Mayor – Community Vision for Takoma

Community Vision for Takoma 2026 City Council Endorsements

Community Vision for Takoma 2026 City Council Endorsements for Takoma Park city elections.

Community Vision for Takoma (CVT) is endorsing the following 2026 candidates for Takoma Park City Mayor and Council. (You can read their responses to the CVT questionnaire HERE). Thank you to all who participated in the questionnaire process, and to all the candidates for their willingness to serve.

Mayor, Tom Gagliardo. Tom is a highly qualified candidate with extensive experience in City affairs, including serving as the City Attorney, and a longtime tenant advocate. He intends to protect our strong rent stabilization, address the rapid rise in property tax, support two-year Council terms, and create more transparency, accountability, and responsiveness in City government.
Ward 1, Doug Glynn. Doug teaches Spanish at the university level, is married to a Latina immigrant, and has an advanced degree in intercultural communication. As such, he brings important skills to serve our diverse community. And, he supports two-year terms, and is aligned with CVT positions on protecting strong rent stabilization, and addressing rising property taxes.
Ward 2, Suzy Stimler. Suzy brings extensive experience working with the City’s substantial immigrant population, and on environmental issues. At a time when ICE detentions are surging locally, she suggests specific ways the City could expand efforts to serve and protect immigrant residents. She is a strong advocate for two-year terms, and she is aligned with CVT positions on protecting strong rent stabilization, and addressing rising property taxes.
Ward 3, Tom Wallack. Tom is unopposed in this race. He is new to City engagement, but his questionnaire responses defend our strong rent stabilization, address rising property taxes, and support two-year terms.
Ward 6, Ambroise Agosse. Ambroise is a small business owner in Ward 6, and had nominations in English, French, and Spanish. The French-speaking nominator said Ambroise would be the voice for those without a voice. We don’t believe the City has ever had an African immigrant (a substantial City population) on the Council. And also, Ambroise supports two-year terms and is aligned with CVT positions on protecting strong rent stabilization, and addressing rising property taxes.

Don’t forget to vote in BOTH elections!

On Nov 3rd, there are two separate elections, with two separate ballots, in two separate polling places. The City election is separate from the County/State election.

City ballots should be arriving this week in the mail.

There are THREE ways to return your CITY ballot:

You can mail your ballot if it is postmarked by Nov 3rd (make sure it is postmarked, not just dropped in a mailbox that day). BUT given postal service issues, the City recommends mailing it by October 30th.
OR, put your ballot in the yellow CITY drop-box in front of the library (7500 Maple Ave) or at the NH Rec Center, by 8pm on Nov 3rd.
OR, vote in person on Nov 3rd at 7500 Maple Ave, from 7am to 8pm. Did not get a ballot in the mail? Bring photo ID and proof of residency.

Who can vote in the City election?

You can register to vote in the City election if you are 16 years old or older, even if you are not a U.S. citizen, as long as you are a resident.
You may register to vote in the City of Takoma Park on any day, up to and including the day of the election (with photo ID and proof of residency).
Questions? Contact City Clerk Jessie Carpenter, 301-891-7267 or clerk@takomaparkmd.gov.

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 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 2026 Election Candidate Questionnaire

Responses to the 2026 Takoma Park City Election Candidate Questionnaire

Below are the responses of the seven candidates in the 2026 City of Takoma Park elections who submitted answers to our questionnaire and agreed to participate.*

Name and Office For Which You are Running. (Campaign websites linked to names).

Tom Gagliardo, Mayor

Doug Glynn, City Council Ward 1

Jim Della-Giacoma, City Council Ward 2

Suzy Stimler, City Council Ward 2

Tom Wallack, City Council Ward 3

Kurt Gilbert, City Council Ward 4

Ambroise Agosse, City Council Ward 6

2. Do you think Takoma Park’s rent stabilization law needs to be changed, and if so, what changes do you support and why?

Gagliardo, Mayor:
I would not change the provision allowing rent increases up to the rate of inflation. The Incumbent hasn’t demonstrated a need to change that provision or to extend the five-year exemption in order to align City law with County law. I would add a provision to prohibit a rent increase of any size when there are significant code violations.

