Elections – Community Vision for Takoma

New City Council Endorsements from Union and Environmental Leaders

Two new sign-on statements for City Council endorsements were released this week:

1. From City residents in the union movement:

Having devoted our careers to the union movement and having acquainted ourselves with the candidates we are happy to endorse Jessica Landman in Ward 1 and Roger Schlegel in Ward 3 for Takoma Park City Council.

We know Jessica and Roger share our view that strong, effective unions are needed to improve the lives of all working people. We believe they are the best candidates to represent these interests on our city’s Council.

Karen Ackerman, former AFL-CIO political director

Sally Davies, former President AFSCME University of Maryland College Park

Dennis Desmond, former Business Manager, LIUNA Local 11

Fred Feinstein, former NLRB General Counsel

Tom Gagliardo, civil rights, labor and employment attorney

Beth Grupp, union consultant

Paul Huebner, rank & file activist in Laborers Local # 74 & Fin. Secretary-Treasurer in Carpenters Local #1110.

Jennifer Martin, former President, Montgomery County Education Association

Bob Muehlenkamp, former Teamster Organizing Director

Steve Rosenthal, former political director of the AFL-CIO

Saul Schniderman- Former President AFSCME Library of Congress Guild

Miriam Szapiro, former chief NLRB Regional Advice Branch and union-side labor lawyer

Joe Uehlein, former Secretary-Treasurer of Industrial Union Department, AFL-CIO and labor musician.

2. From City residents who are environmental and climate activists:

We, the undersigned, endorse the following candidates for Takoma Park City Council in 2024 because of their deep longstanding knowledge of, and commitment to, climate and environmental issues.

Ward 1 Jessica Landman
Ward 3 Roger Schlegel
Ward 6 Ambroise Agosse

Bob Dreher	Environmental lawyer and conservationist; worked for EPA, DOJ, FWS, Earthjustice, Defenders of Wildlife and Potomac Riverkeeper Network
Brenda Platt	Environmental program director, national nonprofit organization, 30+ years
Byrne H. Kelly	Landscape Architect/Environmental Planner, Takoma Stormwater Solutions, DC Solar Coalition (plankholder) Installed Solar on the White House circa.1978
Catherine Tunis	Environmental Policy Analyst, retired; former Takoma Park Committee on the Environment
Charlotte Schoenmann	Architect, lighting activist
Colleen Cordes	Former Psychology & Environment Fellow at Friends of the Earth, former TP Tree Commission chair
David Hunter	International environmental and human rights professor and advocate
David Reed	Environmental economist, author of 7 books on international environment and security
De Herman	Jewish Earth Alliance, Takoma Park Drawdown, Climate Action Coffee
Diana Younts	TPEM Environmental Working Group
Diane Curran	Environmental and nuclear safety attorney
Diane MacEachern	Former Director of Communications, Sierra Club; Founder & Publisher, Big Green Purse. Resident of Takoma Park since 1984.
Dr. David Blockstein	Co-Director, Worldwide Climate and Justice Education Week
Dr. Robin Broad	Research Professor of Environment & Development, American University
Esther Siegel	Sustainable farmer, community activist
Ferd Hoefner	Senior policy director, National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition
Gillian Caldwell	Former CEO Global Witness and former Campaign Director 1Sky (now 350.org)
Gina Gaspin	Founding member of TPSS Food Coop
Jimmy Daukas	Senior manager at national farmland protection non-profit organization
John Cavanagh	Institute for Policy Studies, the outfit co-founded by Jamie Raskin’s dad Marc
Joseph Klockner	LEED AP BD+C, Klockner & Company – Sustainable Builders since 1982
Karen Elrich	Co-founder TPSS food co-op, member Climate Action Coffee
Karen Lange	Journalist on wildlife, sustainability and the environment
Kirsten Stade	Conservation Biologist, sustainability + environmental overshoot author
Kopal Jha	TPSS co-op board, native ecosystem rejuvenation
Linda Pentz Gunter	Journalist, founder of TP-based anti-nuclear/environmental advocacy group, Beyond Nuclear
Lorraine Pearsall	Environmental scientist and ardent conservationist
Marc Elrich	Executive Montgomery County and former Takoma Park Councilmember
Margaret Bowman	Water policy and climate resilience advocate in nonprofits and foundations
Michael Blau	Aerospace software engineer
Mike Tabor	Sustainable farmer, community activist
Nadine Bloch	Former NOAA Office of Education & Sustainability, 35+ yr Environmental Activist + educator
Paul Chrostowski	Environmental consultant and author of over 100 scientific papers
Philip Bogdonoff	Board member: Biodiversity for a Livable Climate, EcoRestoration Alliance, +Community Food Forest Collective; Consultant, World Bank Environment Dept
Randy Gibson	Outgoing TP City Councilmember; Climate Action Coffee, Takoma Stormwater Solutions, Food Forest group
Robert Engelman	Former president, Worldwatch Institute
Robert Goo	National expert on stormwater and Federal agency employee
Robin Schoen	Science policy, National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
Shari Friedman	Working in climate and sustainability for 30 years, focus on policy and finance.
Stephen Whitney	Climate Action Coffee, Takoma Stormwater Solutions and Friends of Sligo Creek
Steve Shapiro	Past president American Federation of Government Employees Local 3331, EPA HQ

Takoma Park City Council Endorsements 2024

Community Vision for Takoma 2024 City Council Endorsements

Community Vision for Takoma (CVT) is endorsing the following 2024 candidates for Takoma Park City Council, based in part on the responses to our questionnaire. We encourage you to go to their websites:

Ward 1 Jessica Landman
Ward 3 Roger Schlegel
Ward 4 Tony Kyere
Ward 6 Ambroise Agosse

Don’t forget to vote in BOTH elections!

On Nov 5th, there are two separate elections, with two separate ballots, and two separate polling places.

City ballots should be arriving this week.
You can mail your ballot if it is postmarked by Nov 5th (and it arrives by Nov 12th).
Or, put it in the yellow drop-boxes in front of police station (7500 Maple Ave) or NH Rec Center, by 8pm on Nov 5th.
Or, vote in person at 7500 Maple Ave on Nov 5th, 7am to 8pm. No ballot? Bring Photo ID and proof of residency.
You can vote in the City election if you are 16 or older, even if you are not a U.S. citizen, or have a felony conviction.
You may register to vote in the City of Takoma Park at any time, up to and including the day of the election.
Questions? Contact City Clerk Jessie Carpenter, 301-891-7267 or clerk@takomaparkmd.gov.

What About Ranked Choice Voting?

If you live in Ward 3 or Ward 6, there are three candidates in your ward. So, Ranked Choice Voting will come into play if no candidate gets a majority of votes in the first ballot count. In that case, the 2nd choice votes only from the 3rd place candidate ballots will be counted. Here’s what to remember:

You cannot hurt your 1st choice by listing a 2nd choice. Your 2nd choice will only be counted if your 1st choice comes in 3rd place.
If you have friends & neighbors committed to another candidate, ask them to list your candidate as their 2nd choice.

And…A Word About CVT

Who Are We? CVT is an independent, informal network of residents with no formal organizational structure, no membership roll, and no budget. We advocate for Takoma Park’s progressive political values, and to ensure City transparency and accountability. We are the lone progressive community group attending most City Council meetings and reporting out to the community on a regular basis. Our base – those on our email list– is almost 1,000 residents strong.
What Does CVT Stand For? We seek to advance these critical public interests: Racial equity, social justice, and ecological sustainability; transparency and accountability in our local government; financially sustainable City budgets that prioritize our community’s values; and a public empowered with the information they need to more actively participate in City policymaking.
Our Record. In the wake of the collapse of local independent media, CVT has been your source, widely distributing information about City politics. And we’ve mobilized residents to work together to protect public land for the public good, preserve our City’s rare stock of deeply affordable housing, prevent the displacement of residents, protect rent stabilization, make our streets safer for everyone including pedestrians and bikers, improve stormwater management, protect our tree canopy, treat our climate emergency with the urgency it demands, save our community grocery (the Co-op) and the jobs it provides to a diverse, unionized workforce, support other locally-owned businesses, and strive for a balanced City budget.
CVT is Pro-Housing. We recently testified, for example, in favor of new housing on the old hospital site. We are, however, anti-displacement, whether the residents at risk of being priced out of our community are home renters or owners. We support development that supports tenant rights, ecological sustainability, and racial and economic equity. We advocate for preserving, renovating, and expanding affordable housing – and protecting our rent stabilization – because the unusually affordable housing in Takoma Park has made possible our rich racial and economic diversity, which is the heart and soul of our community.
We Work by Consensus. At our core is a varying group of about 20 residents – including journalists, legal experts, renters and homeowners, and people with decades of experience organizing for social and environmental justice. We meet regularly, organize Town Halls, speak at City Council meetings, build coalitions with other local organizations, and encourage robust resident participation in the City’s democratic process.

Takoma Park City Candidate Questionnaire 2024

Candidates not listed below either declined to participate, or did not submit responses. We encourage you to ask the candidates in your ward any unanswered questions.

Questions 3-10 on the questionnaire were Yes/No questions (with the option of skipping any of those questions). Because very few candidates participated, we opted not to include the Yes/No section. The full questionnaire can be found here.

