You all know that the budget situation in the county is as dire here as elsewhere. I am asking for your special help to contact your County Councilmembers. We need immediate action as the decision will be made by Wednesday (5/19).
The County’s Historic Preservation Commission is taking a large cut as are other programs. They, however, are being cut 54%. This includes $109,420 which will eliminate staff. They can still manage with the other cuts they are sustaining but will be seriously handicapped in their mission to protect historic resources unless this $109,420 is restored to the Historical Activities NDA (non-departmental account) to support the HPC. This is a small office with a small budget which covers resources in the entire county. This Commission is tasked with identifying, designating, regulating, protecting and preserving Montgomery County’s architectural and cultural heritage for the benefit of present and future citizens of our County, and State. The historic preservation program and its Division cannot withstand a cut of this magnitude.
The Kensington Historical Society’s Mission includes (1) Safeguarding the heritage of the Community of Kensington by preserving a record of its cultural, social, economic, political, and architectural history; (2) Promoting the preservation, protection, and restoration of districts, sites, building, structures, and objects that reflect the history of the education, welfare, and pleasure of its residents; (3) Promoting the preservation of open space within the community for historic, recreation, and scenic purposes.
I believe that keeping the Historic Preservation Commission functioning to protect our resources fits in our mission.
Thanks for helping,
Julie O’Malley
President, KHS
CUT AND PASTE THE COUNCIL’S EMAIL ADDRESSES BELOW, OR SEND INDIVIDUALLY. They will be counting emails. THIS IS URGENT!
[There's no need to cc. me.]
Simple message:
Dear Councilmembers and County Executive:
Please restore $109,420 to the non-departmental account (NDA) for Historical Activities. This amount is essential to the work of the Historic Preservation Commission and its programs.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Address,
councilmember.andrews@montgomerycountymd.gov, councilmember.berliner@montgomerycountymd.gov, councilmember.elrich@montgomerycountymd.gov, councilmember.ervin@montgomerycountymd.gov, councilmember.floreen@montgomerycountymd.gov, councilmember.knapp@montgomerycountymd.gov, councilmember.leventhal@montgomerycountymd.gov, councilmember.navarro@montgomerycountymd.gov, councilmember.trachtenberg@montgomerycountymd.gov, ocemail@montgomerycountymd.gov,