Glynn, Ward 1: No. The rent stabilization law seems to be working well. Initiatives to align Takoma Park with County laws would not benefit our residents as it could potentially double the permissible annual rent increase. Landlords have the opportunity to file a petition in certain cases to increase rents. I believe maintaining our current law does not stifle construction or development.

Della-Giacoma, Ward 2: The law does not need to be changed but its implementation can be improved with better education for renters about their rights. The city can continue to help residents to organize and better represent their interests to owners. Landlords need more education about their responsibilities and options under the existing law and help to fund building maintenance and rehabilitation to ensure that renters not only have access to stable and affordable housing but it is of good quality.

Stimler, Ward 2: I support the preservation of Takoma Park’s rent stabilization law. It has served us effectively since 1981, and the vibrant, racially and socio-economically diverse community we love and cherish is its result. Depending on the RSG study results, I would consider changing the exemptions for deed-restricted buildings, as many have units that are not deed-restricted or subject to rent stabilization, and to capital improvement pathways, to help landlords keep buildings safe and energy efficient.

Wallack, Ward 3: I feel that Takoma Park should continue to lead on rent stabilization, rather than simply defer to the County to set a uniform policy. Takoma Park is special, and in all my conversations with residents on this topic, people want to ensure Takoma Park remains affordable for current and future renters. My belief is that the best way to do that is to keep our rent stabilization law as it is.

Gilbert, Ward 4: Takoma Park’s Rent Stabilization Law has been a saving grace for our residents for many years. I like that we are exploring ways to improve the law. Aging of some of our buildings has created opportunities for low income housing developers to opt out of our law and use the county guidelines. This allows for higher increases in some of those occasions due to the type of lending. I am not certain that our laws can be changed to restrict that opt out, but would welcome that idea.

Agosse, Ward 6: I support maintaining rent stabilization. It provides important protection for renters and helps prevent displacement. I am open to improvements, but any changes must include strong safeguards and should not weaken protections for residents with limited or fixed incomes.

3. What is your vision for the scale and type of development in our City in order to best serve our community?

Gagliardo, Mayor: Building affordable housing is the priority. The availability of land on Hospital Hill is an opportunity for the entire community to work with Adventist Health Care and Washington Adventist University to foster development of affordable, missing middle and market rate housing compatible with surrounding neighborhoods.

Glynn, Ward 1: I believe Takoma Park needs development that is commensurate with the size of the city given that space is very limited. Hospital Hill is the most eminent space to be developed, which I support as long as we contemplate the needs of a variety of people with different economic possibilities. Also, we should carefully consider what impacts this may have on surrounding neighborhoods, as well as critically evaluating the negative repercussions of higher population density.

Della-Giacoma, Ward 2: We should support quality partners to increase housing choice. This includes MHP plans to rebuild Edinburgh House and those by the Grace Methodist Church for senior housing. In the medium term, the Washington Adventist University has an ambitious vision for a mixed use development with significant affordable housing. This large site has great potential and Takoma Park residents should see this as an opportunity to achieve a net gain in affordable housing of good quality.

Stimler, Ward 2:
I support development that creates employment for local residents, diversifies the local economy, and is environmentally sustainable. I support the use of local and state resources to expand deeply affordable housing, catalyze “missing middle” opportunities, and ensure stable, affordable housing for seniors. I am committed to protecting our rent stabilization law. I believe that creating new residential choices must be supported by new retail businesses within walking and biking distance.

Wallack, Ward 3: I think people move to Takoma Park because it is Takoma Park – a unique, progressive, livable community. To me, this means lots of green space, (relatively) affordable housing options, and a feeling of community in our neighborhoods. We need to preserve our affordable housing stock and work to ensure a range of housing options that can accommodate current and future residents at various income levels and housing needs (i.e., seniors, families, multi-generational households).

Gilbert, Ward 4:
I would love to see more affordable housing and economic development in our city. So long as our infastructure can adequately support such development and does not adversely impact our environment.

Agosse, Ward 6: My vision is development that creates opportunities while respecting our neighborhoods. The City should better promote existing resources, support local businesses, attract responsible investment, and partner with employers to create jobs. I also support local job fairs connecting residents directly with employers.

4. Increasing property taxes to pay for bigger City budgets is making it harder for some homeowners and renters to remain in our community. What changes will you support to address this issue?

Gagliardo, Mayor:
Spending needs to be focused on community needs. Property tax relief needs to be income-related allowing neighbors on fixed incomes to stay in their homes. I would eliminate the requirement to live in a residence for a lengthy period. This would allow older residents to downsize and remain eligible for tax relief. The Council needs to instruct the City Manager to start identifying cost savings now.

Glynn, Ward 1:
A first step would be to request that the City manager identify cost-saving possibilities and prioritize these as new initiatives. The City needs a more realistic vision for capital projects so they do not run grossly overbudget. I support property tax relief for our neighbors on fixed incomes.

Della-Giacoma, Ward 2: I have heard concerns about taxes. The city cut the tax rate in the last budget, and county increases and rising state assessments were a major factor in rising tax bills this year. The FY2028 budget will be challenging to manage with new multi-year union agreements, high inflation, rising costs, and record diesel prices. I will aim to keep the property tax rate level or less. Last year, the city expanded tax relief for homeowners on fixed incomes.

Stimler, Ward 2: I support a cost-benefit analysis of current City services and programs, especially those we duplicate. For example, Takoma Park is the only municipality in Montgomery County with a full-service police department; policing is 31% of our FY27 budget. Rockville and Gaithersburg serve as models of keeping operations while transferring investigative services to the County. If we fail to find areas of cost savings, the result will be a maintenance of effort budget that continues to outpace inflation.

Wallack, Ward 3: I believe we have to minimize future property tax increases and mitigate the impacts of past increases on residents. This requires a few different things. First and most importantly, we need to be willing to make hard choices on the budget. Second, we need to look to diversify our revenues sources. Third, we need to ensure eligible residents are taking advantage of the expanded tax rebate program the Council approved earlier this year.

Gilbert, Ward 4: I do not support increasing property taxes in order to pay for bigger city budgets.

Agosse, Ward 6: Property taxes support essential services, but continued increases can burden homeowners and renters. I support slowing tax increases by carefully reviewing City spending, eliminating unnecessary expenses, improving efficiency, and diversifying revenue through grants, partnerships, economic development, and other sources.

5. What is your position on two-year versus four-year terms for City Councilmembers, including whether that decision should be voted on by residents or be approved by a simple majority vote of the Council?

Gagliardo, Mayor: I oppose four-year terms. Any change of this magnitude should only be done by referendum. I have proposed to the current Mayor and City Council and District 20 delegation to amend state law to make referendums achievable. Current law makes it practically impossible.

Glynn, Ward 1: I support maintaining two-year terms since this has been the system our city government has used for decades. Allowing for fresh, innovative ideas to come forward via new candidates is a crucial element in our democracy. Another vital part of our democracy is for members of the community to have a voice in these decisions, and their vote serves as their voice.

Della-Giacoma, Ward 2: I would like more information on two- vs. four-year terms. The real question is whether we have the right balance between accountability and effective governing in a small city. Our Charter already strikes that balance: Council can act by majority vote, but residents can petition any change to referendum. That built-in check means voters, not just Council, always have the final say.

Stimler, Ward 2: I am a strong advocate of keeping two year terms for City Council to maintain accountability and to give all of our 16 and 17 year olds the opportunity to cast their Youth Vote. In addition, I believe significant changes to the City Charter and to how we practice participatory democracy in Takoma Park should be brought to the people in an advisory referendum, as we did in 2017 when moving elections from odd to even years.

Wallack, Ward 3:
I strongly believe terms should stay at two years. As to the process question, the City Charter lays out two options for amendments, which this would be. Those options are via a vote by the Council (with a required notice and input period) or resident petition (and then either Council adoption or a voter referendum). I am open to learning more from residents about why the amendment process should be changed for terms of office or any other particular measure.

