As someone who has worked in snow response before, I know the immense challenge that complex storms can bring. The storm that hit us last week was unique. Everyone who has been shoveling experienced the challenging mix of snow, sleet, and ice. Crews across the County have been working diligently to clear our roads.

At the same time, I have heard from many of you that the County dropped the ball in key ways – and I agree. The online plow tracker information became inaccurate; some neighborhood streets remain in bad shape; and the 311 system could not respond accurately or in a timely fashion when it was needed most.

And today, Montgomery County Public Schools announced that schools will be closed again Monday. Everyone knew days ago what conditions looked like in neighborhoods and at schools, and that this weekend would bring bone-chilling weather. It was an opportunity for the County and MCPS to step up and prove Montgomery County is there for its residents when it comes to these core, fundamental local government services. 

Your kids should be learning tomorrow and they’re not. We need clear direction from MCPS and County leadership on how we get there ASAP.

What is frustrating to me is that the issues we saw in this storm are the same problems the County encountered in the 2016 snowstorm. Ten years ago, working as a Council staffer, we saw bad information and bad systems make life challenging for residents as the County battled a large, complicated storm. You expect County government to do better.

We need leaders who will learn from this moment and who will demand accountability and improvement to ensure we don’t make the same mistakes in the future. I promise to be that kind of leader, who works with the people on the ground responding to the snowstorm and who provides clear communication to you. Because Montgomery County residents deserve nothing less.