Elections Today for Maryland Cities: Rockville, Salisbury, Gaithersburg, College Park, Greenbelt, Takoma Park & More!

By Matt Verghese

Election Day 2015 is upon us. Nationally, Democrats and progressives have a number of competitive races to watch: Attorney General Jack Conway battling to keep the Kentucky Governor's mansion in Democratic hands; Republicans trying to fortify their one-seat State Senate majority in battleground Virginia; 3 open Pennsylvania State Supreme Court seats that could determine which party controls redistricting in 2022; Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood trying to keep his title as the last Democratic statewide official in the Deep South; and, a number of ballot measures including initiatives to legalize medical and recreational marijuana in Ohio and a referendum on the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance.

In Maryland, some of the largest municipalities head to the polls. The vast majority of municipal elections are non-partisan. Baltimore City (elections in '16), Frederick ('17), Annapolis ('17), and Hagerstown ('16) are among the few exceptions.  Many of the contests this year feature open races, multi-candidate fields challenging incumbents, and the usual accusations of stolen yard signs. With many town and city officials going on to run for higher office, Maryland Juice runs through some races to watch.

ROCKVILLE: Incumbent Mayor Bridget Donnell Newton faces a stiff challenge from political organizer and consultant Sima Osdoby, with development and growth being among the top issues in the race. Osdoby is part of Team Rockville slate - which includes incumbent city Councilmembers Julie Palkovich Carr and Virginia Onley, former Councilmember Mark Pierzchala and first-time candidate Clark Reed. Also running are Councilmember Beryl Feinberg, Twinbrook Civic Association President Rich Gottfried, former candidate Brigitta Mullican, Planning Commission member David Hill, and businessowner Patrick Schoof. The Mayor and Council are being elected to a 4-year term for the first time.

Mayor

• Bridget Donnell Newton (i)
• Sima Osdoby

At-large Council (4 seats)

• Beryl Feinberg (i)
• Richard Gottfried
• David Hill
• Brigitta Mullican
• Virginia Onley(i)
• Julia Palakovich Carr (i)
• Mark Perirzchala
• Clark Reed
• Patrick Schoof

GAITHERSBURG: Current Mayor Jud Ashman - who was appointed to the post after Mayor Sidney Katz was elected to the Montgomery County Council,  longtime Councilmember Henry Marraffa and Darline Bell-Zuccarelli are running to fill the balance of Katz's term. Ashman has been endorsed by Mr. Katz. Running for the 3 at-large Council seats are City Council Vice President Ryan Spiegel, appointed Councilmember Neil Harris, African American Democratic Club President Laurie Anne-Sayles, and attorney Robert Wu.

Mayor

• Jud Ashman (i)
• Darline Bell-Zuccarelli
• Henry Marraffa

At-large Council (3 seats)

• Neil Harris (i)
• Laurie-Anne Sayles
• Ryan Spiegel (i)
• Robert Wu

BOWIE: 21 year city council veteran Dennis Brady is challenging Mayor G. Frederick Robinson, who has the position since 1998. A number of newcomers are challenging incumbents as Bowie residents elect councilmembers who will now serve a 4 year term. These include veteran Kelly Rowe challenging Councilmember Diane Polangin in District 2, and former President of the Bowie Chamber of Commerce Craig Muckle trying to oust Councilmember Isaac Trouth. Two open city council races have attracted Comptroller Senior Advisor Monica Best-James, former Senator Peters aide Michael Esteve, and County Executive Baker intergovernmental affairs attorney Courtney Glass among others.  Dufour Woolfley, Jimmy Marcos and Henri Gardner - all sitting Councilmembers - are vying for 2 at-large spots.

Mayor 

• Dennis Brady
• G. Frederick Robinson (i)
• Keith Alphonso Jackson

At-large Council (2 seats)

• Henri Gardner
• James L. Marcos
• Dufour Woolfley (i)

Council District 1

• Jenmaire Dewberry
• Michael P. Esteve
• Pauletta G. Handy
• Monica Best-James

Council District 2

• Diane M. Polangin (i)
• Kelly P. Rowe

Council District 3

• Babatunde O. Alegbeleye
• James Scott Hessberger, Jr.
• Courtney D. Glass

Council District 4

• Isaac C. Trouth (i)
• Craig M. Muckle

COLLEGE PARK: District 4 Councilwoman Denise Mitchell and District 1 Councilman Patrick Wojahn are vying to succeed Mayor Andy Fellows, who is stepping down after three terms. Mitchell would be the first African American woman to hold the post, and Wojahn would be the City's first openly gay mayor. Incumbent Councilmembers Faziul Kabir, P.J. Brennan, Monroe Dennis, Robert Day, Stephanie Stullich and Alan Hew all face competitive races. Interesting to note that 6 out of 18 candidates running in College Park are either UMD alumni, professors or students.

