownings can happen with seasoned swimmers and those just learning how to swim. Make sure you know how to tread water, float on your back and get to the edge of the pool and hang on. Even the most experienced swimmers can become tired or get muscle cramps which might make it difficult to get out of the water safely.
You can use our seven outdoor County pools or indoor aquatic centers to teach your child to swim, or you can sign them up for swimming classes. You can also help save lives by signing up for CPR instruction here, through Montgomery College or the American Red Cross.
Maryland’s Service Year Option Program Application Deadline Approaching
High school graduations are underway, and I want to congratulate everyone who earned a diploma this year. As a former teacher, I recognize that this is an exciting time of year for many area families with a lot to be proud of.
I also want to remind all high school graduates and recent grads to consider applying for the Service Year Option Program established by Governor Wes Moore last year. The next opportunity will begin this September, but applications will only be accepted through June 15.
Applicants from the classes of 2024, 2023, 2022 and 2021 will be considered. Benefits of the program include:
- Nine months of pay making at least $15 per hour.
- $6,000 award upon completion of the program.
- Real world experience with an employer in field of interest.
- On the job training, mentoring and professional development.
- Exposure to employers and colleges across Maryland.
- Opportunity to enroll in a Federally recognized and registered apprenticeship pathway.
Program partnerships with Maryland’s Historically Black colleges and universities and community colleges are available to provide collaboration and support for interested participants. The program can also focus on aligning skilled trades and apprenticeship programs to help participants go from Service Year participants directly into the workforce.
Contact applytoserve@maryland.gov with any requests and questions or visit Maryland’s Service and Civic Innovation website.
Taste of Wheaton Returns on Sunday, June 2
Before ending this week’s newsletter message, I want to encourage everyone with a sweet tooth or a foodie’s palate to visit Wheaton Sunday, June 2, for the annual Taste of Wheaton food and music festival.
The Wheaton Urban District is bringing back the food, music and arts festival after a one-year absence. Marian Fryer Town Plaza in Downtown Wheaton will host the event rain or shine from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
In the past, the Taste of Wheaton has drawn crowds of more than 10,000 people. One reason is that it is a wonderful opportunity to sample great food at modest prices.
Here is another good reason to visit is my favorite band, The Nighthawks. They get the music started at 11 a.m. Enjoy the festival and the flavor that only Wheaton can offer. Not to date myself, but I have been following The Nighthawks since about 1972. I explained in this video from my time on the County Council why I love their music so much.
It is awesome that they continue to play so many local shows. Enjoy the weather, the food and the music if you get a chance.
As always, my appreciation for all of you,
Marc Elrich
County Executive
