Latest news with #Jawando
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Jawando announces run for Montgomery County executive
Montgomery County Councilmember Will Jawando, right, gives remarks after County Executive Marc Elrich endorsed Jawando to succeed him in the position next year. (Photo by William J. Ford/Maryland Matters) At-Large Montgomery County Councilmember Will Jawando (D) said Wednesday he will run to replace current County Executive Marc Elrich (D), who is term-limited and cannot run for a third term next year. Elrich was on hand Wednesday night with at least 200 others for Jawando's announcement at Citizens and Culture in Silver Spring. 'People need to know you're going to fight. If they know you're going to fight, they respect you. They deal with you,' Elrich said. 'That's one of the things that I like about Will, and what I think he brings to this race is that kind of leadership. 'The other thing is independence. You cannot elect the county executive who already has millions of dollars from developers,' he said. Other speakers included fellow Democratic County Councilmembers Laurie-Anne Sayles and Kristin Mink, and former 'The Real Housewives of Potomac' cast member Candiace Dillard Bassett. Support also came from Prince George's County State's Attorney Aisha Braveboy (D), who is heavily favored in a June 3 special election for county executive there to fill out the term of former Executive Angela Alsobrooks (D), who was elected to the U.S. Senate last fall. 'It matters who you elect as executives in this capital region,' said Braveboy, pointing to the challenges from the Trump administration for local governments. 'I can't think of a brighter, smarter, tougher person for Montgomery County than you. We're all about diversity, equity and inclusion. We're going to keep talking about it.' Jawando, 42, was elected in 2018 to an at-large council seat from the county of 1 million people, the state's largest. He's an attorney who's worked in the U.S. Senate for then-Sen. Barack Obama and for former Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown. He was the first to announce a bid for the Democratic nomination to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin, but he withdrew in October 2023. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX On Wednesday, Jawando highlighted some of his priorities as county executive, such as supporting rent stabilization and affordable housing, continuing to invest in the public schools and supporting small businesses, which he said represent about 80% of county businesses. He touched on the importance of diversity and the 'beautiful tapestry' at the restaurant and throughout the county. He talked about his family, including his parents, a Nigerian father and white mother who moved to Montgomery from his mother's home state of Kansas in 1980. Besides Jawando walking on stage and his wife, Michele, giving rousing remarks, some of the biggest applause came when he mentioned potholes. 'I promise to fix your potholes in your neighborhood. I know that's a problem,' he said. 'When you have good streets, you have good commerce, and you have good safety. It's a good thing.' At least two other candidates have announced bids for county executive. Celeste Iroha, a registered medical assistant, was the first person to announce in March, according to Bethesda Today, whike At-Large County Councilmember Evan Glass (D) said Wednesday he qualified to use the county's public financing option. Glass, who was the first openly LGBTQ+ member of the council when elected in 2018, would become the first as county executive, if elected. County Councilmember Andrew Friedson (D) is expected to also enter the county executive race. Montgomery and Prince George's aren't the only counties getting new leaders. Howard County Executive Calvin Ball (D) and Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman (D) are both term limited and cannot seek a third term next year. In Baltimore County, former state Sen. Kathy Klausmeier (D) was appointed replace County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr. when he was elected to Congress last fall, but she is not expected to seek reelection next year. Baltimore County Councilman Pat Young (D), one of four Democrats eyeing the executive's seat, announced Wednesday he will be the first candidate in the race to fund his campaign through public financing. The council approved the law in 2021 and funds will be available for disbursements next month for the 2026 election cycle. Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater (D) and Harford County Executive Robert Cassilly (R) are both able to run for reelection next year.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Proposed bill would give hiring preference to displaced federal workers living in Montgomery County
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. () – Montgomery County Council Vice President Will Jawando introduced Expedited Bill 10-25 on Tuesday. He's hoping qualified former federal employees are placed at the top of the list for county job openings. 'We're here quite simply, just to defend our neighbors,' Jawando said. Rockville neighbors band together out of concern for dogs' welfare The legislation is meant to help displaced federal workers. 'This bill will guarantee that these civil servants are considered earlier in the hiring process and are interviewed if they meet the qualifications of the job they are applying for,' Jawando said. The proposal, which comes after actions by the Trump administration that left thousands of federal employees without jobs, is intended to give those workers a leg up in finding new positions. Juliette Rizzo is among more than 1,000 federal workers who live in Montgomery County and lost their jobs. 'I just want to share a few hardships when I think about unemployment,' Rizzo said. 'For me, I think about the cost of this wheelchair that raises up to this podium.' Montgomery County nonprofits team up to collect sports equipment for children Kate Greenberg worked at the National Institutes of Health for nearly 15 years before she was fired. 'The mental toll is a lot harder than I thought it was going to be,' Greenberg said. 'This is not how you treat human beings, and this is certainly not how you treat your own workforce.' Rizzo and Greenberg said they're grateful for the opportunity this bill could present if voted into law. 'I want to continue to serve,' Rizzo said. 'I believe in what's being done here for federal servants.' Jawando addressed concerns of people who may apply for county jobs but aren't former federal workers. 'We want to help them find employment, too,' he said. 'But it's a whole government response, and I think this is a targeted response for people, specifically targeted in a negative way.' Bethesda food pantry honors life of former Bullis School student Community members will have a chance to share their thoughts about the bill during a public hearing on Tuesday, April 1. 'If the federal government won't retain its best and brightest, why not put that talent to work at the county level?' Greenberg said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