Mayor

• Denise Mitchell
• Patrick Wojahn

Council District 1 (2 seats)

• Faziul Kabir (i)
• Christine Nagle
• Cory Sanders

Council District 2 (2 seats)

• Daniel Blasberg
• P.J. Brennan (i)
• Vivian Conway
• Monroe Dennis (i)

Council District 3 (2 seats)

• Ryan Belcher
• Robert Day (i)
• Robert McCeney
• John Rigg
• Stephanie Stullich (i)

Council District 4 (2 seats)

• Mary Cook
• Oscar Gregory
• Alan Hew (i)
• Dustyn Kujawa

SALISBURY: The Eastern Shore's largest city has revamped its electoral system for 2015 -- moving elections from the spring tot he fall, synchronizing terms of all elected officials, creating five single-member districts and eliminating their primary election. Current Mayor Jim Ireton decided against running for reelection, and instead filed to run for Council. City Council President Jake Day is running opposed for Mayor. All four City Council members are running for reelection - with Jack Heath and Tim Spies contesting from the same district. In the open District 2, former candidate and Libertarian Muir Boda seems to have the inside track.

Mayor

• Jake Day

Council District 1

• Sarah Halcott
• April Jackson
• Shanie Shields (i)

Council District 2

• Keyvan Aarabi
• Marvin Ames
• Muir Boda
• Justin Gregoli

Council District 3

• Jack Heath  (i)
• Kevin Lindsay
• Tim Spies (i)

Council District 4

• Jim Ireton
• Roger Mazullo

Council District 5

• Laura Mitchell (i)

LAUREL: Mayor Craig Moe running unopposed for a fourth term, and all five City Council incumbents are favored to win reelection. Laurel has been in the news recently over the possible closure of Laurel Regional Hospital and the local MARC train station.

Mayor

• Craig Moe (i)

At-large Council

• Michael Leszcz (i)

Council Ward 1 (2 seats)

• Carl Dewalt
• Jeffrey Mills
• Valerie Nicholas (i)
• H. Edward Ricks (i)

Council Ward 2 (2 seats)

• Donna Crary (i)
• Fred Smalls (i)
• Mansoor Zia

GREENBELT: Residents elect a 7 member at-large Council with the highest vote getter traditionally being selected as mayor. Emmett Jordan -  who became the City's first African American Mayor in 2013 - is running for reelection, along with former longtime Mayor Judith 'J' Davis and the 5 other incumbent members of the City Council.

At-large Council (7 seats)

• Silke I. Pope (i)
• Susan H. Stewart
• Emmett V. Jordan (i)
• Leta M. Mach (i)
• Konrad E. Herling (i)
• Rodney M. Roberts (i)
• Edward V. J. Putens (i)
• Judith F. Davis (i)
• Kathleen Marie Shaw
• Bill Orleans
• George R. Boyce

TAKOMA PARK: Councilmember Kate Stewart and local landlord Warren Holmes are facing off to become Takoma Park's next Mayor. Outgoing Mayor Bruce Williams - who is completing his 22nd year on the City Council - was the region's first openly gay elected official. Stewart - who has been endorsed by Williams, State Senator Jamie Raskin and County Councilmember Tom Hucker - is the frontrunner. The only other contested race is in Ward 1 where former HUD Assistant Secretary Peter Kovar and two others are running to replace Seth Grimes.

Mayor 

• Warren Holmes
• Kate Stewart

Council Ward 1

• Peter Kovar
• Victor Thuronyi
• Elizabeth Forbes Wallace

Council Ward 2

• Tim Male (i)

Council Ward 3

• Rizzy Qureshi

Council Ward 4 

• Terry Seamens (i)

Council Ward 5

• Jarrett Smith (i)

Council Ward 6

• Fred Schultz (i)

ABERDEEN: Incumbent Mayor Michael Bennett who prevailed in 2011 by only 26 votes, is fending of challenges from the City's first elected Mayor Ruth Elliott, Republican activist and perennial candidate Patrick McGrady, and former teacher and Delegate candidate Marla Posey-Moss. The City Council race includes incumbents Sandra Landbeck and Stephen Smith, and a 3 person slate aligned with McGrady. Mayor Bennett has endorsed both current Councilmembers as well as Appeals Board member Melvin Tyalor and  teacher Tim Lindecamp.

Mayor 

• Michael Bennett (i)
• Ruth Elliott
• Patrick McGrady 
• Marla Posey-Moss

Council (4 seats)

• Carol Bruce
• Sean DeBonis
• Daniel Forte
• Jason Kolligs
• Barbara Kreamer
• Sandra Landbeck (i)
• Tim Lindecamp
• Stephen Smith  (i)
• Melvin Taylor

JUICE: Status Check on Governor, MoCo Exec and Council Races // PLUS: Takoma Park Special Election, Hot Bills & More!

Below Maryland Juice provides a status check on a few campaigns of interest to politicos:

JUICE #1:  THE LATEST ON MARYLAND'S GOVERNOR'S RACE // BILL CLINTON ENDORSEMENT, TV AD WARS & MORE - A few interesting things have happened since we last reported on the status of Maryland's race for Governor. First, Lt. Governor Anthony Brown reported in a press release yesterday that former President Bill Clinton endorsed his campaign (excerpt below):

BILL CLINTON: “Anthony Brown’s lengthy record of public service to our nation and the state of Maryland is a powerful testament to his character and leadership... As Lt. Governor, Anthony has worked to create thousands of jobs, to make quality health care more accessible and affordable, to secure passage of some of the nation’s toughest gun safety laws, to protect women and children from domestic violence, and to make record investments in Maryland’s public schools. He is uniquely qualified to lead Maryland, and I am proud to support him for Governor.”

Meanwhile, Delegate Heather Mizeur continues her effort to wage an issue campaign on progressive causes with recent policy proposals to legalize marijuana, start school later, index the minimum wage, fully fund retiree pensions, reform redistricting, tackle women's pay equity and more. An interesting thing to note about Mizeur's platform is that it seems obvious that having a statewide candidate out front on these types of issues can help lead to a more robust discussion of them in Annapolis and create the political space for positive (albeit compromise) efforts to move forward. That being said, as the race heads into the home stretch, Mizeur has also taken to criticizing the positions of her rivals, including highlighting Doug Gansler's support for an estate tax cut and questioning Anthony Brown's leadership of Maryland's health exchange.

Lastly, Attorney General Doug Gansler and Lt. Governor Anthony Brown are up on the air in different regional markets with television advertising. Check out a couple recent examples below:





JUICE #2: THE LATEST ON MOCO EXEC // IKE LEGGETT HIGHLIGHTS FLIP FLOP, DOUG DUNCAN CALLS OUT TRANSIT CENTER & PHIL ANDREWS QUESTIONS MOCO BUDGET    - In Montgomery County's three-way race for County Executive, several themes are emerging. So far, much of the press coverage has been centered around rival candidates putting incumbent Executive Ike Leggett's eight-year record on trial. Former County Executive Doug Duncan, for example, recently released the following snarky video criticizing Leggett's handling of the Silver Spring Transit Center:



IKE LEGGETT HITS BACK: But Leggett has fired back with multiple data points casting the blame for budget difficulties on Doug Duncan's previous tenure as County Executive. The Washington Post's Bill Turque highlighted an example of the tit-for-tat (excerpt below):

WASHINGTON POST: ... In his budget letter to the County Council on Monday, Leggett never identifies his predecessor and opponent in the June Democratic primary. But he depicts Duncan as a profligate and reckless spender during Duncan’s three terms from 1994 to 2006. It’s certainly no mystery who Leggett is talking about....

“First, the County had to stop spending beyond its means,” he said. “Under the prior administration, tax supported County government spending increased by 36 percent in the three years immediately before I assumed office.” From there, Leggett piles on the data points. County payroll: up 28 percent. Tax-supported county spending: up 128 percent. Total budget growth: up 112 percent. “We have brought down the rate of growth in County government from the unsustainable levels prior to my taking office,” he said....

Leggett also highlighted a potential flip-flop by Doug Duncan on the county's recently approved $11.50/hour minimum wage increase. Duncan previously stated the state rather than the county should set minimum wage rates. Bethesda Magazine's Lou Peck captured Leggett's criticism in an article last month (excerpt below):

BETHESDA MAGAZINE: ... “We’re rewriting history here this morning,” Leggett snapped after Duncan had answered a question on a minimum wage increase, as Leggett suggested that Duncan had changed his position from an earlier appearance.

PHIL ANDREWS CRITICIZES LEGGETT BUDGET: Lastly, the third County Executive candidate, Phil Andrews, has taken to criticizing Leggett's proposed 2015 budget by describing it as a "fiscal straightjacket." Andrews issued a litany of complaints in a press release (excerpt below):

PHIL ANDREWS: The budget proposed by County Executive Leggett would put County taxpayers in a fiscal straightjacket because it exceeds the amount required by the State’s Maintenance of Effort (MOE) law. This law requires funding MCPS at $28 million more than last year. Going above that amount by an additional $26 million, as proposed by Mr. Leggett, would lock County taxpayers into that amount year after year.... This is the second straight year that Mr. Leggett’s budget includes excessive pay raises for County employees of 6.75 to 9.75 percent, at a cost of approximately $33 million in FY15 and an annualized cost of $88.7 million.

In 2010, Mr. Leggett proposed a 100 percent increase in the County’s energy tax, and proposed it sunset after two years. In 2012 and 2013, I led efforts on the County Council that reduced the 2010 increase in the energy tax by 10 percent each year. The Council should continue to reduce the energy tax rate until it reaches its 2010 level. The cost of continuing to reduce it by an additional 10 percent in FY15 is $11.8 million....

JUICE #3: TURNOUT BELLWETHERS FROM APRIL'S TAKOMA PARK & DC ELECTIONS  // CONGRATS TO NEW TAKOMA COUNCILMEMBER KATE STEWART - Yesterday voters in Takoma Park's Ward 3 participated in a special election for a vacant City Council seat. City Councilmember Kay Daniels-Cohen passed away in February, triggering a race to fill her seat for the remainder of her term.

