Dear Friends,
It has been a traumatic week for the nation with the unprecedented, over-the-top and unnecessary federal response to protests against ICE raids in Los Angeles. I don’t want to be alarmist, but frankly, it could happen here.
It is chilling how the federal government has crossed the line. Over California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s objection, President Trump invoked the Insurrection Act to deploy the National Guard in California. They were joined by 700 Marines. This kind of federal response has not occurred since the civil rights era, when federal troops were used to enforce civil rights over the objections of segregationist governors. Protesting and civil disobedience are not insurrections.
The President should know the difference because on Jan. 6, 2021, he encouraged an insurrection. No one in these protests had the objective of overthrowing the government. Conflating the two very different actions will invariably lead to violating people’s civil rights. A protester engaging in civil disobedience, say blocking an entrance, can be charged with a civil offense, and that would be normal. But charging them with an act of insurrection is a gross misuse of power and a violation of a person’s constitutional rights.
To make matters worse, we are seeing the opposite: the federal government is using force against a state trying to de-escalate the situation and even threatening to arrest Gov. Newsom. There was no evidence that the state could not control the protests; in fact, they were making arrests of people who violated the law. Bringing in the guard or the military was meant to unnecessarily escalate tensions and create fear. These actions should concern everyone.
I have protested injustice throughout my life, and I will always support the right to protest. People engaging in civil disobedience understand that they could well be arrested if they continue an action after being told to stop. The right to protest is a fundamental right, but if you break a County law as an act of civil disobedience, you have to expect that the law will be enforced. Being arrested, though, does not mean you will be charged with insurrection.
I have a responsibility to keep our community safe, whether you are demonstrating or standing on a police line, keeping the peace. That’s why I’ve been in close contact with Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) leadership. We are reviewing our policies around demonstrations and reemphasizing our commitment to de-escalation. MCPD does not—and will not—participate in immigration enforcement. You can hear directly from Chief Marc Yamada because he joined me for my weekly media briefing.
This is not just a police issue. Our Office of Community Partnerships, Regional Services Centers and Department of Health and Human Services are all engaged with community members to ensure our residents have trusted information and support.
This week also brought the implementation of a new travel ban. It targets 19 countries—mostly Black, Brown or Muslim-majority nations. This ban also includes Haiti, which is 95% Christian. Meanwhile, countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar, both with records of supporting actual terrorism, but where the President has growing business interests and political ties, are exempt. This has nothing to do with national security, it is about discrimination and control.
Residents of Montgomery County represent all the nations impacted by the ban. I encourage anyone impacted by this travel ban to contact our Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center.
With a parade in Washington, D.C. and multiple protests planned for this weekend, we have a lot of activity to monitor to ensure that everything remains peaceful and safe and that everyone's constitutional rights are respected.
Trader Joe’s Opens in “The Square”
Rockville’s success is important to the County. It is a hub for jobs, housing, culture and innovation, especially in our growing bio-life sciences corridor. The rebranding of Rockville Town Square into The Square will help create a more attractive destination for residents, small businesses and larger employers looking to invest here.
This project reflects what we have heard from the community, that people want more local business activity, more events and a better pedestrian experience. The return of a grocery store was a priority, and the addition of Trader Joe’s meets that need.
I am optimistic about what’s ahead for The Square and for Rockville. These kinds of investments are helping build a stronger local economy and a more vibrant place to live and work.
3,000 Affordable Housing Units to Receive High-Speed Internet Access
Montgomery County has been awarded more than $15 million from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development to expand high-speed internet access in our affordable housing communities.
This includes a second round of funding of nearly $7.5 million to expand broadband to more than 2,200 affordable housing units through our MoCoNet program. This is in addition to the first round we received last year, which brought high-speed service to over 1,500 homes. Altogether, more than 3,000 households will be connected.
I want to thank Governor Wes Moore, Secretary of Housing and Community Development Jake Day and the Office of Statewide Broadband for their leadership and support. This is the largest award given to any jurisdiction in the State through this program, and it will have a direct impact on people’s lives.
We know that internet access is essential. People need it to do homework, find jobs, access health care and stay connected. But having access to the internet isn’t enough if you don’t have the right device.
I have been pleased with the work of our Department of Technology and Enterprise Business Solutions (TEBS) to address the digital divide. Last year, the department won Best Municipal or Public Connectivity Program by expanding free internet and promoting digital equity.
Through TEBS’s Montgomery Connects program, we’ve also distributed more than 60,000 free laptop computers to lower-income residents over the last several years. Our final large-scale distribution effort reached 25,000 residents just last year. We have worked hard to make sure families not only have a connection, but also the tools they need to use it.
This broadband investment builds on that work. It is part of our larger strategy to improve economic opportunity and support our residents.
If you would like more information about MoCoNet, please e-mail customercare@mymoconet.com, call 240-773-8017 or visit them online to check eligibility.
We are moving quickly with our partners at the Housing Opportunities Commission and Affordable Homes & Communities to get this work underway, and we expect to complete it by next September.
U.S. HHS Removes Vaccine Oversight Leaders
These are experts whose job is to review science and give public health guidance. You don’t just wipe out decades of expertise because you don’t like what the evidence says. It is absurd to listen to Kennedy claim that this was done to build public trust. If anything, this will only undermine the trust people have in vaccines and in public health more broadly. Once again, the guy who says not to listen to him for medical advice is undermining public health by imposing his uninformed, unscientific views on an agency that has contributed enormously to saving lives and protecting public health. It puts lives at risk.
It is also a direct threat to innovation. Companies here in Montgomery County comprise some of the most respected names in bio and life sciences. They are working on vaccines and next-generation therapeutics and depend on regulatory clarity and scientific integrity. When the federal government starts playing games with public health infrastructure, it disrupts the entire pipeline of medical innovation.
I also want to recognize the NIH researchers who just released The Bethesda Declaration. It’s a courageous and principled stand against political interference in science. They’re calling out decisions that are actively undermining NIH’s mission, cutting off billions in life-saving research and threatening academic freedom.
I’m proud that such an important and timely document carries the name “Bethesda”—a community that stands for excellence in science and public service.
Actions like this threaten the integrity of one of our nation’s most important institutions. We should all be paying attention. America, and NIH in particular, has been an international magnet for scientists working in life sciences, contributing greatly to the progress that’s been made in medical research and its impact on all our lives. Trying to strangle that research, which is what President Trump, Elon Musk and Kennedy are trying to do, will send us backward. It will also likely result in scientists, both American and those from countries around the world, looking for research opportunities in China and elsewhere where scientific enquiry is valued and not being hamstrung by politicians who have no respect for science.
What is most disturbing is the reaction of the Republican House and Senate. In Trump’s last term, when he tried to defund NIH, Congress united across party lines to not only restore, but to increase NIH funding. They were eloquent about why NIH was important to America and Americans. Now they are silent, accomplices to the destruction of one of the most respected institutions in the world. The only word for this 180-degree reversal in their positions on NIH is disgusting. They are shamelessly placing loyalty to the President above their responsibilities to the American people.
Juneteenth Activities Begin Saturday
This Saturday, Juneteenth ceremonies begin with an opening night ceremony of music and dance. The Bethesda Theater will host the show featuring gospel artist Erica Campbell and the Howard University Gospel Choir.
Saturday’s concert will be followed by an Interfaith Bruch on Sunday, a cheer clinic on Monday, a basketball clinic on Tuesday, and a football clinic on Wednesday before a day full of activities on Thursday, June 19, the holiday. A schedule is available here.
This is the largest Juneteenth celebration in the DMV. It is a festival that honors Scotland’s rich past but also brings the community together in many ways. I applaud Scotland community leaders for recognizing the need to use this exposure and events to uplift and bring awareness to other historic Black communities across Montgomery County and the greater D.C. metro area. Additionally, the foundation saw an opportunity to support other underserved organizations doing impactful work.
I encourage everyone to share the juenteenthscotland.org website and plan for a special week ahead. This newsletter includes a full schedule of Juneteenth activities around Montgomery County, including the County’s celebration on Saturday, June 21, at the Black Rock Center for the Performing Arts in Germantown.
Caribbean American Heritage Month
This week, Montgomery County recognized Caribbean American Heritage Month with a joint proclamation by the County Council and County Executive’s Office and an annual celebration hosted by the County. It is an important time for all five million Americans of Caribbean heritage, and I want to thank everyone celebrating here in Montgomery County for the work you do to better our community, which doesn't go unnoticed.
I have admired one Caribbean American for most of my life. Harry Belafonte was one of the first Black singers to break through with a popular hit on the radio in the 1950s. He was more than a singer, though; he had a long track record as a civil rights and anti-war activist who worked to change lives and advance social equity across our nation. The National Park Service honored him by including him in the International Civil Rights Hall of Fame.
Even though he died in 2023, many lessons can still be learned from his activism. His unwavering support of justice in the face of intolerance remains an inspiration. Montgomery County is proud to be home to such a vibrant Caribbean population that has enriched Montgomery County for generations and will continue to add its unique flavor to our community for a long time to come.
New MCPL App and Summer Reading Challenge Begins
Montgomery County Public Schools will finish the school year this week, but kids eager to continue learning have the Summer Reading Challenge to look forward to.
This year, Montgomery County Public Libraries is asking students to "Color Our World" from June 14 to Aug. 31. It is a countywide celebration of culture, creativity and connection for all ages.
Children up to 12 years old can earn digital badges by completing themed activities that highlight local arts organizations, building connections to Montgomery County’s vibrant arts scene. Teens between 13 and 17 can track books they have read and complete creative activities to earn exclusive prizes and recognition. Adults can take part too by reading and attending program events to be eligible for exclusive giveaways.
Of course, we want to see this spur more reading in our community, but it is also about connection, exploration and ensuring everyone has access to enriching experiences. This challenge is made possible through the generous support of our community partners, including Friends of the Library, the Washington Nationals, Levine Music, Olney Theatre Center, Bruster’s Ice Cream, and the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County.
You can sign up at any library branch or online at montgomerycountymd.gov/library. While you’re there, check out our new MCPL library app. It can help you access the library’s catalog and keep track of your account easily from your phone or tablet. When you are at the library, you can also check out a book directly through the app and skip the line.
Enjoy your summer and the convenience of using the library from anywhere when you sign up for a free library card and download the app through Google Play or Apple.
Happy Father’s Day
Sunday marks Father’s Day, a time to celebrate and congratulate fathers and father figures throughout our community.
As a teacher, I learned the important role parents play in a child’s life. In many cases, they are providers, but just as importantly, they can be the mentors who lay the foundation for success.
Not all kids have a father to talk to, and that’s why mentoring is such a crucial tool for sparking curiosity, engagement, and a desire to learn. You can find mentoring opportunities through montgomeryserves.org.
I am a father and grandfather, and it has been amazing to watch my family grow over the years. I am also the foster parent to two special needs adult sons, one of whom still lives with me. All my children are very important to me and play a huge role in my life.
I hope you can enjoy Father’s Day like I will.
As always, my appreciation for all of you,
Marc Elrich
County Executive
