List of all Upcoming MoCo Political Events

I've started a list of all upcoming MoCo Politics events, whether sponsored by a MoCo Dem Club or any elected Dem official or MCDCC. It's at http://bessel.org/government/upcoming.htm 

The purposes are (a) to provide everyone with a single place where everyone can see all upcoming MoCo Dem party events and avoid conflicts, and (b) to give as much publicity as possible to all these events. 

It has 30 events listed so far and if anyone notices anything on this webpage that should be changed, or anything to be added or deleted, please feel free to contact me at the email address shown on this webpage.

Welcome Home Alan Gross

There may be differences of opinion about the actions President Obama announced today to normalize relations between the U.S. and Cuba, but everyone agrees that it is great that Alan Gross is home after being in a Cuban prison for 5 years.

And it's great that our Congressman Chris Van Hollen accompanied Alan Gross on his way home and both our Senators, Barbara Mikulski and Ben Cardin, were at the airport to welcome him.

As a practical matter, those who are opposing President Obama's actions should be asked what they would do instead. Keep the isolation policy that has been in place for 50 years with little or no effect?

Democrats Party at Leisure World

Members of the Democratic Club of Leisure World (DCLW) held a holiday party tonight, with food, socializing, and a local high school band.

DCLW also welcomed many elected officials: MoCo Executive Ike Leggett, MoCo Council President George Leventhal, MoCo Council Member for our council district 3 Sidney Katz, State Senator for our legislative district 19 Roger Manno, State Delegates for our legislative district 19 Ben Kramer, Bonnie Cullison, and Marice Morales, Karen McManus representing Congressman Chris Van Hollen who was busy with the "Cromnibus" bill in Congress tonight, State's Attorney John McCarthy, MoCo Board of Education member Jill Ortman-Fouse, and MCDCC (MoCo Dem Central Comm) Secretary Wendy Cohen and members Harold Diamond and Melissa Pinnick.

Darrell Anderson New MCDCC Chair

Tonight, Darrell Anderson was elected unanimously to be the new Chair of MCDCC (Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee). He was the only candidate and was elected unanimously.

He was a three-term mayor of Washington Grove and a teacher for 20 years.

Charlotte Crutchfield Unanimously Selected by MoCo Council for Merit System Protection Board

A few minutes ago the Montgomery County Council unanimously selected Charlotte Crutchfield to be a new member of the County's Merit System Protection Board. This is a high honor and Charlotte deserves it.

Until this appointment, Charlotte was President of the District 19 Democratic Club where she was doing an excellent job. Because her new job requires her to avoid partisan political activity she will be leaving the D19 Dem Club position and Paul Bardack will take over as president.

Interestingly, both Charlotte Crutchfield and Paul Bardack ran for the district 19 House of Delegate seat in this year's primary election. Both ran excellent campaigns but neither was successful.

Donny & Marie Show at National Theatre

Some people love them and some don't, but there's no denying that Donny and Marie Osmond are putting on great entertainment at the National Theatre in Washington D.C.

You can read a review at http://dcmetrotheaterarts.com/2014/12/03/donny-marie-christmas-national-national-theatre/

MoCo Council President and Vice President
    
At today's session of the MoCo Council, George Leventhal was elected to be Council President for the next year and Nancy Floreen was elected Vice President. Outgoing President Craig Rice was lauded for his excellent work as last year's Council President.

George Leventhal was previously MoCo Council President in 2006 and Nancy Floreen was Council President in 2010. Both have been Council members since their election in 2002.