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POLL: Who Would You Back for Montgomery County Executive?
A wide-open field is beginning to form, including some familiar names.
In politics, the campaign season—and the speculation about the next election—never ends. It just stops for a brief intermission. We call that Election Day.
With 2012 in the rear view and 2014 shaping up to be a wide-open race for Montgomery County Executive, candidates—and potential candidates—are gearing up.
The early race hit a higher gear on Wednesday as Patch’s Sebastian Montes reported that Douglas M. Duncan, a Democrat, is telling supporters that he will run to reclaim the County Executive post he held from 1994 to 2006.
Other familiar names could be on the primary ballot.
County Councilman George L. Leventhal (D-At large) of Takoma Park held a 50th birthday party fundraiser last week to support his run for County Executive, The Washington Examiner reported.
Councilman Philip M. Andrews (D-Dist. 3) of Gaithersburg has also said he will run, The Gazette reported. State Del. Benjamin F. Kramer (D-Dist. 19) of Derwood, the son of former County Executive Sidney Kramer, is taking a wait-and-see approach.
The man Kramer and others are waiting on is County Executive Isiah Leggett (D), who recently told Patch that he hasn’t changed his mind about not seeking a third term—at least not “as of yet.”
“Yet” could come after New Year’s Day. Leggett told The Examiner he would “think about it after Jan. 1.”
Tell us what you think: What does Montgomery County need in its next County Executive? Is someone who already has held the position the man for the job? Should the next executive be a woman? Who would you like to see run?
AntonFisher
9:34 pm on Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Wheaton residents and property owners will not vote for any of the Council members who betrayed them when it was time to vote on the redevelopment plan. Wheaten residents will remember how Valrie Ervin, Nancy Floreen, Marc Elrich, And mostly George Leventhal all voted against the County plans for Wheaton redevelopment in favor of their own self interest.
jag
1:02 am on Thursday, November 29, 2012
Are you serious? I'd love to hear your explanation. You can't possibly be referring to the County Council refusing to give BF Saul the $40-90 million handout. Poor ol' Wheaton ONLY got $66 mil for a new Park & Planning building out of the council this year. "Self interest" - you have got to be joking. What does the council or anyone else get out of Wheaton being so crappy?
AntonFisher
7:53 am on Thursday, November 29, 2012
The $66 was coming to Wheaton regardless since the Park and Planning building was going to relocate to Wheaton anyways. The Councils hindrance of the platform construction and denying the multi million dollar investment from BF Saul is what I am referring to.
Bethesda Is Overcrowded
9:41 am on Thursday, November 29, 2012
Heard Wheaton may be removed from Mont. County. Will save a lot of money and crime will likely go down.
jag
10:04 am on Thursday, November 29, 2012
Right, because the county council is trying to help Wheaton out by moving jobs there. That's the point. You claiming the council has some self interest in seeing Wheaton suck doesn't make sense on any level, including the fact the council has gone out of its way over and over again to try and jumpstart the area. Every time a developer begs for tens of millions of dollars in subsidy the county council is supposed to say "sure!" or they're "betray[ing]" the community?? Your complaint cannot be serious. Especially when it comes on the heals of ANOTHER handout by the council to try and help the mall out (Costco). Wheaton has plenty of problems, but the council refusing to throw money at the area isn't one of them.
Commentous
11:23 am on Thursday, November 29, 2012
jag--I agree wholeheartedly with Anton. The Council's claim of $66 million is disingenuous. The Park & Planning building needed to be moved, so anywhere would have gotten that building, which Wheaton didn't want. It's placement--in the center of the Triangle instead of somewhere else in Wheaton--potentially damages redevelopment by scrapping 24/7 foot traffic in exchange for government employees who will rarely leave the Triangle area. And let's be honest--the County has spent lots of money on other areas to help redevelopment--and not by ignoring residents' long-stated goals or by throwing a government building on the best property in the area.
"What does the council or anyone else get out of Wheaton being so crappy?"
First, it's not that crappy. But what they are trying to do--IMO--is to maintain rents for people who formerly might have afforded other parts of the County but can't now. Effectively, if not purposely, the Council's actions, stagnate Wheaton redevelopment by keeping prices down and funneling many of the County's low and moderate income families, businesses, and services to areas like Wheaton.
The Council also gets the blessing of existing low-margin businesses around the Triangle that might not have done well had construction for major redevelopment occurred or had more people with disposable incomes moved in, instead of government, daytime employees.
Finally, the Costco $4 million has already led to a much better mall.
Commentous
11:31 am on Thursday, November 29, 2012
One more thing--I have no problem with subsidizing low-income individuals throughout Montgomery County, including Wheaton where I live. My concern is that I would like to see similar levels of low-income housing being put up throughout the County, not just primarily in areas like Wheaton. Likewise, a worker center understandably exists in Wheaton, but such centers should also open in areas close to where people work, which isn't Wheaton.
