Aren’t You Worth $18,000? — October 1, 2020

October 1, 2020
Dear Friend:
 
The season of apple-picking and pumpkin-carving is upon us. I hope you can enjoy the cooler weather, safely, with family and friends. Remember– any time you are gathered with others who are not members of your household, wear a mask!
 
Counting in the Community
Did you know– those who complete the Census will bring $18,000 in federal funding to our County over the next decade? If you have not yet done so, please take 10 minutes to complete the Census today. Last week, I volunteered in Gaithersburg to help dozens of County residents complete the Census. It was fun to connect with constituents and activists– even while wearing masks!
 
Got Your Ballot Yet?
Voting is another vital way of being counted! I’ve added a new page to my website with resources for casting your voteIf you requested a mail-in ballot, you can check the status at any time. Once you have completed it, you can return it at a drop-off box or through the mail with pre-paid postage. If you are a constituent, watch for a flyer in the mail with my voting recommendations and legislative updates.
What to Expect When You’re Voting: A Series (Part 5)
In addition to the races for President/Vice President, Congress, Board of Education, and the Sitting Judges, six questions appear on your ballot. I’ve added a new page to my website which includes my previous recommendations.
 
Vote NO on Charter Question C
Question C proposes to increase our County Council from 9 to 11 members– and we lose our right to elect a majority. This proposal had no public hearings and will increase the cost of running our government at a time we need to be trimming expenditures.
 
Vote NO on Charter Question D
Question D would establish nine single-member districts, meaning that we would each vote for only ONE Councilmember. Other jurisdictions that tried this model found that it led to parochialism, vote-trading, and a lack of countywide perspective.
Solving the COVID-19 Puzzle?
Gov. Hogan and I were invited by Gaithersburg-based Novavax to tour their research facility. It was exciting to see the progress they are making to develop a vaccine for COVID-19! I am immensely proud to represent the high-tech corridor, where brilliant scientists are working around the clock to save lives.
Proud to wear my Gaithersburg mask as Gov. Hogan & I toured the labs at Novavax.

 
Kibbitzing with Kagan!
In case you missed it on my social media, I have launched a podcast! Each week, I will be “kibbitzing” (which means to chat” in Yiddish) with a fascinating guest. You can watch my first episode, with the remarkably talented Cavanaugh Bell, on my website or YouTube channel.

If you enjoy my weekly updates, please consider checking out my FacebookTwitterInstagramWebsite, and YouTube channel. If you have any questions or comments, send me an email!
 
Best,
 
Cheryl
 
Cheryl C. Kagan
State Senator, District 17
(Rockville & Gaithersburg)
 
PS: Thanks to a large parcel of land donated by AstraZeneca (formerly MedImmune), Discovery Park is now open in Gaithersburg! I was honored to present Mayor Jud Ashman with a Senate Citation at the ribbon-cutting last week.