Left to right: Kate Stewart, Will Jawando
On Tuesday, the county council unanimously elected Kate Stewart as president and Will Jawando as vice president.
“My priority is to ensure that our work is collaborative, accountable, and that we always strive to find the best path forward for our residents,” Stewart said.
“With a new administration coming into the White House, we know our local communities will be uniquely impacted by federal changes. In the face of adversity we must be united in one sense of purpose.” Stewart said, “It is up to all of us to come together and keep Montgomery County moving forward.”
“We will continue to uplift immigrant rights and ensure the safety of all of our community members, we commit to providing funding for services to support our LGBTQ+ community, assist those in the federal workforce who call Montgomery County home, and ensure that pregnant individuals continue to have access to the best reproductive care and control over their healthcare decisions,” she said.
Jawando said, “We’re heading into a challenging time for our county, and with the pressures and uncertainties, that will certainly test our resolve. I know this body and this leadership team will rise to the occasion as we’ve done before, we’ll protect the values that make Montgomery County a beacon of inclusivity and progress. We will face these challenges head on and we will lead with compassion, vision, and purpose to ensure that every resident is supported and valued.”
Left to right: Kate Stewart, Andrew Friedson
Stewart was previously vice president alongside outgoing Council President Andrew Friedson. The council president and vice president each serve a one-year term.
Reflecting on the past year, Friedson said he is proud of how the council came together to fulfill commitments made on shared priorities while holding the line on taxes. He noted funding the school system at a record $3.3 billion under the operating budget, a $20 million new J.O.B.S. (Jobs, Opportunities and Business Support) initiative, safety and security initiatives, and implementing recommendations from the anti-hate task force.
