Contributor Opinion by Jonathan Smith: Post Election Blues

>What to do? What to do? The elections were such an interesting diversion for several months. Now that they are over, how do we scratch that community involvement itch?

1. Stay Tuned. The 2009-2011 Season of the Rockville Mayor and Council is just around the corner. President Obama’s inauguration hooked me on political kick-off events so I’m planning to attend the November 22nd Inauguration of the Mayor and Council at the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre. I’ve even invited out of town guests – former Croydon Avenue neighbors of mine who are coming to support our former neighbor and new Mayor.

2. Get “Localer”. These Rockville Central folks are great, but are they *really* local? Where is the coverage of HOA debates (“that pink paint is WAY too pink”)? How about community pool scandals (“another ‘code brown’ closure”)? Or commercial vehicle parking rants (“Bob parked his business van in the neighborhood again”)? Several Rockville neighborhoods have community email lists; the Twinbrook Neighbors listserv is up to 200 subscribers after 18 months. Sign up for yours, or establish your own. Two neighborhood friends and I are trying to bootstrap the eminently unofficial New Mark Commons Clubhouse on Google Groups (NMC neighbors only please). I don’t feel that I know nearly enough of my neighbors, and those I do know I typically only see during the summer. We’re dreaming of block parties, sharing tips about local firewood vendors, and trading tips on shrubbery most loved by the deer. I’m just wondering how to best attract the interest of the people in my neighborhood.

3. Speak Out. I’m sure several of the past Rockville controversies still live, including the Montgomery College Fence, Beall’s Grant and Victory Housing. And I’m sure that the new Mayor and Council will make decisions with which you disagree, maybe even starting with the first meeting of the new administration on November 23rd at City Hall. Just remember that we can be passionate about issues without being mean, and it is easy for people to misinterpret your tone in emails. I (nearly) always obey the golden rule of email – never hit SEND under the influence of strong emotion.

4. Join the Party. There are always numerous vacancies on City boards and commissions. I spent about eight years as a member of the Montgomery County Landlord Tenant Affairs Commission, and about a year on the Rockville Arts Commission. Both were very rewarding ways to get more involved with the community. Of the lengthy list of Rockville’s current vacancies, the Cultural Arts Commission is missing a whopping six members and there is one vacancy on the highly influential Planning Commission. Apply to the City Clerk at 240-314-8280 – and it doesn’t hurt to make your interest known to the Mayor and Council Members.

Me – I’m thinking about writing more opinions for Rockville Central.

Jonathan Smith

I most certainly hope that Jonathan will keep contributing for Rockville Central!

This is a contributor opinion. Rockville Central encourages readers to submit such opinions for consideration — the more voices the better. We especially welcome people who disagree with us. We ask that all such contributions be civil and we reserve the right to edit (in consultation with the author) or reject. Contributor opinions should not be seen as reflecting opinions held by Rockville Central editors, as they are just as frequently at odds with our own views. That’s the whole point!

Rockville Central does not endorse candidates. We are encouraging towards all people who choose to run for office the city and try our best to make ourselves open to all.

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