Gilbert, Ward 4: I do not take strong exception to either method. Our ward representatives should be listening to their residents and making decisions based on what they feel is a general consensus, coupled with their individual beliefs. We could also add the question to a vote in the forthcoming election.

Agosse, Ward 6:
I support keeping two-year terms and believe residents should have a direct voice in any change. Two-year terms provide frequent opportunities for voters to evaluate their representatives and help keep elected officials accountable and connected to the community. Leadership requires continuous engagement with residents.

6. How would you promote the meaningful participation of a wide range of residents in Council decision-making? And, what is your position on the public being allowed to clap and hold signs at City Council meetings?

Gagliardo, Mayor: I encourage and embrace public input. Important issues should be explained in the City Newsletter and website, so people can think about proposed changes and decide what they want to say. I would hold interactive public hearings, akin to hearings in the Maryland General Assembly and Congress. Hearings would be held at times convenient to the public, not late on the agenda of Council meetings. And I believe the public should be able to clap and hold signs.

Glynn, Ward 1: Ways to promote meaningful participation include allowing residents more than three minutes, and to two-way discussions. I feel that if members of the public would like to clap in support of other speakers, this is perfectly acceptable and a normal part of public interactions, as is holding up signs during meetings, so long as they do not interfere with other individual’s ability to see.

Della-Giacoma, Ward 2:
I would engage residents via email lists, neighborhood meetings, social media, walk-and-talks, and use city committees to convene topical presentations, such as the Emergency Preparedness Committee’s webinar on Sligo Creek flooding. The Council has adopted Robert’s Rules of Order as the recognized authority on meeting procedure, which says in Section 61:8 that “all persons present at a meeting have an obligation to obey the legitimate orders of the president officer (i.e. the mayor).”

Stimler, Ward 2: The Council needs to make opportunities for resident engagement easy and convenient. This includes holding Council meetings in locations outside the Community Center and providing multi-language materials and translation services. I celebrate public participation in City Council meetings and have no problem with clapping or signs provided that clapping does not impede residents’ 3 minutes to speak and signs are small enough that they do not encroach on others’ physical space or sight lines.

Wallack, Ward 3:
We are a small town with many smart and passionate people. I think there could be greater community engagement in the discussion of issues before the Council and the Council should explore ways to facilitate this. I think people should be able to clap in support of comments and hold signs at Council meetings.

Gilbert, Ward 4: I encourage residents to come to meetings and speak on whatever topic concerns them. I feel that the 3 minute time frame is adequate and 5 minutes can be requested. I think that should be the only time for us to express our personal views during council meetings. There are certainly other city platforms of which to be heard. Clapping, booing and holding signs are unnecesary distractions.

Agosse, Ward 6:
I support clapping and signs at Council meetings as it makes the meeting active. I also support multilingual outreach, neighborhood meetings, and accessible online and in-person participation so immigrants, seniors, renters, and residents with limited incomes have meaningful voices in City decisions.

7. Does the City do enough to protect the nearly one-third of Takoma Park residents who are immigrants and, if not, what further steps should the City take to do so?

Gagliardo, Mayor: No. Where are the visible signs of resistance to ICE’s cruelty? Rather than fear the cost of speaking out, we need to realize the cost of remaining silent. I will work closely with Montgomery Count IRC, Community Safety Network, We Are Casa and Blair Unida.

Glynn, Ward 1: My wife is an immigrant from Mexico who was granted citizenship just over a year ago, so this is a topic I take very seriously. I believe the City has every intention to protect our immigrant residents, however, the City could also make its resistance to ICE more visible. This may be achieved by published statements on the City’s website, articles in the Newsletter and by fostering peaceful protests within City limits that speak out against aggressions towards immigrants.

