SAVE SEVEN LOCKS SCHOOL COALITION
Civic Organization Based In Bethesda Committed to Accountable Local Government
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·     WHAT TO DO

 

·        Remain vigilant!  That means paying attention to County decisions that  can and will affect your neighborhood.  It means holding local government accountable by keeping informed about the political process and current events.

 

o       Follow the local press/media for information on action affecting  your local school,  property taxes, zoning,  traffic, etc.  Example:   Plans to expand  Cabin John Mall and Westfield Montgomery Mall will increase traffic in your neighborhood.

o       Watch the agendas of  meetings of the County Council, School Board or Planning Board  when there are key issues affecting your community.

 

·        Get  involved!  That means participating in local government and community activities.

 

o       Join  your local  civic association.  Contact your civic association leaders when you have a local concern or have pertinent information that should be brought to their attention for action.  For contacts in civic associations in the Seven Locks Coalition area, see WHO WE ARE.   Sign up for the Seven Locks Coalition listserv to receive regular general announcements and action bulletins.  Dave Tiktinsky is the listserv administrator (DHT444@yahoo.com).

 

 

o       Join you local  school PTA in the Winston Churchill High School Cluster in Bethesda/Potomac.

 

o       Attend meetings of the County Council, School Board, or Planning Board and sign up to testify when relevant.

 

o       Participate in  such County-wide organizations as the Montgomery County Civic Federation, Citizens for a Better Montgomery (www.neighborsPAC.org),  the Montgomery County League of Women Voters and others.

 

 

o       Write to your elected representatives.  See GUIDE TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT.

 

o       Send letters to the local press.  For contacts, see LOCAL PRESS GUIDE.

 

·        MOST IMPORTANT, VOTE!  This fall’s elections will be important, not only at the national level, but also at the State and County level.  In the 2006 election,  you will vote for the four-year terms for Governor of Maryland, Montgomery County Executive and County Council.  You will also vote for several of the four-year terms on the County Board of Education and other offices.  The primary is on September 12 and the general election is on November 7.  You must be registered to vote.  In the primary election on September 12, you can vote only for political candidates of the party with which you are registered.  You can vote for all School Board candidates regardless of your party affiliation.  For the general election on November 7, you can vote for any candidate.  For more information, see the Seven Locks Coalition  GUIDE TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT.