Two picks for county council: George Leventhal and Evan Glass

A letter to Silver Spring/Takoma Park neighbors —

I’m writing to share some of my picks for the June 24 Democratic primary (early voting June 12-19). That’s because I consider two candidates for Montgomery County Council to be essential:

– George Leventhal, running for reelection at-large.
– Evan Glass, a candidate for the open District 5 seat.

If you haven’t made your choices, you may find my perspective helpful. I’ve worked with most of the incumbents and candidates. Why these two?

George has a record of accomplishment on behalf of the county’s most needy residents, as long-time chair of the council’s Health & Human Services Committee. George initiated the Montgomery Cares community-based healthcare program, which provides medical care to uninsured adults. He developed the Housing First initiative to match the homeless with permanent stable housing. Beyond his HHS work, George has been our most effective and responsive local voice on the council. His repeated intervention has kept the Piney Branch pool open, and he introduced and won council support for the zoning change that has enabled development of a Community Kitchen at the Takoma Park Presbyterian Church. George is former council president and currently serves as vice president. We need George on our side for another county-council term. (Visit http://georgeleventhal.com/ for further information.)

Evan is an experienced community leader and an astute political player. He will advance community interests county-wide. Evan gained his unique understanding of District 5 needs as chair of the county’s Silver Spring Citizens Advisory board, as founder of the South Silver Spring Street Festival, and member of the county’s Nighttime Economy Task Force. He has worked as an activist for a range of causes. He serves on the boards of Equality Maryland, Montgomery Housing Partnership, and Conservation Montgomery. I called Evan an astute political player. He covered national politics for years for CNN and will be an independent, effective advocate for government accountability. We in District 5 need Evan working on our behalf in Rockville. (Visit http://www.evanglass.com/ to learn more.)

Please make sure one of your four at-large council votes goes to reelect George Leventhal, and please vote for Evan Glass as our District 5 council representative.

Thanks and best wishes,

Seth, 301-873-8225

P.S. I’m also endorsing Heather Mizeur for governor; Brian Frosh for attorney general, Ike Leggett for county executive; Sheila Hixson and David Moon for delegate and Jamie Raskin for senator from District 20; Jill Ortman-Fouse for school board; and Alan Bowser for clerk of the court.

P.P.S. Please do share this message with anyone who might find it helpful.