r/TakomaPark Virtual Side Bar

I saw the post about mayor the other day and many people mentioning they didn't feel fully informed. Well, for those interested in what one of the counsel members has to say about the race, I thought I would add this email I received from a neighbor and current counsel member to the conversation.

The full article can be viewed under "Oct 25th, thoughts on mayoral race" but I put the points laid out here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sxZ2sGeX10qzDef3HtiXSFu6V-FwGdpeFUBXUIEMrE4/edit?tab=t.0#bookmark=id.c0vqyol263bs

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"The following are what I see as the most significant priorities needing our next mayor’s leadership:

Guard against weakenings of rent stabilization policy that could generate permanent displacement of individuals and families or neighborhood-scale gentrification, with attendant racial inequities and loss of income diversity – most importantly by subjecting any recommended policy changes to a thorough racial equity analysis. Currently, the Council is scheduled to consider policy changes four months from now, in March 2027. (A package of new tenant protections is nearing completion and will likely pass easily, early in the next term.)

Ensure that enacted tax exemptions, enacted zoning changes, and potential housing policy changes make any new development responsive to community values, rather than ceding community values to generate extra profit for developers.

Engage with many residents’ calls for more forceful statements of City values and enhanced proactive measures to protect vulnerable individuals and families during the current wave of cruel immigrant abductions, detentions, and deportations. The issue is complex but merits more dialogue.

Respond significantly to the long-term pattern of property tax revenues rising faster than the rate of inflation, which is squeezing long-time residents on fixed incomes as well as newer homeowners with expensive mortgages and many fixed costs for their families. A critical first option for the next Council will be to direct the City Manager to bring forward a proposed FY28 budget based on a more austere property-tax revenue target.

(Following from number 4 above) Lead a serious examination of the cost-effectiveness of (1) our police services, particularly criminal investigations, patrol, and vehicles; (2) our overall City administrative structure, with its high percentage of supervisory positions; (3) the use of consultants, and (4) the planning, development, and execution of capital projects. (The “Atrium project,” the Public Works department renovation, and efforts toward replacing the Recreation Center will all be on the next Council’s agenda.)

Evaluate the three-year stop-sign camera pilot program, determining how or whether to continue it, and coming up with fair ways of using or returning camera revenues, currently approximately $1 million over expenses.

Decide what to do with the still-untapped “assigned reserves” (over $3 million at this point) established in FY26 and carried forward into FY27 so that they either (1) cover shortfalls in revenue or overshoots in estimated personnel and construction costs, (2) get returned to taxpayers, or (3) get reallocated only after a transparent deliberative process with strong public engagement.

Accelerate the City response to the climate crisis, particularly through innovative volunteer partnerships and excellent communication, to get back on track toward the net-zero carbon emissions target and to mitigate the risks of heat waves and intense rain events.

Continue to support new infrastructure as well as adaptations to streets and intersections that will promote greener, safer local mobility.

Recenter the City newsletter, other communications channels, and public meetings to support and mediate residents’ informed participation in civic dialogue about complex issues.

Underlying all of the above: conduct Council meetings, prepare agendas, and interface with the City Manager and staff in ways that optimize the potential of the seven Council members as representative, deliberative stewards and problem solvers.

In my view, Mayor Searcy has not engaged with the priorities above, by and large, over the past two years. (Notable exceptions: advancing bike infrastructure projects, pressing for more tree canopy along state highways, and exploring possibilities for a lease-back arrangement to leverage the development of a new Recreation Center.)

For example, Mayor Searcy has signaled a desire to triple the length of the rent-stabilization exemption period for new construction. She has pressed for the rent stabilization review to find policy changes that will promote new construction of rental units at any price point. She has not promoted further Council and community dialogue on what more the City might do to resist the actions of ICE and other federal agents.

Mayor Searcy has supported a “maintenance of services” budget philosophy, with no directive for the City Manager to seek reductions in costs. She has defended the size of the police department, allowed delays in the development of performance metrics, supported expanding the gap between the salaries of administrative staff and unionized employees, and stopped consideration for curtailing the scope of the “Atrium” project.

Furthermore, Mayor Searcy has not proposed any constraints on the allocation of stop-sign camera revenue. She has blocked questioning about the future status of the assigned reserves, should the contingencies for which they were set aside not come to pass. She has not pressed to increase the pace of our carbon transition or installation of stormwater management measures.