KATE STEWART WINS TAKOMA PARK SPECIAL ELECTION WITH 8 VOTE MARGIN: Congratulations to newly elected City Councilmember Kate Stewart, who won her race by a hair-splitting eight votes. Kate is an executive at the nonprofit organization Advocates for Youth, where she promotes youth education for reproductive and sexual health.

Kate Stewart (left) at election night party with supporter Howard Kohn

EXPLANATION OF THE FASCINATING TAKOMA PARK SPECIAL ELECTION RESULTS - There are many interesting aspects to the Takoma Park special elections to dig into, but first Maryland Juice explains the city's unique election methods. Notably, the city's elections are nonpartisan and both 16-year-olds and noncitizens can vote in the municipal races. Most importantly, the city uses a ranked voting election system known as "instant runoff voting" (aka IRV) for its races. Here's how it works: voters rank candidates in order of preference (eg: 1st choice, 2nd choice, etc). If a candidate wins a majority of first choices, the race is over. But if no candidate gets a majority, the last place candidate is eliminated and their votes are instead counted for the 2nd choices of the eliminated candidate. This is precisely what happened in last night's Takoma Park election count. The IRV system is designed to eliminate the so-called "spoiler" problem where election results can be tipped away from the ideology of the majority through vote-splitting dynamics.

In the Ward 3 Special Election, there were three candidates: Kate Stewart, Roger Schlegel and Jeffrey Noel-Nosbaum. Stewart earned the support of Delegate Heather Mizeur and City Councilmembers Tim Male and Seth Grimes. But Schlegel was a former Mayoral candidate in 2009, when he earned roughly 40% of the vote. In any case, here's how the Takoma Park election counts went:

FIRST ROUND OF TABULATION

1. Kate Stewart - 323 votes
2. Roger Schlegel - 315 votes
3. Jeffrey Noel-Nosbaum - 20 votes

SECOND ROUND OF TABULATION

1. Kate Stewart - 332 votes
2. Roger Schlegel - 324 votes
3. Jeffrey Noel-Nosbaum - ELIMINATED

In the first round of counting, no candidate won a majority of the vote, so the last place candidate's supporters determined the outcome of the race. After Jeffrey Noel-Nosbaum was eliminated, his 20 votes were recounted for his supporters second choice candidates: 9 for Kate Stewart and 9 for Roger Schlegel. After this process was completed, Kate Stewart maintained her 8 vote lead and will be the next Ward 3 Councilmember for Takoma Park.

TURNOUT BELLWETHERS FROM TAKOMA PARK AND DC'S MAYORAL ELECTION? - One interesting thing to note in the Takoma Park results is the turnout figures. Indeed, a few candidates and operatives I've talked to this cycle have been trying to predict what turnout might look like in Maryland's upcoming June Democratic Primary. This is a bit of an x-factor, given that this is the first year Maryland is not holding its primaries in September. Here are a couple data points to consider. In 2011, Ward 3 had 2,241 voters, and turnout for this week's special election was 660 voters (or roughly 30%).

Meanwhile, nearby Washington, DC held Democratic Primary elections last Tuesday, April 1st. Like in Maryland, the early primary was a new feature for DC voters. In a post-election analysis, The Washington Post reported historic low-turnout for the April elections and attributed part of this to the new date (excerpt below):

WASHINGTON POST: A historically small swath of the city decided the race, with Tuesday’s turnout appearing to rival elections in 1986 and 1998 for the lowest in a mayoral primary in 40 years of District home rule. In part, the lower turnout reflected a new, earlier schedule for the city primaries, dictated by a federal law mandating more time between primary and general elections to expand absentee balloting.

Indeed, turnout in DC was about 25%, even with a crowded field of candidates, multiple contested races, high profile political scandals, and heavy spending. Though in maps of voter turnout that I've seen, it is clear that the turnout drop was concentrated in a few Wards in DC. It remains to be seen whether any of these indicators are bellwethers for June turnout in Montgomery County and Maryland.


JUICE #4: STATUS CHECK ON MOCO COUNCIL RACES // ENDORSEMENTS BEGIN TO TRICKLE IN  - There are numerous competitive races for the Montgomery County Council this cycle. Here is a very quick round-up of developments in each of the contests. Note that a number of high-profile endorsements have not yet been announced in some of the county races.

DISTRICT 1: In District 1, incumbent Roger Berliner is facing off against former at-large Councilmember Duchy Trachtenberg. Berliner has received the backing of the Sierra Club, U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, State Senators Brian Frosh, Rich Madaleno and Brian Feldman, and other community leaders. Meanwhile, Trachtenberg has been endorsed by a range of developers and business leaders, one of whom described the Sierra Club as a "vicious" organization. One report also indicates Trachtenberg is wooing labor unions with promises to restore "effects bargaining" for MoCo police officers.

DISTRICT 3: In the District 3 open seat race, candidates include Gaithersburg Mayor Sidney Katz, Gaithersburg Councilmember Ryan Spiegel, Rockville Councilmember Tom Moore, and activist Guled Kassim. In the D3 race, Ryan Spiegel has earned the support of the teachers (aka MCEA) and public school retirees, while Tom Moore has the backing of the Sierra Club and the volunteer firefighters.

DISTRICT 5: In the District 5 open seat race, candidates include Delegate Tom Hucker, school board member Chris Barclay, and activists Evan Glass, Terrill North and Jeffrey Thames. Tom Hucker has earned endorsements from NARAL, Sierra Club, public school retirees and labor unions representing firefighters, police, county employees, electricians and more. Meanwhile, Chris Barclay has been endorsed by the teachers, alongside current and former Councilmembers: Valerie Ervin, Craig Rice, Cherri Branson and Nancy Navarro. Evan Glass has the support of Takoma Park Mayor Bruce Williams and City Councilmember Seth Grimes.Terrill North has endorsements from Takoma Park Councilmembers Jarrett Smith and Fred Schultz, along with former Takoma Park Councilmembers Kay Daniels Cohen, Hank Prensky and Donna Victoria.

AT-LARGE: Lastly, Montgomery County elects four at-large County Councilmembers, and all four incumbents are seeking re-election: Marc Elrich, Nancy Floreen, George Leventhal and Hans Riemer. Two challengers have entered the race: Beth Daly & Vivian Malloy. In previous election cycles, one at-large Councilmember typically loses, but it seems too early to size up the state of this race. So far newcomer Beth Daly has earned endorsements from the Sierra Club, public school retirees, Delegate Charles Barkley and Gaithersburg Councilmember Mike Sesma. Marc Elrich also has the support of the Sierra Club, while George Leventhal's supporters include Takoma Park Mayor Bruce Williams and City Councilmember Seth Grimes.

JUICE #5: MOCO SCHOOL BOARD RACES GETTING INTERESTING AS CANDIDATES ANNOUNCE ENDORSEMENTS - There is an unusual amount of activity in Montgomery County's non-partisan Board of Education races this year. All seats are contested, and the top two vote-getters in each race will advance to the General Election ballot to determine a winner in November. Note that in some of the races, there are only two candidates, meaning both will automatically advance to the General Election ballot. Here's a quick run-down of the races:

AT LARGE (OPEN SEAT): The open seat race for at-large school board has drawn four contenders: Edward Amatetti, Shebra Evans, Merry Eisner-Heidorn and Jill Ortman-Fouse. Shebra Evans is the choice of the teachers union, Merry Eisner-Heidorn has the support of the public school retirees, and Jill Ortman-Fouse has the support of Attorney General Doug Gansler, Sen. Jamie Raskin, and County Councilmember George Leventhal.

DISTRICT 1: Incumbent school board member Judy Docca is facing off against Kristin Trible. Docca has the support of the teachers.

DISTRICT 3: Incumbent school board member Pat O'Neill is facing off against Laurie Halverson. O'Neill has the support of the teachers, public school retirees, and Coalition of Asian-Pacific American Democrats of Maryland.

DISTRICT 5: Incumbent school board member Mike Durso is facing off against Larry Edmonds. Durso has the support of the teachers. 

JUICE #6: BILLS THAT PASSED & FAILED THIS SESSION // ROLL CALL LINKS FOR MINIMUM WAGE, TRANSGENDER RIGHTS, MARIJUANA DECRIMINALIZATION & MORE - Maryland's legislative session adjourned last Monday. Below we provide an update on the status of a few interesting and high-profile bills debated in Annapolis this session:

BILLS THAT PASSED

• $10.10 Minimum Wage:  Roll Calls  [ Senate 34-13 ] & [ House 87-47 ]
• Marijuana Decriminalization:  Roll Calls  [ Senate 36-8 ] & [ House 78-55 ]
• Transgender Nondiscrimination:  Roll Calls  [ Senate 32-15 ] & [ House 82-57 ]
• Tax Cut for Wealthy Estates: Roll Calls [ Senate 36-10 ] & [ House 119-14 ]
• Ban on Shackling Pregnant Inmates: Roll Calls  [ Senate 47-0 ] & [ House 135-0 ]
• License Plate Scanner Rules: Roll Calls [ Senate 46-0 ] & [ House 136-0 ]
• Requiring Court Order for Electronic Surveillance: Roll Calls [ Senate 46-0 ] & [ House 134-0 ]

BILLS THAT FAILED

• Shielding of Nonviolent Convictions:  Roll Call [ Senate 44-3 ] & [ No House Floor Vote ]
• Ban on Academic Boycotts:  [ No Floor Votes ]

A final interesting bill worth mentioning is the proposed subsidy for the Netflix TV series "House of Cards." Though lawmakers approved $15 million in tax credits, the House and Senate were unable to agree on the full $18.5 million requested by the producers. The Washington Post provided a blow-by-blow on how the bill failed during the closing minutes of the Annapolis legislative session.

Maryland Municipal Election Results: See Election Winners in Frederick, Rockville, Annapolis, College Park, Greenbelt & More

UPDATE: At the urging of a reader in our comments section below, we are providing the results of the recent elections in Bowie, Maryland. Unofficial tally available at Bowie Board of Elections. The Mayor and one Councilmember faced challengers this week, but all incumbents were re-elected:

Mayor

1. G. Frederick Robinson (incumbent) - 3,979 (85.53%) - WINNER
2. Richard Dahms - 666 (14.32%)
3. Write-In - 7 (0.15%)

At-Large Councilmember

1. Todd Turner (incumbent) - 3,585 (51.03%) - WINNER
2. Dennis Brady (incumbent) - 3,415 (48.61%) - WINNER
3. Write-In -  25 (0.36%)

District 1 Councilmember

1. James Marcos (incumbent) - 1,019 (98.84%) - WINNER
2. Write-In - 12 (1.16%)

District 2 Councilmember      

1. Diane Polangin (incumbent) - 1,232 (98.88%) - WINNER
2. Write-In - 14 (1.12%)

District 3 Councilmember

1. Henri Gardner (incumbent) - 792 (74.79%) - WINNER    
2. Babatunde Alegbeleye - 266 (25.12%)
3. Write-In - 1 (0.09%)

District 4 Councilmember

1. Isaac Trouth (incumbent) - 1,020 (99.80%) - WINNER
2. Write-In - 2 (0.20%)

Yesterday, numerous Maryland municipalities held elections for city offices. Below Maryland Juice provides a quick round-up of election results from some of the jurisdictions who declared unofficial winners last night.

ELECTION #1: FREDERICK CITY RESULTS - Unofficial tally available at Frederick Board of Elections: Incumbent GOP Mayor Randy McClement won re-election, while Democrats won 4 of 5 seats on the Board of Alderman.

Mayor

1. Randy McClement (R) (incumbent) - 3,714 (48.75%) - WINNER
2. Karen Lewis Young (D) - 2,407 (31.59%)
3. Jennifer Dougherty - 1,480 (19.43%)
4. Write-In - 18 (0.24%)

Board of Alderman

1. Kelly Russell (D) (incumbent) - 4,212 (12.18%) - WINNER
2. Michael O'Donnor (D) (incumbent) - 4,169 (12.05%) - WINNER
3. Josh Bokee (D) - 3,789 (10.96%) - WINNER
4. Phil Dacey (R) - 3,781 (10.93%) - WINNER
5. Donna Kuzemchak (D) - 3,656 (10.57%) - WINNER
6. Katie Nash (R) - 3,492 (10.10%)
7. John Daniels (D) - 3,395 (9.82%)
8. Alan Imhoff (R) - 2,938 (8.50%)
9. Dave Schmidt (R) - 2,617 (7.57%)
10. Daniel Cowell (R) - 2,469 (7.14%)
11. Write-In  66 (0.19%)

ELECTION #2: ROCKVILLE CITY RESULTS - Unofficial tally available at Rockville Board of Elections: There were formal/informal opposing teams running for Rockville's races. Two City Councilmembers faced off for the Mayor's race: Mark Pierzchala and Bridget Newton. Pierzchala ran on a team with incumbent Councilmember Tom Moore and Beryl Feinberg, Virginia Onley and Julie Plakovich Carr. The rival team was composed of Don Hadley and Claire Marcuccio Whitaker (sister of outgoing Mayor Phyliss Marcuccio).

Mayor

1. Bridget Newton - 3508 (53.06%) - WINNER
2. Mark Pierzchala - 3086 (46.68%)

City Council

1. Julie Palakovich Carr - 4308 (18.66%) - WINNER
2. Virginia Onley - 4063 (17.60%) - WINNER
3. Tom Moore (incumbent) - 4035 (17.47%) - WINNER
4. Beryl Feinberg - 3698 (16.01%) - WINNER
5. Don Hadley - 3610 (15.63%)
6. Claire Marcuccio Whitaker - 3167 (13.72%)

ELECTION #3: ANNAPOLIS CITY RESULTS - Unofficial tally available at Annapolis Board of Elections: Republicans likely unseated incumbent Democratic Mayor Josh Cohen, but the Board of Alderman remained in Democratic hands with Republicans only winning 1 of 8 seats. Note: The Baltimore Sun is calling the Mayoral race "too close to call" with 300 or so outstanding absentee ballots.

