Reginald M. Felton |

Thank You

September 27, 2006

Dear Friends:

I want to thank you again for your tremendous support to me during my candidacy for an At-Large seat on the Montgomery County Council. Although I was unable to secure enough votes to win the Primary election, I am appreciative to the over 13,000 voters who supported me.

I am particularly honored to have had your volunteer and financial support. Your contributions made it possible for me to conduct direct mail-outs, conduct automated phone calls, design and print high quality literature, place various ads, including the use of taxi cabs, host receptions, and design and place yard signs throughout the County. I know you had many candidates solicit you for contributions, so I am pleased and honored for you to have join my team.

Even more importantly, you provided continued encouragement throughout the entire process. Through your words, your calls, your personal letters on my behalf, and your many hours of volunteer work, I have had a wonderful experience.

Thank you again, and I trust you will continue to support other candidates who share your views in the future.

Sincerely,

By Authority: Friends of Reginald Felton, Goodrich H. Stokes, Jr., Treasurer

Welcome

Felton Announces Candidacy for Montgomery County Council At-large Seat

Reggie Felton, former Montgomery County School Board President who served on the Board from 1994-2004, and long-time community activist, formally announced his candidacy to the Montgomery County Council as an At-large member in a statement released today. Felton, who was first elected in 1994, and twice re-elected became Montgomery County Board of Education’s first African-American President and served three terms as President, and one term as Vice President.

“It is with a great deal of personal commitment to the citizens of Montgomery County that I announce my candidacy for the County Council. I am committed to this County and I want to improve the quality of life for all citizens. I want to be a part of its future. We have a great community, but we must do more to preserve the character and commitment that we have traditionally had to all citizens. I am concerned that as we grow we are forgetting that it is the people who make our County a great place to live. I want our citizens to know that when I am on the County Council, they will have someone who thinks of them FIRST every day!”

“We have a great community, but we must do more to preserve the character and commitment that we have traditionally had in ensuring a high quality of life for every citizen.”

“If we want to maintain a strong local economy – small business owners must have as much opportunity for success as our major corporations.”

“The more we can do for children early on, the more likely they will succeed in school and in life.”

“What I am talking about is creating a community that acknowledges in its policies and funding that we value a multi-generational community -

citizens of all ages.”

Felton endorsed by the Montgomery County Gazette for his experience and more!

http://www.gazette.net/editorials/#2

Three new faces, fresh approaches for County Council
The Montgomery County Council has struggled to maintain its relevance in the governance of our community in recent times. This past year in particular, the council's performance has been disappointing, unfocused, contentious and unsettling.

One wonders how a sophisticated county, with a population of nearly a million people and a government budget of $3.9 billion, could elect representatives unable to come together on the challenges we face. The council has exhibited little capacity to cast politics aside and focus on the big picture. It allows too much access to political activists and treats public hearings as opportunities to lecture constituents and private and public leaders on how things should be done. Without regard to experience, leadership or vision, some members horse-trade the presidency like it is a two-bit, back-alley card game, leaving the public to suffer the consequences.

The time for a shake-up has arrived.
Voters have a chance to boldly recast the council, assembling a team willing to work with a new county executive and with each other in service to our community.

Two incumbents are moving on. Thomas E. Perez is making a bid for attorney general of Maryland and Steven A. Silverman is a candidate for county executive.

George L. Leventhal, council president for a year, has been an ineffective, divisive leader. We do not favor his re-election and offer three new candidates who will bring a welcome perspective and insight: Valerie Ervin, Reginald M. ''Reggie" Felton and Robert ''Bo" Newsome, all Democrats.

Traffic & Mass Transportation

I will work hard to implement the County Council Transportation Plan that was approved in 2005. The plan identifies a wide range of initiatives including additional roadway capacity, improvements on interchanges, expansion of HOV lanes, express bus service, and new programs which offer employees options to their traditional work hours and work sites.

Small Business Development

If we want to maintain a strong local economy, small business owners must be successful. I will propose more incentives for small business owners to start their businesses here and to stay here. I will sponsor initiatives to address the emerging issues facing small business owners like affordable health care plans for their employees. Additionally, I will advocate for increased opportunities for financial and mentoring partnerships.

County Taxes

I will sponsor Council actions to explore additional sources for County revenue to reduce the tax burden on our residents and small business owners. I will also promote a strategic economic development plan to ensure that Montgomery County has additional revenue and becomes less dependent on income and property taxes to support the increasing need for government services for our residents.

Health Care

High quality of life demands improved access to effective, accessible, and affordable health care, prescriptions drugs and mental health services. I will seek support from our County Council and General Assembly in Annapolis to identify and pursue new initiatives that will result in improved access to quality health care and mental health services.

Housing

I will promote a “Hero Housing” Program designed to increase the accessibility of affordable housing especially for those who provide essential services to our community. This may involve new public-private partnerships, new guidelines for mortgage bankers, and some incentives for investors – all offering significant benefits to our community residents.

Donate

Volunteer

Contact Reggie

Individuals interested in volunteering to help with the campaign should contact Reggie Felton at 301-718-2252, or e-mail, regfelton@verizon.net or by writing Friends of Reginald Felton, P.O. Box 6663, Silver Spring, Maryland 20906.