1. Please List Your Name, Ward, and the Position For Which You are Running. (Campaign websites linked to names).

Jessica Landman, Ward 1 City Council

Roger Schlegel, Ward 3 City Council

Tony Kyere, Ward 4 City Council

Ambroise Agosse, Ward 6 City Council

2. Please provide the names of any City of Takoma Park committees, commissions, or task forces on which you have served, including City Council. Also list any neighborhood, community, or tenant associations for which you have held office.

Jesssica Landman, Ward 1:

Takoma Park Complete Safe Streets Committee; Montgomery County Vision Zero Equity Task Force; Takoma Junction Vision Study Stakeholder Advisory Group; Takoma Central District Citizens Working Group (Takoma Park MD representative)

Roger Schlegel, Ward 3:

Pinecrest Community Association, President; Executive Committee Member. Takoma Junction Task Force. City Manager Search Committee. Parking Management Task Force.

Tony Kyere, Ward 4:

President of Park View Towers Tenants Association.

Ambroise Agosse, Ward 6:

I am the current vice president and the traffic committee member of the New Hampshire Garden Citizens Association, Board member of the Takoma/Langley crossroads Development Authority, Member of the Climate Action Coffee group

11. What are your ideas for making real progress toward racial equity in our City?

Jessica Landman, Ward 1: Implement policies to prevent displacement, using City’s (limited) planning/zoning powers; use data on tree cover & sidewalks/traffic calming plus demographic info to prioritize pedestrian and other infrastructure improvements, using an equity lens; explore how to retain library services at current temporary location once the library re-opens by budget priority-setting; keep NH Av Rec Center in prime working order while advancing its upgrading/replacement, as a City priority.

Roger Schlegel, Ward 3: Seek 95%+ voter participation by all ages 16 and older. Remove barriers to access of residents of color to information, meetings, assistance, and legal recourse. Schedule meetings at venues and times, with advertisement and translation, that don’t reproduce inequitable participation patterns. Use existing social networks to proactively grow BIPOC residents’ influence. Build the institutional muscle to recalibrate white residents’ claims of urgency so as to allocate time and resources equitably.

Tony Kyere, Ward 4: Protect our rent stabilization law. Require 50% of new units on Hospital Hill to be affordable housing.

Ambroise Agosse, Ward 6: This requires an approach that includes advocacy and community engagement. Support local and minority-owned businesses, school programs that aim to help people of color succeed. Participate in community events focused on racial equity topics. Partner with or volunteer for local organizations working on racial justice issues like CVT and provide them with financial support. Encourage diverse representation on city boards for leadership positions like I am doing by running for Ward 6 city council.

12. What additional steps should the City Council take to address the climate emergency?

Landman, Ward 1: Coordinate stormwater management on watershed basis, across (public/private/ jurisdictional basis) holistically, coordinating with other jurisdictions affecting TkPk; clearly define native trees using best eco-practical definitions; plant/approve planting of suitable food trees (nuts/fruits) and support food forests; ramp up program to encourage mulching & not raking leaves where practicable (also lowering city DPW costs); explore solar roof @ Junction lot via outside funding; maintain City EV chargers and fix the broken ones ASAP.

Schlegel, Ward 3: Use media and convene groups to help residents shift to new appliances, HVAC, vehicles, or landscaping, go solar, use alternative transport, garden, tend to trees, rainscape, or grow food forests. Partner with MC, UMD for green careers and businesses. Reward mature trees with a stormwater fee credit. Develop a twelve-year plan for alternative transportation dominant locally. Support new, green infill development with housing for all income levels to reduce regional trips. Set and track targets.

Kyere, Ward 4: Get outside experts to review if Maple Ave and all areas draining into Brashears Run could withstand 24” inches of rain in 18 hours. Develop a real climate impact strategy based on the results of that study.

Agosse, Ward 6: The city can take several additional steps on top of the current one to address the climate emergency and maintain its leadership. Update the Climate Action Plan to set more ambitious targets to incorporate new goals for carbon sequestration, energy resilience, biodiversity protection, comprehensive infrastructures for best flood management. Assist businesses and residents, including those in multi-family housing, to access renewable energy, and to install solar panels.

13. As with other City projects, the cost of the library renovation has increased dramatically. If elected, how would you work to address City project cost overruns?

Landman, Ward 1: I would oppose launching any additional capital projects until the Library and Community Center/police station building project is fully completed; seek to address any additional space needs for City staff through rental of space rather than construction of additional buildings; consider creating a task force of local volunteers who are experts to brainstorm innovative ways to obtain an updated/improved recreation center that would not involve the City directly in providing construction oversight and is budgetarily neutral.

Schlegel, Ward 3: Project proposals and components should emerge from and align with long-term strategic objectives identified by the City. Fiscal and environmental sustainability and equity commitments should constrain and shape designs. Prioritize functionality over ornamentation. Factor in operating and staffing costs. Understand and respect site and situational constraints (e.g. groundwater, access) at the start of the design process. Do not backtrack once committed so as to limit delay-induced cost overruns.

Kyere, Ward 4: First, balance the budget and require city council to live within its means. Second, begin the budget review process earlier so residents can get involved earlier and demand accountability from council members.

Agosse, Ward 6: It sounds too late for me to take strong and serious action to address this matter. To serve as an example for the futures decision makers, we will take responsible those who approved the projects without appropriate and strong studies especially environmental study. However, I will do the projects re-evaluation for cost effectiveness, eliminate needless activities and support finding grants programs and other resources to cover the gap.

14. The City in recent years has had to use reserve funds to pay for expenses. At the same time, property taxes have risen to levels that make it difficult for some residents to stay in their homes. If elected, how would you address these challenges?

Landman, Ward 1: Work with the City Manager to mandate a ‘constant yield’ budget as annual starting point; support CM on management/task metrics to evaluate staffing needs, and efficiency options; re-assess vehicle buying by exploring leasing to reduce costs & expedite fleet electrification; explore equipment-sharing with other cities (like Rockville does) to save on costs of infrequently-used equipment; revisit street maintenance schedules for options to adjust re-paving schedules when road conditions warrant.

Schlegel, Ward 3: Integrate strategic planning with the budget cycle. Use performance metrics; seek greater efficiency, perhaps by merging functions. Explore whether any services once provided by a bi-county City can now, since unification, be County-provided without losing quality or compromising values. Calculate how growth may affect revenue and costs. To close an urgent gap, resurface only as needed; extend replacement schedules; postpone hiring consultants. Don’t compromise equity; compensate workers fairly.

Kyere, Ward 4: We have to cut back on expenditures already!!! Particularly on police cars. We can’t raise property taxes any more. Homeowners in Ward 4 can’t afford to pay taxes now!!!

Agosse, Ward 6: I think a strong action is needed to stop increasing the city property tax as we are way over all other incorporated cities in the State. If elected, I will work with the city to first review the city budget process by giving more time to the city councils for amendment. Second, we will work to reduce city expenditures whereas is needed. And finally, I will support identifying other sources of income than keep putting pressure on the city property tax.

15. What is your vision for the equitable and inclusive use of the public land at Takoma Junction, given what we have learned about the constraints of that space in terms of traffic, open space needs, safety, and support of existing and planned local businesses?

Landman, Ward 1: Day to day the Junction provides vital delivery and parking resources for all of the Junction businesses (including 2 restaurants, the pre-school, the bike shop, the barber shop, the bakery, the butchery, the music school, the dress shop, the business center, etc). The space should (once renovations at the Co-op are complete) receive a makeover. Then the City should affirmatively encourage regular use of the site for City events that benefit residents and businesses with a welcoming locale for e.g. Earth Day, Xmas Market, break dancing contest, etc.

Schlegel, Ward 3: The site now hosts forest, stormwater protection, and a packed parking lot serving local businesses. The parking supply, in relation to the district, seems comparable to that in Old Town. In the short term, a solar cover, tree plantings, and a removable stage/dance floor could be added. In the mid term, efforts to reduce car trips could open up space onsite for a circulator shuttle hub. Longer term, the airspace above the lot could accommodate affordable housing because the City owns the land.

Kyere, Ward 4: People who park in the Junction should pay for parking. A portion of the parking lot should be used for new small businesses, mainly local businesses.

Agosse, Ward 6: I think and believe we can come up with a very modern commercial property that benefits both the city and residents by working together with all parties to design a new project for that land. I mean an inclusive planning process is needed to properly address this matter.

16. What do you think the City should be doing to improve the safety of our communities?

Landman, Ward 1: For traffic, we should prioritize addressing the highest risk routes to schools using an equity lens. For crime prevention, we should continue to build police/business relationships (like with Walgreen’s) and prioritize enforcement of city ordinances at sites that are trash-strewn or vacant and unlit, thus attracting crime, and we should explore tax policies that discourage leaving lots or buildings vacant or in disrepair.

Schlegel, Ward 3: Incentivize more active neighborhood/tenant associations. Ease processes for block/ tenant parties and regularly scheduled play-street closures; build relationships to promote safety. Improve traffic safety with intersection tweaks, speed limit reductions and “5 MPH when people are present” zones. If needed to break patterns of persistent localized crime, position mobile surveillance cameras. Pursue safety objectives across jurisdictions through memoranda of understanding and celebratory events.

