Dear Friends:
The results of the Presidential election are disheartening for those of us who hoped for a Federal government ready to partner with us in moving forward. Starting in January, that partnership may not be what we envisioned. However, I want to assure you that here in Montgomery County, our priorities and commitments remain steadfast. We will continue to govern with purpose and serve all residents with integrity and compassion.
Like many others, I have spent time pondering how this happened. This was, first and foremost, an “economy election.” Many working-class voters, living paycheck to paycheck, aligned with President-elect Donald Trump—many for the first time. Rising prices and corporate profits do not sit well with people struggling to make ends meet.
The world is more expensive for many of us, and policies set by the Federal Reserve were significant contributors. President Biden, though he did not create the policies, re-appointed Jerome Powell, who had been appointed Fed Chair by then-President Trump, to lead the Fed. In doing so, Fed policy became the president’s policy, and the damage and stress it caused were ultimately blamed on the Biden administration.
What was so wrong with those directives? They put far too much value on increasing stock prices to help the economy rather than creating jobs. One analysis said, "There was a floor for stock and bond prices but never a ceiling.”
The Fed Chair worried more about stock prices than grocery store prices. In fact, Chairman Powell made a statement that highlighted his disdain for the American people. He said that Fed policy was to slow growth because job growth saw jobs chasing people rather than people chasing jobs.
With low unemployment, workers had more choices for work, which created pressure to raise wages, which he blamed for overheating the economy. So, better jobs with higher pay became a “bad” thing that must be stopped.
This is not the message you should ever say unless you are a tycoon interested in depressing wages. A public servant ought to think about how to serve the people best and not how to maximize corporate profits. The Fed’s policy clearly told workers, ‘We do not care about you.’
So, while record highs on Wall Street were celebrated and grabbed headlines again post-election, the lack of corresponding jobs and higher-wage jobs bred frustration. Jobs and potential advancement are key components in building and keeping a middle class.
The Fed Chair’s decision to “slow down” our economy as we recover from a once-in-a-century pandemic by ratcheting up interest rates and keeping them elevated hampered production and hurt average Americans, local and state governments, and the business community.
Since the pandemic, I have seen increased challenges in operating this government and serving our residents. If this government has struggled, then every government and most businesses, particularly small to medium firms, have also struggled.
There seems to have been a direct correlation between higher costs and angry voters. Many working people lost faith in and trust of the administration in power. We should question why a billionaire candidate being advised by the world’s richest men was better able to connect with the working class but that is what seemed to have happened.
Montgomery County voters stood out in stark contrast to the national results. There is a clear mandate from county residents that they prefer the progressives’ priorities and policies that were championed by the current administration.
I agree with what Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said last week in this video: essentially, we will work with the new administration wherever we can and voice our disagreements when we have them. I will continue to look out for the best interests of our residents.
Navigating this paradox requires both resistance and pragmatism. We will stand firm in defending the rights and freedoms of our residents, especially those most vulnerable. Whether it’s protecting immigrants, addressing climate change, or supporting our workers, Montgomery County will not back down from its commitments. But we will also work strategically to ensure that our County continues to receive the federal support needed to thrive.
I want to reassure residents, particularly those feeling anxious or threatened, that Montgomery County remains a place where diversity is celebrated, and safety is a shared value. I’ve met with Police Chief Marc Yamada and other leaders to reaffirm that our policies and protections will not change.
I am also getting updates from our five regional service centers and our Office of Community Partnerships’ liaisons to our diverse ethnic and faith communities. We will remain vigilant in addressing hate incidents and supporting vulnerable communities.
There are still many questions tied to this transition. We will continue to analyze and review all potential impacts that we will likely see from the change in federal leadership, particularly the potential fiscal impacts from the loss of Federal funds.
Updates have been coming all week about new leaders announced by the Trump administration, which has led to speculation over the future of federal agencies and their workforce. Federal agencies may be targeted for downsizing, relocation or elimination. If the president-elect follows through with campaign statements, his actions would be disruptive and painful. Willfully causing so much harm to the many people who work to serve the public interest is not defensible.
No matter who resides in the White House, our commitment to this community and its values will not waver. Immigrants worldwide come here specifically because their communities are established, and they feel safe and thrive here. We will continue to do everything in our power to maintain that status, which makes us a stronger County—both economically and culturally.
I have seen many Presidential elections in my lifetime, and I have probably disliked more Presidents than I have liked. No matter who has resided in the White House, I have never let that impact my commitment to those in need—the marginalized, the working class and the middle class who build this country—and this election won’t change me either.