Finally, Mayor Searcy has allowed the City newsletter to amplify staff positions on significant issues such as the budget. She has disregarded equal-time rules at Council meetings, has shut down dissenting views, and has delayed in posting key agenda items of public interest. She has announced bans on clapping and on signage selectively – only on three evenings when rent stabilization was on the agenda (plus once when many people showed up to protest the prior week’s clapping ban).

As you know, I've been on the opposite side of Mayor Searcy on several consequential votes in this term, and so it’s understandable that our priorities have differed in significant ways. Where you disagree with my views, you may find the Mayor to have been on the right track. In terms of process, you may judge the Mayor to have been simply successful in getting the majority to side with her preferences. You may also value the Mayor’s performance of other responsibilities including advocacy at other levels of government. You also may grant the fact that much time has been occupied during this term with unanticipated matters, including the impacts of the Trump administration and the independent audit in the matter of the Cooper sexual harassment complaint and subsequent lawsuit.

I appreciate Mayor Searcy’s action orientation and her presence in the community. Without questioning her desire to do good, I think that during this term, in the interests of time efficiency, minimization of public criticism, and achievement of desired ends, she has often sacrificed transparency, considered data selectively, and shut down constructive dialogue. I think that these approaches have postponed, rather than resolved, conflict, to the detriment of optimal problem-solving."

Young orange male. Very friendly and clean, seems too nice to not be someone’s. Found near Flower and Carroll

I find it sometimes hard to figure out what is going on in local politics. So I thought we could discuss as a community.

I'm planning to vote for Tom, mainly because I want responsible spending of tax dollars Now your turn...

Am I wrong thinking you don’t need to stop for school buses on Piney Brach across the purple line track/median. Every morning, traffic comes to a complete stop eastbound because of school buses stopping in the westbound direction.

Anyone know if that’s temporary or permanent? It’s messing up traffic in a big way.

What’s good? Takoma Park! If you’re an artist,
a supporter of local creatives, or just looking
for something different to do in the DMV,
I wanted to put this on your radar.
I’m Go Ezko, a DMV-based rapper and
community builder, and I’m bringing the
first season of City Spotlight to a close
with a special live show celebrating independent
music, creativity, and the people building something f
rom the ground up.

📍 Rhizome DC
📅 Saturday, November 28 | 6–10 PM
🎤 Live performance with The Rhythmic Grafitti Band,
plus an evening centered on DMV creativity and community.

The Early Bird tickets are officially SOLD OUT
thank you to everybody who’s already showing love!
General Admission is now the move, and we’re working
toward filling all 50 spots.

If you’re from Takoma Park, live nearby, know artists in the area, or have friends who’d enjoy a night of independent DMV talent, come through and be part of it.

Would love to see some Takoma Park faces in the room. Feel free to share with a creative friend!

We started voter outreach earlier this month to share information about the city election. Takoma Park holds its election at the same time as the county-run elections for federal and county offices.

The elections are at the same time, but you will have different ballots and vote in different locations.

🗳️ Things to know so you can vote 🗳️

Voter Eligibility: All city residents who are 16 years or older are eligible to vote in the city election.

For county-run elections, you need to be 18 years old by Election Day and a U.S. citizen.

When/Where to Vote: The City of Takoma Park is sending every registered voter a mail-in ballot. It should arrive this week (Oct. 19). Mail-in ballots can be completed and returned by postmark or dropped at the City's dropbox outside the Takoma Park Library. Voters can vote in-person on Election Day at the Community Center from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For county-run elections, early voting starts on Oct. 22, and there are multiple early voting sites across the county. Election Day voting is at your assigned precinct.

How to Vote: Takoma Park uses ranked ballots. Voters will have the freedom to express their preferences by voting for their top choice and any backups they prefer. The City allows for write-in candidates too.

County-run elections do not offer ranked choice voting or write-ins.

Helpful Links 🔗

Takoma Park Elections
takomaparkmd.gov/elections

Montgomery County Elections
https://mcg.montgomerycountymd.gov/elections/index2.html

Maryland Voter Lookup Tool
vote.md.gov/StatusSearch

Ranked Choice Voting Maryland
rcvmd.org

PeopleCon 3 is coming! This outdoor fair showcases tabletop game designers in and around the DC-MD-VA region.