Kyere, Ward 4: Create a summer jobs program for teens, especially teens living along Maple Ave. Make police walk their beats and ride bikes instead of zooming around in their cruisers. Make police come to our Tenant Association meetings so they can see what our safety problems are.

Agosse, Ward 6: We should strengthen relationships between law enforcement and the community through regular assessment, meetings, joint community initiatives by running educational campaigns on topics like personal safety, reporting suspicious activity, crimes prevention tips and adapt strategies based on residents’ feedback. Install fixed and more mobile security cameras in strategic areas to deter crimes. Partner with community organizations to address specific safety concerns and leverage their expertise.

17. What do you think the City should be doing to prepare for the arrival of the Purple Line?

Landman, Ward 1: Code enforcement & tax incentives should target vacant/unmaintained sites to fix/rebuild them; work w/ Purple Line Coalition to address/minimize impacts, help neighborhoods & businesses; work w/ MoCo on innovative housing/development projects that protect our small businesses and create new housing/retail in appropriate spots, with ample community outreach; explore redevelopment of the McLaughlin School as, e.g., senior housing + daycare, creating local jobs & housing.

Schlegel, Ward 3: Engage residents, businesses, and property owners in visioning for New Hampshire Avenue, which will link Purple Line and Red Line via BRT. Plan to integrate new development with existing neighborhoods, respecting buffers and using Open Space funds to acquire connecting parks and paths. Pilot a public-private circulator shuttle to link key nodes and stations. Use benches, water fountains, shade tree planting, and optimized hill-climb routes to encourage walking and biking to/from the Purple Line.

Kyere, Ward 4: The city needs to better protect walkers and bikers all along the Purple Line. It is too dangerous even if you’re in a car. The city needs to have meetings to explain tenants rights to people who live there.

Agosse, Ward 6: To prepare, the city should consider a multi-faceted approach that addresses transit access, economic development, community needs, and environmental impacts. Assess and upgrade existing infrastructure such as roads and public facilities to handle increased usage. Develop strategies to manage increased traffic including potential parking zones. By addressing these areas proactively, we can leverage the benefits of the Purple Line while minimizing negative impacts on residents and businesses.

Vote for Change

We Have a Choice to Make Right Now.

The City of Takoma Park is in trouble.

We are spending more than we are taking in,
City staff and manager salaries keep growing while the population is flat,
The relationship between the Council and unions is so bad they’re considering an outside mediator,
Climate change is bringing bigger storms and the City’s stormwater response is inadequate,
And the NDC lease, and threat of litigation, still hangs over the Junction.

Right now, you can vote for candidates who want to “continue the work” of the current Council, are endorsed by the current Council, and/or want to continue to try to work with NDC.

Or, you can vote for change–for candidates who are unafraid to confront the way things have been going in the City and work to correct our course.

CVT has endorsed Jarrett Smith for Mayor, Mark Sherman (Ward 1), Randy Gibson (Ward 3), and A.J. Campbell (Ward 5) as candidates best equipped to navigate us out of our current troubles, and return Takoma Park to its historic position as a progressive leader.

Why the Junction is Still Important

Some candidates would prefer to forget the failure of the development plan at Takoma Junction. They urge voters to move on. But the Junction is still essential for these reasons:

1) NDC still has a 99-year lease at the Junction, preventing anyone else from making improvements there. Many of us would love to improve the esthetics, the stormwater system, and the infrastructure for both public use and low-impact pop-up retail use. But none of that is possible while NDC holds the lease.

2) The Junction is very much an active topic on the City Council right now, but that conversation is going on behind closed doors. City Council has been holding closed meetings with the City Attorney about the Junction for over a year now, with the next one scheduled for this Wednesday.

3) The vibrant new and old businesses at the Junction, including the planned arrival of an exciting new restaurant, the new bridal and nail salons, the bakery and butcher, and the Co-op, all rely on our City lot. The Junction has revitalized–the lot is full. We do not need new traffic, new cars trying to park, or new safety challenges for pedestrians, cyclists, buses, delivery trucks, and drivers.

4) Several candidates have indicated they are still open to a new plan from NDC, despite this developer attempting to kick the Co-op and public off our public land.

For the Record

In the key 2018 vote on the Junction plan by the City Council, sending the plan to the County for approval, Jarrett Smith voted against the plan. Talisha Searcy voted for it (listen to her defend the project on the Kojo Nnamdi Show here).

In 2020, Jarrett Smith was the only Council member to sign a letter with 100 local residents to the County Planning Board, expressing grave concerns about the racial equity and gentrification effects of the Junction plan.

In 2021, Seth Grimes was still advocating for NDC’s Junction plan, urging the County’s Planning Board to approve the plan despite multiple findings that it was unsafe, and despite unanimous disapproval at that point from the City Council.

On his campaign website, Seth Grimes writes that he is “open to a new junction proposal” from NDC.

False Binaries

It has been suggested that we should all focus on the New Hampshire Recreation Center renovation and the Purple Line, rather than the Junction. This is a false binary.

CVT supports equity and investment in all wards, and is strongly in favor of a vibrant community-driven renovation of the Recreation Center, including exploration of affordable housing and satellite library services there.

It has been falsely stated that CVT is anti-housing, or anti-development, because we opposed NDC’s Junction plan. CVT is strongly in favor of exploring new affordable housing options throughout the City, including at the Rec Center and other locations on New Hampshire, at the old hospital campus, and at the old McLaughlin School campus. CVT also urges new efforts to prevent Purple Line displacement of low-income residents and small local businesses, through expanding residential and commercial rent stabilization, and increasing and improving affordable housing at the Crossroads.

This is the moment. Vote for change, and vote for a return to our progressive ideals.

CVT Endorses Sherman, Campbell

Mark Sherman (Ward 1), A.J. Campbell (Ward 5)

Community Vision for Takoma is endorsing two additional candidates in the City of Takoma Park 2022 election. After considering the Ward 1 Forum and Ward 5 Forum held this week, in addition to questionnaire responses, experience, and engagement with the life of our City:

CVT is endorsing Mark Sherman for Ward 1
CVT is endorsing A.J. Campbell for Ward 5

Mark Sherman has a deep understanding of multiple City issues, a long record of engaging with the City, and great dedication and sincerity. As a former journalist, he is committed to transparency, accountability, and the truth. He would bring his knowledge of environmental issues, transportation issues, and housing issues, and his perspective as a renter who is car-free and walks and uses public transportation exclusively. He also has the strongest record of the three candidates in this race of opposing the (rejected) plan for Takoma Junction.

A.J. Campbell is far and away the most knowledgeable and experienced candidate in the Ward 5 race in terms of engagement with City issues. She has already spent years helping to engage her Ward through meetings and written communication, and as an advocate on issues including passing Countywide legislation to require window guards to prevent children from falling. A.J. is frank, and funny, and would be a breath of fresh air on the Council. She also has the strongest record of the three candidates in this race of opposing the (rejected) plan for Takoma Junction.

Who else is CVT Endorsing?

CVT has endorsed Jarrett Smith for Mayor. Read the questionnaire responses from all three Mayoral candidates below our Mayoral endorsement.
CVT has endorsed Randy Gibson for Ward 3. Read the questionnaire responses from 12 out of 15 Ward candidates HERE.

WHO WE ARE:

CVT is an informal network of neighbors who first came together around the use of public land at Takoma Junction, and continue to work on community issues. We do not have a formal organization. We work by consensus. At our center is a varying group of about 20 residents who meet regularly to discuss what’s happening in Takoma Park and to plan communications and advocacy. Our work includes attending City Council meetings, alerting residents to issues before the City, and encouraging participation in the City’s democratic processes.

CVT does not collect or donate funds to support candidates, and is not a Political Action Committee.

Randy Gibson, City Council, Ward 3: Endorsement

Community Vision for Takoma is endorsing Randy Gibson for Ward 3, City Council. The City election will be Tuesday, November 8th.

After considering questionnaire responses, experience, and previous involvement in the life of the City, we believe Randy is the candidate who best aligns with the CVT mission of public land for public good.

Randy is a natural facilitator and mediator, who seeks to dedicate himself full-time to Ward 3 constituents and to the City. He has led a life of service around the country and the world, starting with Peace Corps service in Iran. Randy has a Masters in Political Science, spent a semester in Colombia, and has worked in economic development, and on fair trade issues. In recent years, he has been deeply engaged with environmental issues in the City through Takoma Park Mobilization’s Climate Action Coffee, and the Takoma Stormwater Solutions group.

Randy has the skills to address the issues and opportunities of Ward 3, a ward including hilly terrain and woods, bounded by Takoma Junction and New Hampshire Avenue.

You can learn more about Randy Gibson and how to support his campaign at FriendsOfRandy.org.

Not sure if you’re in Ward 3? The boundaries have changed! See the new Ward 3 map HERE.

In this election cycle, CVT has only endorsed Jarrett Smith for Mayor, and Randy Gibson for City Council Ward 3, the ward including the public land at Takoma Junction. To research all the City candidates, we encourage you to read the CVT questionnaire responses.

WHO WE ARE:

CVT does not collect or donate funds to support candidates, and is not a Political Action Committee.

