County and State Elections 2010

2010 County and State Elections: Why Care?

As elections approach, hear the views of all At-Large County Council candidates on September 2 at the 4H Center.  Much is at stake for residents this year: the County’s pending growth policies could dramatically increase commercial development near the Town, including at Chevy Chase Lake. The County is studying school expansions in our Bethesda-Chevy Chase cluster. Property and other taxes may increase.
 
These issues and more will likely be decided by those serving four-year terms on the next County Council and in the Maryland legislature. Which programs will be funded, which cut given the nearly $1 billion deficit in the County budget next year?
 
Hear about the issues from incumbents and their challengers before the primaries on September 14. Follow these posts between now and the fall elections, and  realize why your vote matters on Election Day, November 2, 2010.
 
Important Articles:

Take this 3-minute quiz to find out what you know this election season.

BETTER KNOW YOUR DISTRICT QUIZ

[Answers below]

1. What does 1-8-18-3 signify? (Hint: Not a football call.)

2. Which of these is not like the others: Montgomery County Council, Montgomery County Planning Board, Montgomery County School Board?

3. How many Montgomery County Council members do we elect this year?

4. How many state legislators do we vote for in 2010?
 
5. Why vote in these mid-term elections?

 
Answers: (1) Those are, respectively, our County Council, U.S. Congressional, State Congressional and School Board districts. (2) The Planning Board is the only non-elected body. Its five members are appointed by the County Council.  All Council seats are up for election in 2010. (3) While there are 9 members on the County Council, Town residents vote for up to five: One Council member representing District 1, and four at-large members representing the entire County. The County Executive is also running for another four-year term. (4) One state senator and three delegates are running for re-election. (5) It affects your money, your family, your quality of life.