Della-Giacoma, Ward 2: We don’t, and we should not, allow our police to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. We do this as a long-standing principle as a welcoming city, but also for very practical reasons, as this would undermine the very trust with people in our communities that our police need to help keep us all safe. The city is doing more than many realize to use our taxes for grants for community organizations supporting immigrants and the most vulnerable, and this should continue.

Stimler, Ward 2: FY27’s $93,500 in Community Quality of Life grants to local groups supporting immigrant residents impacted by federal immigration enforcement is a step in the right direction, but it is not enough. The City must codify that ICE cannot use City property for civil immigration enforcement, cover immigration enforcement in the newsletter and online, offer know-your-rights and bystander training, and hold standby guardianship, second key, and passport clinics, waiving City passport fees for minors.

Wallack, Ward 3: We have to do more. The lives of our fellow residents are in danger. We should continue to work closely with the community groups on the frontlines of protecting immigrant communities to figure out what the city can do to help.

Agosse, Ward 6:
The City can do more to engage and support immigrant residents. I support stronger multilingual outreach and better access to information about jobs, housing, education, City services, and business opportunities. Partnerships with employers and community organizations can also expand job training and employment opportunities.

8. Do you think the City’s commitment to racial equity is effective (please elaborate)?

Gagliardo, Mayor: Much of what the City considers a commitment to racial equity is performative. The refusal of the current Mayor to conduct or support a racial equity study before the Council voted on the Minor Master Plan Amendment was a betrayal of a commitment to racial equity.

Glynn, Ward 1: Although the City has taken some positive steps forward by committing to “decision-making through a racial equity lens” and officially joining GARE, it is unclear as to how effective these initiatives have been. We need more concrete data and real-world examples of its effectiveness to claim it has been implemented successfully. Without these, it remains only symbolic and superficial.

Della-Giacoma, Ward 2: To know whether it is effective or not, we would need to evaluate each aspect of city equity efforts, such as each Racial Equity Impact Statement from council agendas. One case I know where it was effective was the decision to support the Habitat for Humanity house on Garland Ave. This allowed an immigrant family living in a rented apartment on Maple Ave to move into a “missing middle” renovated duplex on our street, without the children moving schools or going far from grandparents and friends.

Stimler, Ward 2:
The goal of the racial equity framework is to ensure that there is no racial disparity in policies, programs, or services provided by the City. Currently, the City Council focuses on whether existing policies, programs, or services discriminate. The focus needs to shift towards an examination of how policies and programs are devised and how services are provided. The City Council must ensure that programs and services are actually used by everyone, without de facto discrimination.

Wallack, Ward 3:
I need to learn more about exactly what all the city is doing to fulfill our commitment to racial equity. I support the goals of the Racial Equity Initiative and believe the Council and City should continue to work diligently to meet them.

Gilbert, Ward 4: We can make some improvements in this regard. Changes to the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Law (TOPL) could help with affordable housing loss and make for more housing opportunities for people of color and immigrants in the future.

Agosse, Ward 6: The City has taken steps toward racial equity, but there is more work to do. We should regularly measure whether our policies and programs are producing meaningful results, identify remaining disparities, listen to affected communities, and ensure all residents have fair access to services, opportunities, and City decision-making.

9. What should the City do to advance meaningful climate change adaptation and resilience, and address biodiversity loss?

Gagliardo, Mayor: The effort to electrify vehicles is praiseworthy, but more is needed. We must assess the possibility of returning storm water management to the County, which has more resources and a more robust response to climate change. Preserving what remains of our tree canopy is essential. I fully support resident environmental groups, Friends of Sligo Creek, Stormwater Solutions, Climate Action Coffee. Their achievements, perspective and proposals need to be incorporated into City programs.

Glynn, Ward 1: First, we must support active resident groups that are doing very important work. Next, place more emphasis on electrifying the fleet of City vehicles to reduce our carbon footprint. Investigate and reevaluate what services, such as storm water management, the County can more effectively provide than Takoma Park given certain robust systems already in place.