City Council Candidate Questionnaire Responses

In preparation for the City of Takoma Park’s election on November 8th 2022, Community Vision for Takoma (CVT) sent questions to each of the 15 candidates for City Council. All but two candidates returned the questionnaires, below. (A few responses were edited to fit the limit on length.)

Topics included the climate emergency, the City budget, racial equity, the future of Takoma Junction, and affordable housing. We appreciate the time the candidates put into replying to these questionnaires.

The questionnaire responses below should help residents to make decisions on voting in the Council races. Not all candidates have websites (yet), but we encourage you to visit those websites linked to the names in the questionnaire responses, and to seek out the candidates at local events including the Takoma Park Street Festival on October 8th. You can also listen to speeches made about the candidates at the Nominating Caucus.

Also, tune in to the upcoming City Candidate Forums moderated by Eric Bond of Talk of Takoma (WOWD), streaming on Takoma Park City TV:

Oct 6, Candidates for Mayor 6pm
Oct 10, Ward 1 (6pm) and Ward 5 (7:30pm)
Oct 17, Ward 3 (6pm) and Ward 6 (7:30pm)

City ballots (separate from State/County ballots) should arrive by mail in October. Residents age 16 and up can register to vote in the City election, and do not need to be US citizens. City residents can vote:

by mail,
by drop-box,
or in person on November 8th.

WHO WE ARE: CVT is an informal network of neighbors who first came together around the use of public land at Takoma Junction, and continue to work on community issues. We do not have a formal organization. We work by consensus. At our center is a varying group of about 20 residents who meet regularly to discuss what’s happening in Takoma Park and to plan communications and advocacy. Our work includes attending City Council meetings, alerting residents to issues before the City, and encouraging participation in the City’s democratic processes.

CVT does not collect or donate funds to support candidates, and is not a Political Action Committee.

City Council Candidate Questionnaire Responses

Ward 1

Shana Fulcher (Ward 1)

Q1 What is your position on how the City should proceed to end the impasse at Takoma Junction? Do you agree that the City must promptly end the current agreement to let NDC rent the lot? Why or why not?

Pedestrian safety, bicyclist safety, and traffic safety should be improved at the Junction before moving forward with the development. The intersection causes unease to everyone who passes through it. The parking lots on either side of the Co-op are awkward. The parking lot under consideration for development can be impossible to exit in order to get back into traffic.

I’m concerned about the legal and financial obligations the City might have with ending the current agreement with NDC as well as the City’s reputation. I would not want the City to lose money to NDC as a result of terminating the agreement. I worry about how other developers would feel about entering into an agreement with the City after ending its contract with NDC. NDC should present a plan that fits the City’s parameters including more greenspace and significantly reduced development.

Q2 What is your vision for the equitable and inclusive use of the public land at Takoma Junction now, given what we have learned about the constraints of that space in terms of traffic, open space needs, safety, and support of existing and planned local businesses?

I would like to see a plan with more public use space that has protection from the elements with either a green roof or solar paneling. The Junction is at a major throughway for Takoma Park, so I want it to include architecture that is unique. I support finding a way to change the angle of the intersection at the Junction to increase visibility for pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers. Our city should reflect that pedestrians not only have the right-of-way but also the priority. The second that someone parks their car at the lot to the right of the Co-op, they become a pedestrian. If we want them to frequent the businesses across East-West Highway, we have to ensure that they feel comfortable crossing at that intersection.

Q3 Do you agree that the City should survey residents to determine our needs for government services, and which services should be provided by the City, versus which services could be best provided by the County? Why or why not?

Yes. The services that the Takoma Park community values have likely changed since the inception of those services. We should reevaluate which services we want to spend our city taxes on. With Takoma Park incorporating in 1997, we don’t necessarily need to provide the same services we have historically provided. At the same time, the City has historically experienced difficulty negotiating with the County for reimbursement of duplicated taxes for services. At some point we have to accept that it makes more sense to get more services from the County.

Q4 Do you think that the City has responded adequately to the climate emergency, or do you think we should take stronger action on issues including stormwater, city vehicles, preservation and expansion of the tree canopy and green space, and green construction of city buildings? What changes would you propose and what targets would you set?

I do think that the City is doing a good job with some actions. I appreciate our efforts to protect the tree canopy and to create programs to plant more trees, even on private property. It is hard to address climate change locally when so many regulations are weakened nationally. I’ve seen many rain gardens going in on city property in the last few years and we should continue to address runoff. In order to support green construction of city buildings, we may need to slow down and put city goals further into the future. Developing in our city is a privilege and we should expect developers to treat it as such. We can expect developers to meet our higher expectations for environmental practices in order to build here.

Q5 What is your view of the current budget process? Do you agree that the budget process needs to become more transparent? Do you feel that the City Council should do more to curb the continuous growth of staff and spending, given that the City population is not growing? Why or why not?

The City begins the budget process in November and does not solicit public input until April. I don’t think the current process places enough value on public input. The City Clerk and Employees should be more transparent earlier in the process. Stopping the growth in staff numbers will be hinged on reevaluating services that we want to provide. My experience with the City staff is that they are working hard all the time so we would have to adjust our expectations of what our City staff’s output would be in order to reduce numbers. My family’s property taxes nearly doubled between 2018 to 2019. We had to seriously consider moving out of Takoma Park.

Q6 Do you agree that the current “racial equity considerations” process on Council agenda items is ineffectual? What would you propose to create a more participatory and inclusive process to involve residents in City governance? What new steps should the City take to address structural racism?

I’m not sure that I would agree that the process has been ineffectual because there are currently no metrics to measure success or failure. I would like to see metrics associated with our “racial equity considerations” process so that we are better able to recognize accomplishments and areas for growth. The City’s committees and task forces are meant to make recommendations to the City Council, but I would also like for them to be involved in advising the City Manager. In order to have a more inclusive process, I would like to see some committees and task forces assigned through invitation that is randomized and for us to publicize the honorarium that members receive.

Q7 Takoma Park has the greatest density of truly affordable housing in the county, and the only rent stabilization program. Would you work to do everything you can to protect this rent stabilization, prevent the displacement of low-income communities, and ensure that housing for home renters is safe and up to code? Would you advocate for creating more truly affordable housing at the Washington Adventist Hospital site, and the Washington-McLaughlin School site? Why or why not?

We should ensure that developers invest in greener measures now so that vulnerable families have protection against rising utility prices. These developments do need a variety of types of housing. We must be careful not to segregate our low income families from the rest of the community any more than they already are. We should not solely depend on new construction to make affordable housing for people. The percentage of affordable housing should be heavily weighted when reviewing developer’s proposals.

Mark Sherman (Ward 1)

The city should never have leased the lot to NDC in the first place — the entire idea was wrong. The lease should be canceled immediately, and the council should quit being intimidated. In addition, the city attorney should stop trying to gag city council members on this issue — council members are not staff — they answer to us, not the city manager

The highest and best use of that land is for a parking lot that doubles as a delivery space for the adjacent grocery store. However, that doesn’t mean it has to look bad — it should be treated as green space with parking, and the corner at the back, near the fire station, should not be given away to a private business.

No, I don’t — somehow, these surveys never amount to much, they’re just giveaways to the survey company, and every bad thing that has happened seems to have been preceded by a survey, so I place little faith in them.

The tree ordinance was weakened by the current council — I would seek to strengthen it, creating a right to shade, especially for renters. We should also be trying to get people out of their cars — I propose giving free bus passes to all residents and taking additional action on transit.

Staff should revert to the number of FTEs 20 or 30 years ago — we have become an overstaffed, over-consultanted, overengineered city — witness the library project. I am not well enough versed in the budget process to comment on that in particular. What’s really missing is a local press, to highlight what’s going on in the budget.

Those questions don’t belong together — racial equity is not the same as making city governance more inclusive. My biggest recommendation is to make the city manager an elected position — i.e., the actual mayor. The person we call mayor now is actually the council chairperson.

The rent stabilization allowance should be based on a wage index, not a price index. Just-cause legislation should be enacted by the state legislature to prevent landlords from arbitrarily terminating tenant leases. I am also concerned about the loss of rent-stabilized units under various conversion scenarios. And the buildings themselves should be protected under historic preservation rules whenever feasible.

Elizabeth Wallace (Ward 1)

I encourage the City to find a way to end the current rent agreement of the lot to NDC. I agree that public land should be for the public good and the community should decide how the property would best serve the needs of the city at large. Having familiarized myself with the history of the Takoma Junction project, it seems several breaches of trust have ruined the foundation of what we hoped would be a positive relationship, and anyone in construction knows, you can’t build on that especially if it’s to last 99 years.

Any new plan for the Junction should complement the other upcoming projects and amenities in Takoma. First focus on traffic flow, pedestrian safety, parking for existing businesses and food security. Perhaps move the Junction bldg to the Coop parking lot; design a circle to facilitate traffic; create a different parking pattern on Carroll; add city owned, refrigerated and dry storage for food security and a covered packing/picnic area; permeable parking; tiny house cafes/shops until we see what generates engagement before brick and mortar.