Mayor

1. Michael Pantelides (R) - 3,728 (50.57%) - WINNER
2. Josh Cohen (D) (incumbent) - 3,644 (49.43%)

Alderman Ward 1

1. Joe Budge (D) (incumbent) - 780 (57.40%) - WINNER
2. Allen Furth (R) - 579 (42.60%)

Alderman Ward 2

1. Frederick Paone (R) (incumbent) - 760 (51.74%) - WINNER
2. Kurt Riegel (D) - 709 (48.26%)

Alderman Ward 3

1. Rhonda Pindell Charles (D) - 574 (100%) - WINNER

Alderman Ward 4

1. Sheila Finlayson (D) (incumbent) - 277 (100%) - WINNER

Alderman Ward 5

1. Jared Littmann (D) (incumbent) - 554 (100%) - WINNER

Alderman Ward 6

1. Kenneth Kirby (D) (incumbent) - 317 (54.94%) - WINNER
2. Steven Conn (I) - 260 (45.06%)

Alderman Ward 7

1. Ian Pfeiffer (D) (incumbent) - 433 (61.68%) - WINNER
2. James Clenny (R) - 269 (38.32%)

Alderman Ward 8

1. Ross Arnett (D) (incumbent) - 993 (100%) - WINNER

ELECTION #4: COLLEGE PARK CITY RESULTS - Unofficial tally available at College Park Board of Elections: All incumbents in these non-partisan races faced challengers but were re-elected.

Mayor

1. Andy Fellows (incumbent) - 1,127 (80.21%) - WINNER
2. Robert McCeney - 278 (19.79%)

District 1 City Council

1. Fazlul Kabir (incumbent) - 472 (45.38%) - WINNER
2. Patrick Wojahn (incumbent) - 443 (42.60%) - WINNER
3. Benjamin Mellman - 125 (12.02%)

District 3 City Council

1. Robert Day (incumbent) - 466 (41.72%) - WINNER
2. Stephanie Stullich (incumbent) - 359 (32.14%) - WINNER
3. Matthew Popkin - 292 (26.14%)

ELECTION #5: GREENBELT CITY RESULTS - Unofficial tally available at Greenbelt Board of Elections: All incumbents were re-elected in these non-partisan races.

City Council

1. Emmett Jordan (incumbent) - 1,476 - WINNER
2. Judith Davis (incumbent) - 1,368 - WINNER
3. Rodney Roberts (incumbent) - 1,300 - WINNER
4. Konrad Herling (incumbent) - 1,223 - WINNER
5. Leta Mach (incumbent) - 1,214 - WINNER
6. Silke Pope (incumbent) - 1,171 - WINNER
7. Edward Putens (incumbent) - 1,164 - WINNER
8. Susan Stewart - 992
9. William Orleans - 317

ELECTION #6: TAKOMA PARK CITY RESULTS - Unofficial tally available at Takoma Park Board of Elections: Councilmember Terry Seamens was the only incumbent to face a challenger, but his opponent dropped out at the last second. All incumbents were re-elected in these non-partisan races.

Mayor

1. Bruce Williams (incumbent) - 989 (88.94%) - WINNER
2. Elizabeth Forbes Wallace (registered write-in) - 62 (5.58%)
3. Write-In - 61 (5.49%)

Ward 1 City Councilmember

1. Seth Grimes (incumbent) - 229 (90.16%) - WINNER
2. Write-in - 25 (9.84%)

Ward 2 City Councilmember

1. Tim Male (incumbent) - 242 (91.32%) - WINNER
2. Write-in - 23 (8.68%)

Ward 3 City Councilmember

1. Kay Daniels-Cohen (incumbent) - 189 (89.15%) - WINNER
2. Write-in - 23 (10.85%)

Ward 4 City Councilmember

1. Terry Seamens (incumbent) - 218 (94.78%) - WINNER
2. Eric Mendoza (withdrawn from race) - 10 (4.35%)
3. Write-ins - 2 (0.87%)

Ward 5 City Councilmember

1. Jarrett Smith (incumbent) - 72 (91.14%) - WINNER
2. Write-in - 7 (8.86%)

Ward 6 City Councilmember

1. Fred Schultz (incumbent) - 125 (97.65%) - WINNER
2. Write-ins - 3 (2.34%)

ELECTION #7: GAITHERSBURG CITY RESULTS - Unofficial tally available at Gaithersburg Board of Elections: These non-partisan races were uncontested.
Mayor

1. Sidney Katz (incumbent) - 1,649 (95.32%) - WINNER

City Council

1. Michael Sesma (incumbent) - 1,500 (86.71%) - WINNER
2. Henry Marraffa (incumbent) - 1,489 (86.07%) - WINNER

Dream Act Lawnsigns Now Available // Pick-Up "Vote for" Question 4 Signs at CASA de Maryland Juice (Takoma Park)

Educating Maryland Kids is now distributing lawnsigns urging a "vote for" Question 4 (aka the Dream Act). Maryland Juice has a few dozen of these signs available for pick-up at my house (on the border of Takoma Park and Silver Spring). The signs below are free of charge if you are able to come get them. Email david@marylandjuice.com for the address.

MARYLAND JUICE TV: David Moon on Political Pulse TONIGHT // PLUS: Join Me Sunday at a MoCo Marriage Equality Event

MARYLAND JUICE ON TV TONIGHT: Maryland Juice will be appearing on the Political Pulse television show to talk shop with host Charless Duffy. The show airs tonight at 9:00 pm on Channel 16 in Montgomery County and will be replayed Friday and Sunday at 6:00 pm. See the announcement below:

POLITICAL PULSE: David Moon, who is the blogger for www.marylandjuice.com - which covers mostly MoCo and MD politics - will be on the "Political Pulse" TV Show on: Thursday, October 11th at 9:00 p.m. and Friday, October 12th- Sunday, October 14th at 6:00 p.m.

