From the Montgomery Gazette of April 18, 2012:

"Many teachers in Montgomery County have to live outside of the county and commute long distances because they cannot afford to purchase a house in Montgomery. Driving an hour or more to get to a job is not part of an 'enviable' lifestyle."

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MCTL member Gordie Brenne testified before the County Council on the proposed FY 2013 budget with particular emphasis on the performance of  the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS):

"I urge the Council to direct studies of how these costs can be cut by eliminating inefficient and ineffective programs, and redirecting resources to the kids that need the most help."

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From the Montgomery Gazette of April 11, 2012:

"It appears that our teachers unions define champions of education as those who support the maintenance of effort law….The "champions of education" have chosen to champion education over all other county services. Perhaps they looked to the future and chose to bob for apples.."

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On April 10, 2012, MCTL President Joan Fidler testified before the County Council on their propsed FY 2013 budget:  "The fatally flawed maintenance of effort law has now shown itself for what it truly is – a maintenance of emolument law.  It will continue to increase the salaries and benefits of the adults in the system."

Read her comoplete testimony.

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County Executive Ike Leggett has agreed to return to the Taxpayers League.  On March 15 Mr.  Leggett will present his Recommended Operating Budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1, 2012 to the County Council for its consideration.   The Council must approve an Operating Budget before June 1.  The County Executive and the Council need to know what County programs and services are most important to you and your family – and where County resources ought to go.  Submit Your Comments/Questions/Suggestions to the Executive and the Council.

We will have a separate set of questions for Mr. leggett at our meeting.  Note that the meeting will be held in the 6th floor conference room of the Count y Council Building.

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From the Montgomery Gazette of March 6, 2012:

"Raising the tax rate for Maryland’s millionaires could generate more than $100 million in revenue and would create a more fair tax system, proponents said Tuesday in Annapolis.

"About 85 percent of the tax increase that would be paid by millionaires comes from four counties — Montgomery (47 percent), Baltimore County (21 percent), Anne Arundel (9 percent) and Howard (7 percent), according to the Department of Legislative Services."

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On February 23, 2012, the Montgomery County Council issued a statement opposing Governor O'Malley's proposal to shift half the cost of teacher and other pensions from the state to the counties.

"Governor O'Malley has proposed shifting half the cost of teacher and other pensions from the state to the counties. The County Council, County Executive Ike Leggett, and Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), as well as our employee organizations and our counterparts throughout the state, strongly oppose this shift."

Read the Council's full statement on this issue.

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For immediate release                                                                                                                       

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Montgomery County Taxpayers League Meeting

February 16, 2012 – 7:30 – 9:30 pm
5th Floor Conference Room, Council Office Building
100 Maryland Avenue, Rockville, MD 20854

Topic: “Changing Demographics and Delivery of County Services”

Speaker : Rollin Stanley, Director, Montgomery County Planning Department

Here are some facts about Montgomery County (I’ve picked these at random; come and hear the entire presentation on February 16):

- there has been a 2% drop in foreign immigration among new residents
- unemployment for age group16-19 was 14% in 2000 and 24% in 2010;
for 55-64 year-olds it was 2% in 2000 and 6% in 2010
- between 2000 – 2010, persons in poverty increased by 59%
- of those who pay more than 30% of their income in housing costs,
44% are renters and 37% are owners
- of foreign-born residents 24% have an advanced degree and 19%
have not graduated from high school
- 63% of seniors own homes

You will find this presentation most interesting and informative. Find out how changing demographics will affect the county’s tax base.

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More than one person has said that Montgomery County is anti-business.  A story in the Montgomery Gazette of January 25 tells about the owner of a beer and wine store who is so far prohibited from having wine tastings.  Read "Kensington’s first beer and wine store faces uphill battle" and then decide for yourself. 

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