Yes, a survey would be helpful, but one that is not based on opinion alone. It’s important that those answering the questionnaire know which services the city and the county already handle, if they’ve had experience with them and their satisfaction level, the reason why they’d like the city or county to handle it, and whether or not they see using those services themselves in the next 5, 10, 15, 20 years.

Right about the time the climate resolution was passed, climactic change was already a driver for the emergence of COVID. It was the city’s first test. In all climate issued, we need transparency projects management metrics. However, everyone was affected by COVID, suppliers and their workforces were undergoing massive change. It’s time not to point fingers, can’t redo, but pledge forward march! Since many construction projects are envisioned, green building and green space are first priority.

The budget process seems to be a dreaded event by all. That must change in order that it be one that stimulates good and creative thought, not drudgery. Both the city 1 council and the residents need to see numbers on a quarterly, if not monthly basis so that patterns, trends, anomalies and other data are seen sooner rather than later. Also, it’s important to track whether or not project goals were accomplished on time and the man hours spent, including the TPPD. It’s impossible for me to say if we need to curb staff growth without those metrics.

I’d like transparency on the rubric/s used, but need to add the climate change lens as well, as CC already majorly effects all marginalized people. 2/ There are a few equity projects on the city website (bus shelters, park quality) but they are all ongoing. The reports don’t reflect how close they are to achieving their goals, if time was lost due to COVID or change of personnel etc. Again project management timelines! 3/ Perhaps use Targeted Universalism approach. 4 / Start with honoring them for their successes, naturalizations, etc. at council meetings. 5/ no room left.

Rent stabilization stays in place! I’d encourage the county to create other areas as well. TP can be a long commute to some jobs. 2/ As an Airbnb host, I have insisted on having my home inspected so safe housing is a core value. 3/ I would advocate for affordable housing but suggest also mini city hall office, police substation?, community center, and shops. 1st renters could be TP residents from homes that were sub par. Landlords who get property tax allowances must be inspected regularly or may have to forfeit the subsidy.

Ward 2

Cindy Dyballa (Ward 2)

Q1 What is your position on how the City should proceed to end the impasse at Takoma Junction? Do you agree that the City must promptly end the current agreement to let NDC rent the lot? Why or why not?

The city’s 2016 development agreement with NDC and the previous council includes the lease. The city has been in discussions about this agreement, and it’s not appropriate for a current council member to publicly address topics such as status of confidential contract negotiations. I think a mutual resolution is important; a unilateral decision could bring costly and time-consuming legal action. As a 30-plus year Coop member I believe I’ve been taking into account their needs.

The city’s original project goals still seem relevant: be a stimulus to the commercial district and its local independent businesses; improve its aesthetic appeal; and be environmentally sustainable and sensitive to context. The bigger question is how we arrive at an updated shared vision for the site’s use. I would look for options that generate city revenue (not impose large city costs) if possible, as well as support healthy local businesses and respect safety and site constraints.

This, along with past city resident surveys, is a useful tool to help us balance city services, budget and revenues. I’m open to shifting some services. There’s challenges: targeting outreach to draw in new or infrequent participants; addressing city unions since services are delivered by staff; and working with the county on service transition, code changes needed, and likely costs. Example: we now pay a lower county waste fee than others, since the city provides most residential pickup.

As sponsor of the city climate emergency and action framework, and a strong promoter of city and county climate, tree canopy, and stormwater action, of course I want the City to do more—in a way that supports our equity and other goals. Let’s build on current efforts such as our GHG targets, building energy efficiency programs, tree canopy goal and expanded planting effort, city EV policy, and green features in the library renovation, as well as expand public-private stormwater management

Our budget process has more public detail each year, because we asked for it. I still want more focus and clarity on the key information, decisions and necessary choices. City services need staff to deliver and manage them; wage increases for staff facing the same economy we do, and increases for their tools and equipment, means more spending. I’ve voted to keep a level residential tax rate, and I’m very cautious about adding staff; and we must also expand other city revenue sources.

More tools and training can help city staff and council better use this tool. I’ve worked hard to recruit and appoint a more diverse group of residents to city committees, with stipends to cover their costs. To be more inclusive and address structural issues, let’s take practical steps like our recent ones, such as more targeted and varied outreach, neighborhood workshops with translators, assistance programs for our most vulnerable, and community navigators to connect residents with services.

Half our residents are renters, so I’ve been focused on these issues, and strongly support rent stabilization; our housing strategic plan and housing fund; and affordable housing with needed zoning changes as part of the WAH and McLaughlin sites. I’ve stressed that we need stronger county rental housing inspections. I want solutions that serve more than one goal, such as bundling multifamily rehabilitation and energy efficiency improvements.

Ward 3

Mimi Diez (Ward 3)

As there are no current discussions with this, and all the information I currently have is from the https://takomaparkmd.gov/initiatives/takoma-junction-redevelopment/ website, I don’t have enough information to answer. If and when any discussions do come up about the Takoma Junction and NDC, I plan to address these topics objectively and with the best interests of Ward 3 and the city in mind.

My vision for a thriving junction is not an above ground parking lot that polarizes a city.I envision a place that is safe for people of all ages to gather, shop, & celebrate. A place where our home-grown entrepreneurs have ample space & where infrastructure can support their deliveries. There is more to Takoma Park than the Junction & we need to support safe transportation infrastructure, recruit/retain businesses & create safe & beautiful places in all Wards, not just the Junction.

A survey conducted by the city is a great idea, however communication is already a challenge point in our community. Not everyone follows city announcements, has social media, or adequate access to wifi; flyers are lost or ignored. Surveys can assist this city in many ways, however we need to ensure that all voices are heard and not just the loudest.

The city’s sustainability strategic action plan has recommendations to create a more resilient, equitable and sustainable community.I support the city’s plan to mitigate & adapt to climate related extreme weather events; in setting a realistic canopy goal; in replacing city fleet with electric at the end of its life-cycle; & I support LEED Certified buildings.All this comes with a cost, & I would dedicate my time in finding innovative ways to meet our sustainability goals.

I don’t have enough information about this question to answer. However there are opportunities for improvement with how information flows in our community and if elected, I will work on improving city service delivery and finding innovative and sustainable program funding and budget management.

I don’t have enough information about this question, but one area where the Ward 3 can address structural racism is electing a Spanish speaking Latina candidate. Just as sustainability is “baked” into how the city does business, so to should we embed equity into city projects, initiatives and governance.

Yes

Randy Gibson (Ward 3)

I am not privy to the legal case between NDC and the City, so I don’t know what the City’s options are. However, it is my belief that NDC has acted in bad faith on the principles agreed to with the City. They have also demonstrated reprehensible corporate bullying with regard to the Co-op. These actions should render NDC unacceptable and ineligible for continuance of a lease contract with the City.

I start with 4 non-negotiables. 1) Business viability of the Co-op, and other local businesses, should not be compromised. 2) Environmental services, e.g. stormwater mitigation, provided by the woods must not be compromised. 3) Adequate public gathering space must be provided, and 4) Safe traffic conditions must be maintained. Beyond these, there are several good options for some sort of enhancement or development. And the City must do a much better job to study and compare different visions in a transparent way before contracts are signed.

Yes, we should ask our residents about their priorities as regards programs and services. Our City taxes are high and some wonder if we are getting our money’s worth. Tough choices may need to be made to prioritize city services and determine if the County could do better. One example is the County’s Rainscapes program which is much more generous in terms of incentivizing conservation efforts on private property. Policing, a very large part of our budget, is an area that deserves careful review.

Climate proclamations have not been matched with visible actions. There is an urgent need for a strategic analysis of stormwater risks and resiliency planning. Educating residents about how to help mitigate climate impacts is nearly absent. Demonstration gardens to model green infrastructure best practices are needed. An assessment of parks and green spaces is needed to account for the ecosystem services. Partnering with community groups could help educate the public. Home & habitat certification could incentivize energy and environmental best practices.

The current budget process is not clear nor transparent. I understand that even the Council has difficulty interpreting it. Our growing budget is also not sustainable given the fact that population growth is not taking place. So, we must face some hard questions about what should be prioritized. Project based budgeting should be considered as a way to make the budget clearer and more transparent to residents and better account for expenditures.

The degree that racial equity considerations are meaningful is not clear to me and many other residents. To be effective the process must be forceful and sustained and may involve a change of culture for City staff. Community, business and tenant organizations may offer viable partnerships for more effective outreach. Making those partnerships a business norm is one of my goals.

Yes, I would fully support our rent stabilization programs and the need to ensure that housing is completely safe and up to code. I believe our economic and ethnic/racial diversity is a strength that is worth protecting. I seek to learn more about our housing programs and any threats facing them. I would support in concept the suggestion of converting the two sites mentioned for affordable housing but need to learn more the viability of such a proposal.

Alex Hadden (Ward 3)

After years of consultation and planning, the failure to advance community benefit with the Takoma Junction Redevelopment has left Ward 3 voters dispirited. Ending the agreement with NDC would necessitate a financial, contractual, legal and commercial analysis that ensures the City preserves its reputation as a credible stakeholder able to attract future partners to stimulate our small business community, improve our City’s charm and livability, and advance our environmental and social values.