Ddad99
9:17 am on Thursday, November 29, 2012
It doesn't matter how a Council member votes on any particular matter, other than government union issues. They will be reelected no matter what.
Bethesda Is Overcrowded
9:38 am on Thursday, November 29, 2012
Bethesda - the only place I care about at the moment - is so overcrowded you can't move there. This is compounded by the fact that half of northwest DC residents hang out in Bethesda rather than their crime infested sewer. So no Duncan for me. I'll stick with my main man Legget.
jag
10:07 am on Thursday, November 29, 2012
...you don't know much about NW DC, do you? Hint: you can't afford most of it, Ms. Bethesda.
P.S. you should probably learn how to spell your "main man['s]" name.
AntonFisher
10:26 am on Thursday, November 29, 2012
Bethesda is Over Crowded - You do not sound intelligent enough for me to rationale with you. Also, your demeaning comments reflect your, environment, level of education, and intelligence.
Bethesda Is Overcrowded
9:40 am on Thursday, November 29, 2012
Also, how is it that Duncan is leading this poll. Well, either people have amnesia and forgot his mental shortcomings, or he's sitting at home and voting for himself.
Joe
12:36 pm on Thursday, November 29, 2012
They re-elected Jessie Jackson Jr even though he was confined to a mental ward for 5 months! Now Mel Reynolds is running for that seat. Reynolds was convicted of raping a young girl and campaign finance issues. He spent time in jail, was hired by Jackson Sr and now has the credibility needed to be elected by his fellow democrats who seem to have zero moral standards for their elected officials.
jag
1:23 pm on Thursday, November 29, 2012
Uh, Joe, you're not commenting on the Chicago Patch, FYI.
Joe
1:26 pm on Thursday, November 29, 2012
jag, your not in the sandbox either so act like an adult for once on these pages.
jag
1:39 pm on Thursday, November 29, 2012
Huh? You're saying we re-elected Jessie Jackson Jr. Either you don't understand how voting in this country works or you're confused about where you're commenting.
Joe
1:54 pm on Thursday, November 29, 2012
It was a comment on the liberal moral bankruptcy you and Frank prove daily.
Frank, did you ever send that boy you and Christopher Kidwell were keeping and molesting in your basement? Wanna play?
Alisa D Rivkin
10:17 am on Thursday, November 29, 2012
Ike!
Joe
12:30 pm on Thursday, November 29, 2012
How about being PC and elect an illegal alien since they so love them in MoCo!
Joe
1:26 pm on Thursday, November 29, 2012
My God, you children are like vultures waiting to insult the next poster. Grow the hell up children. Is that the only thing that make you feel better about yourself Frank? Insulting others?
AntonFisher
1:41 pm on Thursday, November 29, 2012
The child is who posts comments like this one "How about being PC and elect an illegal alien since they so love them in MoCo!" - Hence, you did Joe.
Joe
1:55 pm on Thursday, November 29, 2012
Anton, do you deny that MoCo loves their illegal aliens? If you do then you sir need a reality check.
jag
1:58 pm on Thursday, November 29, 2012
Good lord, how does Patch allow trash like Joe to continue on this site?
Joe
2:47 pm on Thursday, November 29, 2012
Same way they allow you and Frank! No standards.
Joe
2:51 pm on Thursday, November 29, 2012
Isn't that your goal Frank. Keeping those you oppose form posting here? Silence the opposition is all you have. You sure have not shown anyone you can debate an issue as an adult. You seem limited in your intellect and if anyone bothered to look at your posts most every one is some kind of personal attack or a snide comment. Precious little substance. Keep in mind your NAMBLA meeting tonight with Kidwell who you so supported .
Machiavelli
3:45 pm on Thursday, November 29, 2012
What do these eight contenders have in common? Yup - all Democrats. Sorry - I changed parties when Obamacare passed. If Roscoe Bartlett or Dan Bongino dropped their hat in the race, at least there would be some choice. Otherwise anyone but Ike "Developers-best-friend" Leggett.
jag
4:05 pm on Thursday, November 29, 2012
I'm sorry, but you do realize that this is about Montgomery County Executive, right? And that Bartlett and Bongino have nothing to do with Montgomery County? And that Obamacare has nothing to do with any of the above?
Jeff Hawkins
8:00 am on Friday, November 30, 2012
I would vote for Phil Andrews......
Concerned neighbor
4:46 pm on Saturday, December 1, 2012
It is time to support someone who is for responsible low growth development, historic preservation, etc.-- Marc Elrich!!!