White Oak Science Gateway

The White Oak Science Gateway Master Plan was passed before Tom joined the Council. I helped fight to require phasing in the general development agreement (p. 31) that requires the developer to build at least 300,000 square feet of commercial before more than 1,000 residential units can be built. This helps ensure that the development doesn’t become all residential and it provides additional commercial/retail options for local residents.

White Oak is also unique in that it is the first of the County’s Local Area Transportation Improvement Programs (LATIP). This program requires developers to pay both impact taxes and a $5,000 fee for each new trip that their projects generates. The County Executive had initially proposed setting the fee at $3,800 per trip, but Tom voted to raise it 31% to pay for the $101 million in transportation improvements needed in the White Oak area. The Viva White Oak project also includes land that is being dedicated for a new elementary school site, which is something the County and MCPS are looking for in other areas as well.

Land Dedication for Montgomery County Public Schools

In Rock Spring, White Flint 2 and Grosvenor, the Council included language in the plans that requires Planning staff to prioritize land dedication for schools when they are conducting development approvals. The other checks we have to ensure that development doesn’t outpace infrastructure can be found in the Subdivision Staging Policy (SSP), which institutes development moratoriums in areas with schools whose enrollments are more than 120% of their capacity. The SSP used to require that entire school clusters be over 120% capacity to go into moratorium, but the 2016 version that Tom voted for allows for moratoriums at the individual school level.

Transportation & Development

On the transportation side, the Council has been requiring higher auto-driver mode share goals (NADMS). In the Bethesda Plan, for example, we capped new development at 2 million square feet out of a possible 4 million (p. 45) until the NADMS goal of 55% is met (p. 8). This means that 55% of Bethesda residents and commuters must be pedestrians, bicyclists or transit users. You can read the Bethesda Annual Monitoring Report here.  

Lyttonsville Sector Plan

When the County Council passed the Lyttonsville Sector Plan, the Purple Line was still under legal challenge and we were not sure it was moving ahead. Neighbors were concerned that development would proceed even if the Purple Line continued to be stalled. Tom fought for a successful amendment halting development until the Purple Line was approved for construction.

Building Transit for Now & the Future

One of Tom’s most crucial priorities is championing transit infrastructure that works for everyone, now and in the future. That’s why Tom will continue to fight for a financially and environmentally sustainable transit system that champions complete streets for all. From working to ease traffic congestion to reducing vehicle miles traveled overall through sustainable development and diverse transit solutions, Tom believes the diverse needs of District 5 residents must be central to the County’s decision-making process. This also means making developers pay their fair share to ensure the County can fund the transit solutions that growth demands.

Growing Our Local Economy

Tom has focused on supporting small businesses throughout Montgomery County. He authored successful legislation to create a tax credit for small businesses in East County, created the annual Silver Spring-Takoma Park Restaurant Week, and is advocating for support for businesses impacted by Purple Line construction.

Taking Action on College Debt

Too many students are leaving college with massive amounts of debt. This hinders their ability to buy a home, start a business, pursue a graduate degree, or save money for retirement. That’s why Tom is seeking to establish a self-sustaining county Student Loan Financing Program to help residents refinance their loans at lower interest rates, saving them thousands of dollars without burdening the county budget.

Fighting for Equity and Justice

Tom believes that people deserve to have a fierce advocate championing their needs in every level of decision-making. That’s why he will continue to protect Montgomery County residents’ access to equal opportunity at every level of government and private industry.

Making Government Work for Everyone

Tom knows that in order to make effective public policy we need to be present in every corner of the community. That’s why he will continue to direct staff, time, and resources to community outreach efforts that give the diverse residents of District 5 an equal opportunity for their needs to be addressed.

Championing Health & Wellness for All

Tom believes Maryland and Montgomery County can lead the way in finally addressing our nation’s healthcare woes. That’s why he will continue to champion innovations and responsible policies that extend access to healthcare to every resident.

Supporting Emerging and Established Communities Across District 5

Montgomery County’s diverse, global community is one of our greatest assets. Tom will continue to both celebrate the contributions that immigrant communities are making through community organizations and local businesses, as well as supporting the County agencies and nonprofits that help meet the needs of local immigrant families. And as a member of the Public Safety committee, Tom will continue championing policies that help the County remain a welcoming place for immigrants of any status.

A National Model for Age-Friendly Communities

Montgomery County can and should be a national model for inter-generational communities. If re-elected, Tom will continue to champion the age-friendly policies and vital community organizations, nonprofits, and government agencies that help seniors age in place.