After so many years of work and community feedback, there is a wealth of understanding of the exciting potential opportunities for the site. However, it’s likely to require reimagination or resolution of the City’s commitment with NDC to advance a new era at the site. In the near-term, the City should refocus and prepare for the reality of near-sourced growth in its planning and capital investment: nearly 1,000 condo units are being built within walking distance of every Ward 3 resident.

Broad consultation should be a primary focus when the City Council considers planning and use issues of material municipal resources. A survey is one tool in soliciting feedback and engaging the community. However, a truly consultative process requires multiple strategies to equitably and holistically solicit community input. As Councilmember, I will provide multiple channels through which Ward 3 residents can communicate their concerns, starting during my campaign at http://www.alexforward3.com.

Takoma Park has been a national leader on sustainability issues for generations. However, with limited resources and budget–and a desire to minimize residents’ tax burdens–the City should leverage existing and actionable household-friendly practices, incentives and investments that support residents’ ability to make clean energy transitions, become pedestrian-first, and combat direct environmental risks. We will not be a sustainable City until there is a sidewalk on both sides of every street.

Most Ward 3 residents express concern of ‘value for money’ for their rising tax burden. Ward 3 faces unique challenges compared to other wards, due to historic underinvestment in communities along Eastern Ave and New Hampshire Ave. Important quality of life issues feel overlooked. Near-term improvements to the City’s information collection and response should be paired with long-term focus on service excellence, factoring in data- and risk-weighted resource allocation to affected areas.

I think Mayor Stewart and the City Council have made a concerted effort to improve racial equity considerations in City governance. I will wholly support the advancement of the racial equity framework on the City Council. In my community outreach, I hear underrepresented groups expressing fundamental concerns about livability: rising cost of living, underinvestment in Ward 3, City responsives, etc. Long-term, we need to increase voter participation among disaffected groups to amplify voices.

Living in Takoma Park is aspirational for many and meeting a portion of that need will have to come from new housing stock. Rent stabilization measures should remain, so long as they do not create an environment that is unconducive to attracting more housing opportunities. Every City resident deserves a safe and code compliant home. Future uses of WHU and W-MS will require a rigorous evaluative and consultative process, drawing on lessons of the Takoma Junction Redevelopment process.

Ward 4

Terry Seamens (Ward 4)

The Council and NDC are still in ongoing discussions about the project, its status and next steps. Although I would like to go into more detail, I cannot as a sitting Councilmember act unilaterally. The Council will have to decide when it is best to provide more information to the community. I believe that we (the Council) are currently acting in a manner that is in the best interests of Takoma Park taxpayers.

I want the Co-op to be a healthy, viable and thriving business. The Co-op is an important part of TP’s character. I also believe that more storefronts in TJ would be good for the community. We learned much during the current process that should benefit the new council as they continue on this issue. I hope to continue to hear from community members about their desires, thoughts and opinions regarding this project so that we end up with the property fulfilling its best potential for a better TP.

Surveys are a valuable tool in gathering opinions, but surveys can be a poor way to make community decisions. They may be unintentionally written or distributed in a biased manner or not provide sufficient background information to get informed answers. We operate in a representative democracy rather than a direct democracy. Community opinions are vital for knowing the direction residents want to take TP. Surveys, community meetings, & direct conversations are some of the tools I find helpful.

Yes, I think we have been aggressive in addressing the climate emergency. It would certainly be nice to do more, but we are constrained by costs and staff time.

Since joining the council over 20 years ago I have advocated for more transparency in the budget process and with few exceptions I’ve been pleased with the continued progress we made. I’ve been surprised there is little community push-back on budget increases. The council hears more advocacy for adding projects than cutting taxes. We get many complaints when we talk about cutting projects. Staff costs are a significant part of the budget and directly relate to what we can accomplish.

I think the current racial equity considerations we added to the agenda items are good in the sense it was a first step. Obviously, much more needs to be done. A more participatory process would be good, but would not in and of itself ensure that it is not racially or economically biased.

Rent stabilization is why TP has much of the affordable housing in MoCo, therefore it should continue until there’s a better alternative. Unfortunately, maintenance is often inadequate to keep housing in good repair. Efforts to improve inspections have not kept many properties from degrading. Residents’ economic diversity is part of our community character that must be safeguarded. Remaining open-minded I can say the WAU and W-M sites present opportunities that could include affordable housing.

Ward 5

A.J. Campbell (Ward 5)

For many years, the city has paid an obsessive level of attention to the Junction while ignoring other viable development projects. It is unclear if NDC will relinquish its lease without some considerations or even a lawsuit. I don’t think we would get another developer to take on the site. We are in a holding pattern for now.

I would like to offer the Coop a chance to expand into the grassy area to the right and move its storefront to the property line in front. I would like to see a new seating space with a cafe or kitchen for cooking classes or demonstrations. For the parking lot surface, I would prefer to leave it open and add solar panels overhead. I would like to include a stage or bandstand in the back center for community use.

The city surveys residents for each new plan and project, but do they listen? I am not sure the consultants we hire do a great job when they conduct surveys. Regardless, we don’t seem to listen to feedback when we get feedback. I think the city should invest in a real-time collection system and not keep paying the consultants.

The city has a mixed record; there have been many infrastructure improvements like EV charging stations at select locations. The new tree giveaway is wonderful. The City wanted to buy an EV trash truck, but it was considered too expensive. Most of our vehicle fleet is still gas-powered. I don’t see any long-term movement towards an all-electric fleet.

I recently held a budget zoom call with the community, and not one resident could tell me how much of our budget comes from property taxes vs. intergovernmental transfers. I could not tell you for sure because the city doesn’t seem to provide information on the net costs of each city service. The city does publish a budget breakdown but does not seem to go out of its way to educate the residents. We should change that.

I could not summarize the city’s racial equity agenda except for a vague notion of talking and examining. I get the lofty goals, but I rarely see anything that translates to direct tactical goals. We need to expand access to city and county services through a massive expansion of library services into every ward. While on the council, I will push to transform our library into a center of information and connection.

Yes, I would protect rent stabilization. My first push would be offering tenants a one, two, or three-year lease. Creating stability in housing over three years allows for long-term planning with a stable rent. My second is to limit our annual rent increases. Our current system of rental increases is tied to the CPI. We have seen with high inflation how much that can impact rent costs under stabilization. I would like to see the city limit the increases to a maximum yearly amount.

Cara Honzak (Ward 5) Submitted late, on October 15 2022

Q1 What is your position on how the City should proceed to end the impasse at Takoma Junction? Do you agree that the City must promptly end the current agreement to let NDC rent the lot? Why or why not?

As I consider the idea of severing the NDC agreement, it is a high priority for me that we give strong consideration to our City’s financial situation and potential liability, and the degree to which severing the agreement may discourage any new developers to engage with the City on the Junction. Yet, there is also a clear loss of trust in NDC and the process used by our City government and City Council on Takoma Junction development efforts. My focus will be to identify a middle pathway.

Q4 What is your vision for the equitable and inclusive use of the public land at Takoma Junction now, given what we have learned about the constraints of that space in terms of traffic, open space needs, safety, and support of existing and planned local businesses?

Although the public land belongs to the City, I think it is reasonable to view the Coop, the adjoining business, and the public land as being interdependent, and the Coop as a legacy business that is vital to sustain. Yet the public land belongs to all of Takoma’s residents, and sits at a major City junction. We must give voice to how the space can be optimized for maximum public good for the whole City, while doing our best to meet local needs in the immediate vicinity and sustain the Coop.

Yes, I think this is important. If the City cuts some services altogether or in any significant form, then the City must have a mandate from its residents and an understanding of shared values across the City. However any survey would need to be done carefully so as to maximize participation, and ensure that our collective preferences are indeed accurately measured.

I think the City has not yet responded adequately to the climate emergency. While I am pleased that we already have an ambitious 2035 target for mitigation, I believe resilience efforts should be a higher priority. I would begin with win-win goals for resilience, equity and mitigation, that are best buys, such as native tree plantings near pedestrian areas, green recreational space near high density housing, and emergency cooling and heating plans for residents.

I would like to see the budget process become more transparent. At the same time, I am keenly aware that this will require substantial resources from the City, including significant additional staff time. I feel certain that if the City Council is collaborative with staff in exploring how this can be achieved, there are modifications that can be made to help residents feel more informed yet remain cognizant of this essential consideration.

I think that having a “racial equity consideration” process on Council agenda items is not entirely without merit. It has been my experience in institutions and government agencies that are seeking to address structural racism that taking the first steps towards compulsory reflection is absolutely essential, as is collating basic data. But to achieve greater participation and inclusion, and address structural racism will require us to engage in in depth, extensive dialogue on how to proceed.

I believe strongly in rent stabilization in Takoma Park. It is vital for nourishing the greater equity that the City and surrounding areas need. As the Purple Line is finalized, it is essential to reap equity benefits. But Takoma Park needs to do better at ensuring that the County helps us keep buildings up to code and livable. I would also advocate for more mixed housing that motivates developers to modernize and provides middle income spaces that bring everyone up, including on the WAH site.

Yared Tebabu (Ward 5)

Did not submit responses.