Topics include:

• 2012 Races (U.S. Congress - 6th District in MD; U.S. Senate in MD; School Bd District 2 in MoCo; Ballot Initiatives); and
• Early jockeying  in 2014 Races (MoCo County Exec; MD Governor; MD Lt. Governor; MD Attorney General).
• The interview will be available on-line after it airs (go to www.mmctv.org and click Videos tab, then click Political Pulse).  Political Pulse is on Channel 16 TV in Montgomery County, MD

MARYLAND JUICE HOSTS QUESTION 6 EVENT ON SUNDAY: On a somewhat unrelated note, Maryland Juice's alter ego (David Moon) is one of several hosts of a marriage equality fundraiser this Sunday in Takoma Park. Please join dozens of MoCo progressives, elected officials, and more to help raise funds for a "vote for" Question 6. You can RSVP online at https://secure.mdfme.org/page/contribute/60-days-terrell

INVITATION: MoCo Marriage Equality Fundraiser for Question 6

SPECIAL ELECTION: Jarrett Smith Wins Takoma Park City Council Seat // BACKDROP: Diversity, Endorsements & More

A COMPETITVE CITY COUNCIL ELECTION IN TAKOMA PARK YESTERDAY: For those of you who pay attention to Montgomery County municipal politics, we now have the results of a new election to present. Voters yesterday cast ballots to fill a vacancy on the six-member Takoma Park City Council. Last Spring, The Gazette's Aaron Kraut reported that Ward 5 Councilmember Reuben Snipper was resigning his seat to move to Italy with his wife:

MD DEMOCRATS ON WAR: Dutch Ruppersberger on Drones, Takoma Park Civil Liberties, MoCo War Resolution & More

A True Memorial Day Message // Honor our Veterans with Good Policymaking

While most of Maryland's Democratic politicians will spend this Memorial Day purporting to honor veterans of America's foreign adventures, Maryland Juice prefers to highlight the areas where our elected officials can improve their voting records. After all, the best way to honor the members of our military is simply by not sending them on pointless, dangerous and expensive missions. Moreover, we should not ask Americans to continue giving up the lifestyle we claim to protect (ie: freedom, liberty and the "American way") in the name of amorphous and unquantifiable threats to our safety. Below, we highlight a few recent policy debates regarding war & peace, civil liberties & defense spending.

Maryland Juice would like to point out that time and again, it seems that Democratic Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger seems to love voluntary military spending, and he enjoys trampling on our civil liberties. But he does so in the name of America and our veterans, so it's all good. HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!

JUICE #1: TAKOMA PARK PASSES RESOLUTION CONDEMNING INDEFINITE DETENTION OF CITIZENS WITHOUT TRAIL - Civil liberties advocates on both the right and the left have spent many months trying to fight a new assertion from the U.S. government, that it has the right to detain Americans indefinitely and without trial -- even if they are apprehended in the United States. But one of the pillars of the rule of law in America and an obvious check on potential abuse of power is the right of habeas corpus. Simply put, the idea is that the government can't arbitrarily jail people without giving them their day in court. Wikipedia explains habeas corpus as follows:

College Park & Takoma Park Elections Too Close to Call // Partial Results

In College Park, the Patch reports unofficial election results that leave at least one City Council seat's fate unknown tonight. Mayor Andy Fellows and Council candidates Marcus Afzali (D4), Robert Catlin (D2), Robert Day (D3), Monroe Dennis (D2), Denise Mitchell (D4), and Stephanie Stullich (D3) won election (according to unofficial results).

Notably, College Park councilmembers serve in 2-member districts. In District 1, there are more outstanding absentee and provisional ballots than the current margin separating the 2nd and 3rd place candidates:

District 1 (32 absentee ballots left to count.)

Patrick Wojahn, 324 votes *

Christine Nagle, 296 votes *

Fazlul Kabir, 287 votes

We'll have to wait to see the final outcome in this race. Meanwhile, voters in Takoma Park will also have to wait to see the final results of their city races. The Takoma Park Patch reports the following information from the three contested City Council races (from Districts 2, 3 and 6). The current leaders are highlighted:

Though the numbers are in, they are unofficial. The Takoma Park City Council will certify the votes in a short meeting Wednesday night.

“There are enough provisional ballots in one ward to change the results,” Election Judge Anne Sergeant said. Sergeant would not disclose which race is still dependent on those provisional ballots. One race was won by 21 votes and those provisional ballots could change that outcome.

In Ward 2, a closely contested race between Tim Male and Lorig Charkoudian, Male is on top with 344 votes.

In Ward 3, Kay Daniels-Cohen is beating Jeffrey Noel-Nosbaum and Mike Graul with 322 votes....

In Ward 6, with the Takoma Langley Sector Plan the most important issue to most voters, Fred Schultz is on top with 129 votes.

We'll have to wait for final results in the Takoma Park races, too!