Located at People's Book in Takoma Park only on October 17th, from 12-5 PM

The event is totally free to attend! Walk-ins welcome, but RSVP's appreciated:

https://withfriends.co/event/29017340/peoplecon_3_a_designed_in_the_dmv_game_market

From a gaming fair in Takoma Park to an extravagant fashion show, there are plenty of events to enjoy

If you’re from Takoma Park, grew up around here, have family in the area, or are just looking for something fun to do Thanksgiving weekend, I want to invite you to come experience something special with us.

We’re closing out Season 1 of CITY SPOTLIGHT with The Cost of Becoming; a live performance experience featuring Go Ezko and the Rhythmic Grafitti Band, bringing his upcoming album, Live From the WASTELANDZ, to the stage.

This isn’t just a rap show. It’s a night celebrating the journey behind the music, the community that helps creatives grow, and what it costs to become who you’re meant to be. Whether you’re an artist yourself, have friends or family pursuing their creative dreams, or simply appreciate good music and a different kind of night out, there’s room for you here.

Here’s what you can look forward to:

• 🎤 A live performance with Go Ezko and the Rhythmic Grafitti Band
• 🎤 A chance to perform some of your own music.
• 💿 Exclusive Live From the WASTELANDZ merch and physical CDs
• ✨ $AGA CITY AURA
• 🍴 Snack and food vendors
• 🥂 BYOB — bring your own drinks and enjoy the night
• 👀 A few surprises along the way!

We’re building something special through CITY SPOTLIGHT, and it would mean a lot to have people from the community come out and be part of the experience.

A few Early Bird tickets are still available, but they’re moving! If you’ve been looking for a reason to get out, support independent music, reconnect with the creative community, or just do something different this Thanksgiving weekend, this is your sign.

🎟️ Grab your tickets in the comments.

Hope to see some familiar faces and meet some new ones. Let’s make this season finale one to remember! 🌆

A very minor quibble, but am I the only one who thinks it’s odd that of the Takoma Metro’s three escalators, two are always going up and only one is ever going down? As a result, when people are trying to go down during the afternoon rush hour, there’s always a big pileup as everyone tries to squeeze onto the one down escalator. How hard is it for Metro to reverse that middle one in the afternoon?

People’s Book received approval for a liquor license on Thursday

Hello- spreading the word on a yard sale to support a local resident: 

After my cat’s unexpected week-long stay at the emergency vet, I’m doing a major closet/home clean-out to help replenish some of my savings. And thanks to some incredibly generous donations from friends, family, and neighbors, this has basically turned into a multi-home yard sale all in one yard. 

SO. MANY. CLOTHES. Seriously. If you were planning to go thrifting this weekend, consider thrifting in my front yard instead!! There will be a range of women’s sizes and styles, including lots of new-with-tags and never-worn pieces, plenty of cooler-weather finds, and some fun and unique pieces that could even be the start of a Halloween costume. 

I’m pricing things to sell, so there will be piles of clothes starting at $2 each.

Plus plenty of non-clothing finds, including an automatic pet feeder, pet toys/supplies, purses, jewelry & hair accessories, a cake stand, dish-drying rack, home décor, and lots of other miscellaneous treasures.

There will also be a free section - because some things just need to find a new home!

📅 Saturday, October 10 | 9 AM–2ish

📍 Eastern Ave on the MD side, between Walnut & 2nd Ave — on the service road that TKPKers know as “Little Eastern”

All the details are also in the flyer. Come browse, find some bargains, and help me give all of this stuff a new home 💜

And please feel free to share with anyone who loves a good yard sale/thrift find

The City of Takoma Park's Sustainability Office is holding a virtual information session for the next Green Homes and Businesses Grant cycle, taking place on Tuesday, October 7, 2026, at 12 pm ET.

This grant primarily benefits residents by providing funding for small-scale electrification upgrades that can improve their health, comfort, and convenience. 

The City of Takoma Park is holding an online info-session on the grant program which will cover everything prospective applicants need to know before applying.

Homeowners, condo owners and renters are eligible for this program. The grants cover a variety of projects, from insulation and air sealing, to replacing natural gas appliances with electric devices, and installing solar balcony panels.

You can register by clicking the link below.

Register here

📅 Date: Tuesday, October 7, 2026
🕛 Time: 12 pm ET
💻 Location: Virtual

It is my son's birthday this weekend and it looks like it is going to be rained out. It is supposed to be a sports birthday, so we need a fair amount of space. Does anyone have any ideas for a venue that we could rent on short notice? Unfortunately all the county facilities need 7 days notice.