Ward 6

Ambroise Agosse (Ward 6)

Yes, I agree that the city promptly ends the agreement to let Neighborhood Development Company (NDC ) rent the lot because: first, the city density sounds already too high to handle that NDC project. Second, the NDC project Transferable Development Rights (TDR) sounds not clear and also the environment impacts study. To rapidly end this, the city must take strong action to communicate and explain to residents the negative actions of that project on residents especially on traffic. We should have residents file petitions, multiply the protests, and if needed get expects to present to Montgomery county how this project could negatively affect residents of Takoma Park.

At this moment, I do not have a clear vision. I will prefer to support the existing for future local business or open space.

Definitely yes. The city should conduct semi-annual survey to determine residents’ needs for government services because everyone or most residents do not have access to the right information. Nowadays, information is the key of life. The city should conduct regular surveys to find out at least each household residents’ needs as they pay extra taxes. Montgomery county versus other counties, I think Montgomery county does its part and only our city Takoma Park needs to do something additional as they collect extra housing taxes.

For the city that collect extra taxes on housing, I do not think they have responded adequately to the climate emergency. Stronger action is needed. For instance, the city can offer free or reduced price permeable driveways to residents as well as to build or renew existing sidewalks with the water retention best management practices. There are so many best management practices that we can develop–protect existing trees, then plant new trees everywhere.

The current budget process needs to be more transparent. Compared to other cities’ budgets, our city budget is not transparent. To me, the city council should do more or have the office staff do more to offer extra services to residents as they collect extra housing taxes. They are so many small things that we can do to significantly impact our residents making people happy to come live in our city. We cannot continuously collect extra taxes from residents while we are not offering significant services that impact their life. The police services, library, and … are not enough to justify the extra housing taxes that we pay.

At this point and to me, information is the key. We need to have stronger action on communication. Website and newspaper letter are not enough to have people informed. We need to reinforce communication on target group. Information is the key.

Yes, I will do as our population is not growing. We need to work to make sure everyone has place to live in our city even low-income since everyone is needed for sustainable development. Only rich people can not develop the city. Everyone is needed so, rent stabilization program protection is important. We need to offer more service to residents than try to displace low-income.

Raju Charles (Ward 6)

Did not submit responses

Mike Moore (Ward 6)

I’m not opposed to modest commercial development at the Junction, possibly incorporating a residential component. However, the divisive debate surrounding the NDC project has so poisoned the well that I suspect nothing less than going back to square one has any chance of achieving a measure of consensus. As one of the mayoral candidates has persuasively argued, the city should strongly consider putting the entire situation on the back burner while we focus on a new rec center on NH Ave.

I don’t personally have a vision as to the ultimate fate of the Junction, but I have an open mind with regard to creative solutions that achieve significant consensus.

Absolutely. I’ve long felt that such a survey would be invaluable. Unless we find some way to substantially raise city revenues via creative development, sooner or later were going to be compelled to engage in a wholesale reevaluation of what we can continue to provide residents as opposed to turning to the county.

Climate change is the overarching existential threat to the future of humanity, so we–and every other governmental and business entity–should be doing everything possible reduce our carbon footprint. I’m no expert, so I won’t presume to make macro suggestions without becoming much more familiar with the city’s current measures. I will say, however, that on a small scale I plan to push for vastly improved bicycle infrastructure, with a particular focus on the NH Ave. corridor.

Yes, I definitely believe the municipal budget process needs to be far more transparent to residents. And as some residents have suggested, any new program that calls for increases in staffing and/or funding should trigger a hard look at cost-cutting—and potentially cuts in existing services—in other areas. We cannot continue to be what we consider ourselves—a paragon of economic and ethnic diversity—if we cannot sufficiently discipline ourselves to remain affordable for residents.

I don’t feel qualified at this time to comment on the specific equity considerations that are presumably baked into council initiatives. However, we certainly need to do everything feasible to ensure equity and inclusion of marginalized groups. Furthermore, as the parent of an autistic adult who has experienced the many challenges that face the neuroatypical population among us, I know we need to ensure that this extends to everyone who too often faces barriers to self-advocacy.

I fully support rent stabilization and strongly support the city’s efforts to avert displacement of low-income residents and to ensure safe and healthful living for renters. I admit I’m not yet up to speed on the particular push for affordable housing on the hospital and school sites, but I’m open to the prospect of pushing for such projects.

Jason Small (Ward 6)

If there are no contracts in breach it will require a court action to stay a legitmate process.

If there is an open RFP (Request for Proposals) process that includes the public and private interests then my Professional opinion is that this can be done. I have successfully worked on these issues.

I think community surveys are a active part of good government. The home rule statute and its adjudication make so many of them crystal clear. I think duplication of services does not occur in practice, and that makes for bad government. This should be a regular normalized process. It is not the same thing to live in a municipality as it is the county. Home rule should mean cooperation.

I think that resilience and sustainability go hand in hand, and that best practivces should be encouraged. The increasing rate of weather instability increases the need for real consistent priorization of these issues.

I think we should do everthing to adehere to the constant yield rate during a recession. If you want a a level of engagement on issue based policy then you havew to have staff. I do think the lack of real communication with town staff makes unreasonable tension on both sides. I have seen the opposite of this in Price George’s county. I would rather have an engaged staff rather than a large one.

I think that most of the activities of this town are alienating on the basis of race and economics. I apppreciate the articulated need for it. I think there is not enough room to answer why. I think there are voices that do not particpate, and there is an obliviousness to the lives of pluralistic communities.

Yes. Its classist and racist to do otherwise. I believe in the unarticulated values that non partisan public policy shows to the world. I do not think these values should be a distant memory. Best practices are discoverable about anything.

CVT Endorses Jarrett Smith for Mayor

Community Vision for Takoma (CVT) is endorsing longtime City Councilman Jarrett Smith to be the next Mayor of Takoma Park. The City election will be Tuesday, November 8th.

After considering the public records of all three candidates, including our observations over many years attending City Council meetings, and the responses on the CVT candidate questionnaires (see below), Jarrett Smith is our clear choice for Mayor.

If you wish to learn more about Jarrett, or support his candidacy, go to smithfortakomapark.com.

Jarrett has been the moral compass of the Council for the past ten years, often bravely voting in the minority to stand up for what’s right. Notably, he was one of only two Councilmembers, with Peter Kovar, to vote in 2018 against sending the unsafe and deeply-flawed Junction plan on to the County for approval. And he was the only Councilmember to join over 100 residents in a letter pointing out the racial equity implications of the proposed Junction plan.

Jarrett has pushed back against increasing taxes and the expanding budget, and against doubling the pandemic relief funds used to pay for library project cost overruns, and he has taken a righteous stance on many other issues. He has worked with quiet dignity for many years for the residents of his ward, while also engaging deeply with issues affecting all wards of the city. His many accomplishments include helping to found Lunch and Learn (a program supporting disadvantaged students with food and tutoring), and spearheading the successful Flower Avenue Green Street project. He also introduced the first City resolution on racial equity.

Jarrett has the most extensive leadership experience. He has served on the Council the longest (10 years) of any of the three candidates, having been elected for five consecutive terms by his constituents. He has also served as a leader in the county and state Municipal Leagues with elected officials from other cities. He is currently completing a Masters in Public Administration from UPenn.

Like half of all City residents, Jarrett Smith is a renter, and knows firsthand the challenges renters face. He served two terms as Chair of the Takoma Park Commission on Landlord Tenant Affairs (COLTA) before running for Council. He is a staunch advocate for protecting our rent-stabilized apartment stock, and for expanding affordable housing.

We encourage you to listen to all the speeches at the City’s Nominating Caucus last week. Residents stood up (starting at 1:45:00 on the video) to extol Jarrett Smith’s breadth and depth of knowledge, his nationwide network, his support for low-income residents and children and renters, his commitment to fiscal responsibility, his dedication to listening, and his many achievements.

We also encourage you to read the questionnaire responses below. Keep in mind that the two sitting Councilmembers are prohibited (we presume by the City Attorney) from saying anything about the on-going lease of our public land at Takoma Junction. It appears that Seth Grimes would keep the door open to a new plan from the same developer (NDC). And a reminder that even after the City Council voted unanimously to disapprove the Junction plan, Seth Grimes went to the Planning Board and urged them to approve it (at minute 2:31:30).

Jarrett Smith, Questionnaire Responses

Q1 What is your position on how the City should proceed to the the impasse at Takoma Junction? Do you agree that the City must promptly end the current agreement to let NDC rent the lot? Why or why not?

As a sitting councilmember, I am limited in what I can say about NDC due to legal concerns. I can say that the Council is evaluating all of its options.

We have learned that use of this space must be a consensus. We need to host gatherings open to the entire community, and lead discussions to explore the endless possibilities at Takoma Junction, a prime location with so much potential. Together, I believe we could plan a destination for residents from all over our county, DC, and Prince Georges County. With a talented reputable nonprofit developer and a forward-thinking city like ours, we could build something unique. The process Public Works used for consensus on the Flower Avenue Green Street project should be used at Takoma Junction.

Yes, I think residents should be surveyed on all the services that the city of Takoma Park currently provides. This will give everyone an opportunity to be heard. This type of survey would serve to document what our residents want and allow us to measure every offering from a financial perspective. On my watch, Takoma Park will operate in a fiscally responsible manner while delivering the services that have been prioritized by our very own city’s residents.