I look forward to working with Gov. Moore, our congressional delegation—including our new Congresswoman, April McClain-Delaney—our State Delegation, the County Council and our neighboring jurisdictions as we navigate these changing times for our County, our region and our State.
MOVE Grants
This week, the County rolls out the updated MOVE Grant Program to help attract new businesses to Montgomery County and allow established companies to expand operations.
Businesses can apply for a one-time grant to help pay for a commercial lease within the County. Existing County firms can also use the money to expand their footprint to accommodate more employees, production or manufacturing space. Companies must be growing by at least 500 square feet to qualify. Awards will depend on the size of the space leased.
The MOVE Grant program was updated by the County Council this summer, led by Councilmember Evan Glass. Since then, our Business Center has been working on executive regulations to allow businesses to apply for the money. We have developed eligibility criteria for the awards and administration protocols for the program. The maximum award for a large business within a strategic industry will be $150,000 per business.
Retail businesses and restaurants are excluded from the program.
The Montgomery County Business Center will administer the grant program. It is a team that conducts door-to-door outreach to businesses throughout the County to address challenges and help build networks within the business community. Company leaders are encouraged to visit the MOVE Grant Program website to learn more about the program and apply, or email BusinessCenter@montgomerycountymd.gov for a follow-up conversation.
Health Update
Less than two weeks from Thanksgiving is a good time to remind you to make appointments for your flu and updated COVID-19 vaccines.
The CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccines for people 65 and older and people of any age with moderate or severe conditions that impact their immune systems. The vaccine is available at most pharmacies or at your doctor’s office.
A recent report from the CDC found that nearly 40 percent of seniors have received a COVID-19 vaccine since the new version was released in September. This is an encouraging statistic, up from the 22 percent of older adults who had received a COVID-19 vaccine by the start of November 2023.
I also want to commend the long-term care facilities in our area that have asked their residents to comply with CDC recommendations and get their COVID-19 vaccines. Arbor Place Dementia Care and Maplewood Park Place have received 100 percent compliance. Friends House Retirement Community, Ingleside at King Farm, and Sunrise locations in Bethesda, Chevy Chase and Montgomery Village have all seen at least 75 percent of residents receive their vaccines.
It is a good idea to receive the COVID-19 vaccine yearly. You do not want to put your family's health at risk simply by gathering for Thanksgiving. We cannot completely prevent the next wave of COVID-19, but we can be prepared for it and limit its impact.
Human Rights Hall of Fame Nominees Sought
Applications are now being accepted for one of Montgomery County’s most important awards. The Human Rights Hall of Fame honors residents who help advance human and civil rights in the County.
You can return to your family archive to honor a lost relative or nominate someone who exemplifies extraordinary citizenship. We will judge each applicant on their lasting contributions to civil rights within Montgomery County.
To nominate someone for the Human Rights Hall of Fame, we ask for a short narrative supporting the nomination—between 250 and 300 words. We also ask that you provide supplemental information like letters of recommendation or newspaper articles supporting the nomination. Nomination forms can be found here. They must be downloaded, completed, and mailed to the office by Monday, Nov. 25.
We aim to pay tribute to those who have fought tirelessly for fairness and equality. We celebrate their achievements and remind ourselves of the work still ahead. Their legacy drives us to build a Montgomery County where every resident's rights are upheld, and every voice is valued. We hope to eliminate discrimination and promote social justice by honoring these heroes.
Election Sign Sweep
I hope you have noticed our work over the last few days to remove political yard signs. The Department of Permitting Services (DPS) led teams that collected more than 1,000 signs along public rights-of-way and County roads.
There is no political bent to removing the signs—they are generally prohibited in the right-of-way, as well as a safety hazard and distraction on the road.
The County does its best to collect signs when it gets complaints through the DPS website. For non-political signs, the County may contact the owner to move them or face a fine. Problem signs along state roads must be reported to the Maryland Department of Transportation.
In many cases, the signs can be recycled. Coated paper and cardboard signs can be thrown in with your normal recycling. The metal stands can either be part of a scheduled scrap metal pick-up or dropped off at the Shady Grove Transfer Station. The film-like plastic signs can be recycled but they must be dropped off at the Shady Grove Transfer Station (open seven days a week). Corrugated plastic signs are not recyclable. More information is available here: Yard signs – How to recycle/dispose – Montgomery County, Maryland
Since today was America Recycles Day, I want to also make a pitch and ask you to recycle your batteries. Recycling also eliminates a potential fire risk.
We take batteries at the transfer station along with unused pesticides, antifreeze and motor oil. Electronics, packing materials and medical waste are also accepted. Here is a useful link to give you a better sense of what goes in the trash and what can be recycled.
As always, my appreciation for all of you,
Marc Elrich
County Executive