Della-Giacoma, Ward 2: Climate risks include flooding, stormwater management, extreme heat, storms, and drought. The city’s Sustainability and Climate Action plan aims to improve climate resilience. The Sustainability Manager works with the Sustainable Maryland Committee (Green Team), composed of knowledgeable residents. This partnership should be supported. Better infrastructure and planting trees can help with some risks, and improve biodiversity, while preparedness and assistance to residents are needed for others.

Stimler, Ward 2: The City has clear programs and metrics for reducing greenhouse gases emissions and preserving our tree canopy. We need to do more to address heat and biodiversity, developing programs to address urban heat island effects, such as promoting green and cool roofs, and programs to maintain and increase biodiversity, using the City Biodiversity Index (CBI) to evaluate and monitor our progress.

Wallack, Ward 3:
The city should be a central node in coordinating efforts to address the impacts of climate change. This includes conveying information to residents and businesses on what they can do, enhancing resilience through stormwater management, and protecting biodiversity, among other efforts.

Gilbert, Ward 4: Keeping climate change and biodiversity in mind when addressing development and holding develpers accountable in that regard is important. I have seen our staff and residents do just that during conversations about current and forthcoming development projects.

Agosse, Ward 6: I support continuing the City’s environmental work while strengthening climate resilience, particularly stormwater management and flood prevention. We should improve drainage, protect streams and natural areas, maintain our tree canopy, support biodiversity, and prepare neighborhoods for increasingly severe weather.

10. How could the City improve transparency and accountability in the wake of the sexual harassment lawsuit against the City?

Gagliardo, Mayor: Important events and policies needs to be published in the City Newsletter and website. Many records need to be made publicly available without a formal request. I have long called for release of the sexual harassment audit. As with any lawsuit, the public needs to know the truth of what happened and who is responsible. Closed meetings should be the exception. Contrast the Mayor’s response in that case with the County Executive’s response to recent wrongdoing by the County Police Chief.

Glynn, Ward 1: The City should be more responsive to questions that have been asked about the incident. This would also entail releasing the audit. Citizens have a right to know what the Mayor knew and when, why the suit was settled for $1 million and the reason(s) behind not immediately dismissing the offending party from City employment. Publishing this information in the City Newsletter would help regain the trust of citizens and bolster transparency.

Della-Giacoma, Ward 2: Balancing confidentiality against transparency on administrative, legal, and personnel matters is challenging as state law states that for local governments in Maryland, specific matters can be heard in closed session as needed. Using this right judiciously and sparingly is the challenge of all councils. Improving residents’ knowledge of their rights under the Maryland Public Information Act and how to use it could be a practical step to boost transparency and accountability.

Stimler, Ward 2: Transparency starts with the City following all requirements under the Maryland Open Meetings Act not just to the letter of the law, but in the spirit of the law. Meetings should be closed and reports withheld only when absolutely necessary, and any information that can be released should be, even if it must be redacted. Accountability starts with having a clear set of expectations and following through when they are not met. Decisions should be principled, not just “legally justifiable.”

Wallack, Ward 3:
I believe we as residents still deserve more information about this whole situation and greater accountability is still needed. As a member of the Council, I will push for more answers and more information to be shared.

Gilbert, Ward 4:
The city council released a pretty elaborate explanation on the findings of that event after the independent audit of the investigation.

Agosse, Ward 6:
The City should strengthen workplace accountability through regular staff and management training, clear reporting procedures, fair and independent review of complaints, and periodic evaluation of personnel policies. While respecting privacy and due process, the City should communicate clearly about corrective actions and prevention efforts.

*Both Mayoral candidates submitted responses by the original deadline. Candidate Cara Honzak, who had not seen the invitation in time, inquired about whether questionnaire responses were still welcome after the deadline. In the interest of fairness, an extension was offered to her but also to the three other candidates (Shana Fulcher, Kurt Gilbert, Amy Wesolek) who had not submitted questionnaire answers. However, Mayoral candidate Talisha Searcy then withdrew her responses, citing the unfairness of the extension.

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.

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?

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.

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 provided by the County? Why or why not?

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.

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?

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

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?

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.

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?

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.

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 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.

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?

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.

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?

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.