The climate crisis is facing the entire globe. But we are a resilient city and forward-thinking when faced with challenges, and we must continue to lead and innovate in addressing climate change. We must continue our weatherize program and seek additional federal tax credits and grant programs for home energy efficiency. At every opportunity, the city must communicate ways to employ energy-efficient appliances, fuel-efficient or electric cars, solar panels, reduce wastewater, compost, recycle. And I have supported solutions to the stormwater threat, a byproduct of climate change, for years.

Q5 What is your view of the current budget process? Do you agree that the budget process needs to become more transparent? Do you feel the City Council should do more to curb the continuous growth of staff and spending, given that the City population is not growing. Why or why not?

Our new City Manager has made the budget process more transparent, and the budgeting process much more rigorous, to allow for more scrutiny for each budget line item. As Mayor, during our budget planning cycle I will convene a budget committee with representation from residents, councilmembers, and representatives of our unions to ensure there is adequate participation. This committee will be responsible for a cost-benefit analysis to justify every city expenditure. We will budget as necessary to continue to ensure the services provided are based on city priorities it can afford.

Q6 Do you agree that the current “racial equity considerations” process on Council agenda items is ineffectual? What would you propose to create a more participatory and inclusive process to involve residents in City governance. What new steps should the City take to address structural racism?

Racial equity is one of the most important policy issues for Takoma Park, as and for the rest of the world. I would like to see our council and residents start at the beginning in preparing a strategy towards racial equity. This strategy would incorporate nationwide data to ensure we are taking a bottom-up approach and using the most comprehensive data to make decisions. As Mayor, any steps we take together to address racial equity as a city will be based on real and true information. These steps will be transparent, and they will be measured, so that we can truly begin dismantling structural racism.

Q7 Takoma Park has the greatest density of truly affordable housing in the county and is the only rent stabilization program. Would you work to do everything you can to protect this rent stabilization, prevent the displacement of low-income communities, and ensure that housing for home renters is safe and up to code? Would you advocate for creating more truly affordable housing at the Washington Adventist Hospital site, and the Washington-McLaughlin School site? Why or why not?

Rent stabilization is part of our city’s character; we have maintained this city amenity for many years. But affordable housing is a Nationwide issue. I am committed to ensuring that this is a smart growth city, and will pursue additional senior and affordable multifamily housing. The former hospital and school properties are great locations to begin planning town homes, apartment buildings, electric car charging stations, restaurants, and shopping, green streets, etc. I would immediately put two site exploratory committees in place to begin a process for these opportunities.

Talisha Searcy, Questionnaire Responses

Given that I am currently on Council, I am limited in what I can say regarding NDC due to legal concerns. However, I can say that we are reviewing all options.

Again, given that I am currently on Council, I am limited in what I can say due to legal concerns.

We’ve learned from a number of community engagement activities in the City that a survey is not the best approach to solicit feedback from our diverse resident population. The City could conduct surveys, focus groups, and canvas multi-family building to understand what residents’ needs are. Special attention should be given to engaging residents in our multi-family buildings and immigrant populations. This information can be used to determine who should provide the service.

I think the City is addressing the climate emergency. The City has projects that address the 2020 Climate Emergency Response Framework Resolution. The City used ARPA funds to make building upgrades. ARPA funds supported an apartment complex renovation to meet Green Enterprise Community standards. The City’s Library renovation will be LEED Gold. More work is needed on transportation. The City should maintain its targets/goals but we need to implement approaches.

I think that the budget process can be more transparent. I am in favor of having a resident committee to provide feedback on budgeting process and ways to increase clarity in how the budget is presented and identify ways to increase resident engagement on the budget.

I don’t think our “racial equity considerations” statements are sufficient. We have to consider equity first and not an afterthought. That means continuing to modify our community engagement approach. While on Council, I worked to transform our committee process and offer incentives to participation. Regarding structural racism, I think the City must continue to address recommendations from its public safety task force.

I believe in rent stabilization as a vital tool to help maintain affordability in the City. However, it is important that the City also have funds available to support and advance the quality of housing in the City. The City has a housing shortage across the income spectrum. As we learned from the our recent briefing on the Takoma Park minor master plan, all types of housing is needed and I would support housing at the Washington Adventist Hospital and Washington-McLaughlin School sites.

Seth Grimes, Questionnaire

Takoma Park should negotiate termination of NDC’s lease, absent a new development proposal acceptable to the city, the Planning Board, and other authorities. However neither NDC nor the city has lived up to contractual commitments. The city may be legally vulnerable and precipitous action to terminate NDC’s ground lease could be counterproductive. An NDC lawsuit would be expensive for the city and could prompt NDC action that would harm the TPSS Co-op. Let’s proceed carefully.

My responsibility as mayor will be to marshall a process that reelicits the range of community views and visions and organizes and distills them into an action plan. It will also be to improve larger junction conditions — to boost pedestrian, bicyclist, and road safety; to see to health of junction businesses, to make the junction an attractive destination — regardless what happens on the city-owned lot, and to promote business district vitality.

My work on the Takoma Park-Montgomery County service-duplication issue dates back almost 20 years! I served on the leadership team of the city Tax and Services Duplication Issues (TASDI) Committee, which solicited residents’ views on services that the city could turn over to the county and evaluated options. It’s a complicated matter involving many trade-offs. I’m open to being convinced that a service-duplication survey should be a priority now.

The city would — shockingly — rely on offsets, “which at current GHG emissions levels would cost at minimum about $757,000 per year,” to reach net zero by 2035. This is a total cop-out. We must do better and take strong action on stormwater, fleet conversion, tree-canopy expansion, and construction. Public space planning is work in progress. Community involvement is key, with strong equity, representation, and inclusion criteria and changes and targets based on community and expert input.

Takoma Park’s budget process is backward. As mayor, I will turn it around with extensive up-front public-council-staff discussion of programs and services that will guide the city manager’s budget drafting. We should curb staff and spending growth and seek cuts based on a data-informed strategy. See, for instance, my 2020 article that notes crime trends down over 10 years, from 739 crimes in 2008 to 483 in 2019, unaffected by police understaffing. Cuts should possible.

My impression is that the city’s racial-equity evaluations are pro-forma, shallow, and often incomplete. Certainly they require more effort and then serious consideration of their determinations. I worked on inclusive processes during my council services. For an analysis, with points that still ring true, see my 2012 Race and Representation in Takoma Park, https://bit.ly/3eLdCPF. Regarding structural racism: I will advance discussion of various forms of reparations.

I value and support and will defend Takoma Park’s rent stabilization while working to ensure that our city’s rental housing is safe and up to code. We do risk displacement, nonetheless, in part because a broad housing shortfall most seriously affects lower-income individuals and families. I not only would — I HAVE advocated creation of housing including affordable housing at multiple city sites and invite readers to visit sethgrimes.org/devlinks.

County Council District 4 Candidate Forum (With Recording)

Community Vision for Takoma hosted a Montgomery County Council District 4 Candidates Forum, on Zoom, on Tuesday May 17th. (You can now watch the recording below). All five Democratic candidates participated:

Al Carr, Amy Ginsburg, Troy Murtha, Kate Stewart, John Zittrauer

The Forum streamed on Facebook Live and you can watch the recording here:

https://www.facebook.com/CommunityVisionForTakoma/videos/388224233318123

The new Montgomery County Council District 4 includes Takoma Park, downtown Silver Spring, Kensington, Garrett Park, and North Bethesda.

Not sure if you live in the new District 4? Here’s the new map: https://tinyurl.com/yckj3ab9

Voting in the Primaries:

June 28, 2022 | Last Day to Register to Vote
July 7 – July 14, 2022 | Early Voting at select polling places
July 12, 2022 | Last Day to Request a Mail-in Ballot
July 19, 2022 | Primary Election Day

Please share the recorded Forum with friends, neighbors, and local listservs.

Community Vision for Takoma Endorses Marc Elrich

Community Vision for Takoma (CVT) is endorsing Marc Elrich for County Executive. The decision was made by a vote of CVT organizers after considering the record, the candidates, and the CVT questionnaire responses.

Marc has done an exceptional job as the County Executive, steering Montgomery County through the pandemic and managing the County’s budget during a national crisis. Despite these challenging times, he has already taken numerous effective actions to address the climate emergency, the need for more affordable housing, and the legacy of structural racism.

Marc is already at work on preserving, improving, and growing our affordable housing stock for people with low and moderate incomes. He has proven his dedication to supporting working people, local businesses, and unions. He has proven his dedication to reducing our use of fossil fuels and our greenhouse gas emissions, and ensuring that racial justice is part of our climate response. He is a champion of the agricultural reserve, opposes beltway widening, and has been a leader for decades on ecosystem protection.

Marc’s experiences as a local public school teacher, a TPSS Co-op Board member, a tenant organizer, a Takoma Park City Councilmember, and a County Councilmember, give him a particularly broad and deep understanding of the needs in our County, and how to address them. Marc’s responses to our questionnaire document how his accomplishments and plans on climate resilience, transportation, housing, and racial equity, make him by far the best candidate for County Executive.

Community Vision for Takoma is an informal network of more than 1,000 Takoma Park residents and nearby neighbors.