Rob Goldman, a lawyer from Burtonsville, has set up a website and announced his candidacy as a Democrat for the District 4 seat. Goldman’s entry brings the declared candidate total to seven: five Democrats (Ben Kramer, Nancy Navarro, Cary Lamari, Thomas Hardman and Goldman) and two Republicans (Robin Ficker and Lou August). We reproduce Goldman’s announcement below.
Dear friends,
I am pleased to share some terrific news with you. Today, I announce my candidacy for the vacant District 4 seat on the Montgomery County Council. The Democratic Primary to select a successor to the late Don Praisner will be held on April 21, 2009. I am running for this position because I have the real world experience and common sense necessary to meet the needs of the citizens of eastern Montgomery County. I believe that public service is about representing the interests of the entire community, not private interests or self-interest. As such, my goal is to maintain and improve the quality of life all of our citizens expect in Montgomery County, supporting an environment that protects homeowners, encourages businesses to stay open or relocate here, and preserves the high standards of public safety provided by our first responders.
Though our County faces great challenges, we also have an unprecedented opportunity to invigorate Montgomery County. We need to ensure that our neighbors facing foreclosure receive sufficient counseling and financial assistance to prevent losing their homes. We need to reevaluate the allocation of County grant money so that programs that reflect our current needs are properly funded and other outdated programs are eliminated. We need to redirect County resources and finances to ensure a high quality of life for all citizens, including adequately staffed emergency response teams to make our streets and homes safe. We need to provide and promote accessible and meaningful public transportation resources, including the Purple Line, to avoid further congestion caused by an increase in private vehicles on the road and to enable residents to work closer to home. We need to bring “green” businesses to Montgomery County.
Over the next eight weeks, I look forward to meeting with you, hearing your concerns and sharing your hopes and our common vision for the future of District 4 and the County. Please visit this site often, share your comments and participate in a campaign to move Montgomery County forward. If you are able to provide financial support for our campaign, every dollar you contribute makes a difference. If you cannot donate at this time, you can help us by volunteering and by telling your District 4 friends to vote for Robert Goldman on April 21, 2009. For more information on how you can help, you can email the campaign at Goldman4Montgomery@gmail.com or call 443-253-5884.
I look forward to hearing from you and to serving Montgomery County.
With best wishes,
Rob Goldman