By Adam Pagnucco.
There was a time when county council members generally frowned on colleagues who urged residents to lobby them. It was thought to be an impolite practice and was privately discouraged. (I found out about this when I worked there!)
But that tradition is coming to an end. Witness the video by Council Member Will Jawando, made in his council office, asking residents to oppose legislation providing a “giveaway” to developers. And now Council Member Andrew Friedson has sent out a blast email urging residents to testify on County Executive Marc Elrich’s proposed property tax increase, which Friedson opposes.
Personally, I’m happy to see this tradition decline. Let the council members – and the executive – inform the public about what’s going on and invite them to join in. It’s our government. We pay for it. We should know what the politicians are doing and we should speak up when we are so inclined.
Friedson’s statement to residents, sent out from his council office, is reprinted below.
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Subject Line: Weigh In on Property Tax
Dear neighbor,
I have heard from many residents about the property tax increase proposed by the County Executive in his Fiscal Year 2026 Recommended Operating Budget—and I hear your concerns loud and clear. This proposal comes at a time when many families are already feeling squeezed by the rising cost of living. That’s why I want to make sure you know about an upcoming opportunity to share your thoughts directly with the Council. A public hearing on the proposed property tax increase will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22 in the Council Hearing Room at the Council Office Building in Rockville.
Throughout my time on the County Council—including my service last year as Council President—I’ve remained focused on making Montgomery County more affordable for working families, seniors, and young people trying to get their start. Property tax assessments have increased by 29 to 40 percent over the last seven years, and Montgomery County is already generating more revenue from taxpayers. We need to fund our priorities—our schools, public safety, transportation, and libraries—without driving up housing costs and placing additional burdens on our residents.
As you may know, I’ve shared my opposition to the County Executive’s proposal. I’ve consistently voted against property tax increases, and I will continue to oppose raising the tax burden on Montgomery County families. If you’d like to make your voice heard, you can sign up to testify at the public hearing by 2:00 p.m. on Monday, April 21. Your participation matters—let’s work together to keep Montgomery County affordable for all.
Sincerely,
Andrew Friedson
Councilmember, District 1
Montgomery County Council